Crane Tech’s rich history began in the early 1970’s when Charlie ‘Doc’ Collier saw new OSHA regulations were difficult for companies to implement and training for crane operators and riggers presented a large challenge to industry. After years of providing crane and rigging training for his employer, the demand for Doc’s talents drew him to produce and deliver the first commercially available crane and rigging training program in the United States. The petroleum industry realized the benefits and by 1977 Crane Tech was founded.
Bo Collier joined Crane Tech in 1978 after working in the field as crane operator and rigger, and under Doc’s guidance took on the challenge of providing training for internationally recognizable clients. Bo and Doc formed a dynamic team until Doc’s passing in 1990 when Bo officially took over the helm and moved the company from its roots in Central Florida to Tampa Bay, where the company has continued to grow and improve.
Even though Crane Tech is the industry pioneer, we do not rest on our laurels. Our continuous improvement process brings our clients the highest quality training, inspection, and consulting services available. Advancements include the creation of a proprietary learning management system, Course Builder™, that allows Crane Tech to customize training to exact needs or client equipment. Routine analysis of our materials and student test responses creates a feedback loop to make our training stronger while increasing reliability. Another Crane Tech innovation is the opening of the state-of-the-art Tampa Training Center, where we provide hands-on training for rigging, mobile and overhead cranes, aerial lifts and forklifts.
For five decades our customers have come to expect excellence and results that last a lifetime. And, with the introduction of two sons as the third generation, Crane Tech is working to ensure the very legacy of Doc’s original vision is fulfilled.
Please fully explore our website to learn about Crane Tech’s programs and check out some of the thought leadership and educational material available.