The Best Overhead Crane Companies and Rigging Shops in the Chicago Metro Area (2025 Edition)
We’ve built this guide to some of the most trusted rigging suppliers, wire rope manufacturers, and crane service companies serving the Chicago metropolitan area.
Chicago and Northwest Indiana have always been central to American industry. From the steel mills of East Chicago to manufacturing plants, logistics hubs, and construction projects across the metro area, companies here rely on rigging gear, wire rope, and overhead cranes to keep operations safe and productive.
But with so many providers in the region, how do you know which one is the right fit for your business?
At Mazzella, we believe in safety first. Even if you don’t choose us, we want you to feel confident in your decision. That’s why we’ve built this guide to some of the most trusted rigging suppliers, wire rope manufacturers, and crane service companies serving the Chicago metropolitan area.
This is not a ranking—it’s an alphabetical list designed to help you compare and evaluate your options.
What Makes a Great Rigging & Crane Partner?
When evaluating companies in the Chicago region, here are some key factors to consider:
- Compliance: Do they follow OSHA, ASME, and CMAA standards?
- Product Range: Do they stock slings, wire rope, rigging hardware, and hoists?
- Manufacturing Capabilities: Can they fabricate wire rope, assemblies, or engineered lifting devices?
- Crane Expertise: Do they design, modernize, or service overhead crane systems?
- Responsiveness: Do they provide local service and emergency support when it matters most?
Best Overhead Crane & Rigging Shops in Chicago
Accurate Rigging & Fabrication
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Specialty: Rigging hardware, wire rope slings, chain slings, hoists, training
- Website: accuraterigging.com
Accurate Rigging & Fabrication is a local Chicago supplier with a full line of rigging products. Their catalog includes wire rope slings, chain slings, synthetic slings, shackles, hooks, turnbuckles, and hoists. In addition to product supply, they provide inspections and training to help companies stay compliant. Their local presence and hands-on technical support make them a reliable resource for contractors and manufacturers in the Chicago area.
Alps Wire Rope Corporation
- Location: Saint Charles, IL
- Specialty: Wire rope manufacturing and distribution
- Website: alpswirerope.com
Alps Wire Rope has been manufacturing and distributing wire rope since 1968. With headquarters in Saint Charles, IL, Alps supplies high-performance wire rope for cranes, elevators, marine applications, and specialty industries. They offer both domestic and imported wire rope, providing flexibility for different applications and budgets. Their Midwest location gives Chicago-area industries a nearby source for quality rope products.
Barnhart Crane & Rigging (Chicago Office)
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Specialty: Heavy rigging, crane rental, and transport services
- Website: barnhartcrane.com
Barnhart is a national heavy lift and rigging company with a strong presence in Chicago. They specialize in heavy rigging, crane and transport services, and engineered lifting solutions for industrial plants, energy facilities, and construction projects. With one of the largest equipment fleets in the country, Barnhart brings both scale and expertise to the Chicago metro region.
Chicago Hardware & Fixture Company
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Specialty: Rigging hardware manufacturing (shackles, clips, fittings, turnbuckles)
- Website: chicagohardware.com
Chicago Hardware & Fixture has been a fixture in the industry for over 100 years, manufacturing rigging hardware used worldwide. Their product line includes shackles, turnbuckles, eyebolts, wire rope clips, and other critical rigging fittings. For contractors and distributors in Chicago, this company represents one of the most historic and trusted sources of American-made rigging hardware.
Mazzella – East Chicago Branch
- Location: East Chicago, IN
- Specialty: Rigging products, inspections, crane service, fall protection, and training
- Website: mazzellacompanies.com
Mazzella’s East Chicago Service Center supports the entire Chicago metropolitan area. We provide:
- Rigging gear including wire rope, chain slings, synthetic slings, hoists, and Crosby hardware.
- OSHA/ASME-compliant inspections for slings, cranes, and fall protection.
- Overhead crane service, preventive maintenance, and 24/7 emergency repair.
- Engineered below-the-hook lifting devices and custom lifting solutions.
- Training for rigging, crane operators, and fall protection.
With a local branch near major steel mills and the Port of Indiana, Mazzella is strategically located to serve the steel, marine, construction, and manufacturing industries across Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
Simmers Crane Design & Services
- Location: Regional provider with operations in Chicago
- Specialty: Overhead crane design, installation, modernization, and service
- Website: simmerscrane.com
Simmers Crane specializes in overhead crane systems, offering design, installation, modernization, and inspection services. They also provide replacement parts and preventive maintenance programs for crane owners. With decades of experience, Simmers competes in new crane projects, modernization bids, and long-term service contracts in the Chicago market.
Comparison Table: Rigging & Crane Companies in Chicago
| Company | Location | Specialty |
| Accurate Rigging & Fabrication | Chicago, IL | Rigging hardware, slings, hoists, inspections |
| Alps Wire Rope Corporation | Saint Charles, IL | Wire rope manufacturing and distribution |
| Barnhart Crane & Rigging (Chicago) | Chicago, IL | Heavy rigging, crane and transport services |
| Chicago Hardware & Fixture Co. | Chicago, IL | Rigging hardware manufacturing (shackles, clips) |
| Mazzella – East Chicago Branch | East Chicago, IN | Rigging gear, inspections, crane service, training |
| Simmers Crane Design & Services | Chicago, IL | Overhead crane design, modernization, service |
Choosing the Right Rigging & Crane Partner in Chicago
Chicago is one of the most competitive industrial markets in the U.S. Each of the companies listed here brings something unique:
- Accurate Rigging supplies everyday rigging gear and offers training and inspection support.
- Alps Wire Rope provides high-quality wire rope with Midwest manufacturing and distribution strength.
- Barnhart specializes in heavy rigging and crane support for large projects.
- Chicago Hardware & Fixture manufactures critical rigging hardware trusted nationwide.
- Simmers delivers overhead crane engineering, modernization, and long-term service contracts.
- Mazzella combines rigging products, inspections, crane service, fall protection, training, and engineered lifting solutions under one roof—serving steel, marine, construction, and manufacturing across the metro.
When evaluating your options, don’t just look at price. Consider compliance, service responsiveness, engineering expertise, and long-term reliability.
If you’re looking for a partner who can deliver both local expertise and national resources, Mazzella’s East Chicago branch is ready to help.
