MORGAN ENGINEERING SYSTEMS

MORGAN ENGINEERING SYSTEMS
Manufacturer celebrateshistory of staying power
ALLIANCE -- Staying power, exemplified by its 136-year history, is a hallmark of Morgan Engineering, a manufacturer of electric overhead traveling cranes, mill equipment and large fabrications for steel and general industry.
The current market is as challenging as any as in the past as 38 steelmakers have filed for bankruptcy protection, with many liquidating.
Many capital improvement projects have been delayed or canceled, Morgan said.
To enhance its ability to compete, Morgan acquired its main competitor, Alliance Machine Co., in 2002.
Also, the combined company is developing subcontract machining work and expects to develop more automation with its cranes and more extensive maintenance diagnostics.
Morgan's sales last year were $6.2 million, up from $4.5 million a year earlier.
Morgan recently completed a 165-ton gearbox for a hot strip mill at International Steel Group's Cleveland mill.
k GOALS FOR 2003: Adding former Morgan/Alliance employees, hiring and training new employees and improving volume of rebuild or used equipment.
k EMPLOYEES: 50, up five from 2003.