Columbus McKinnon Corporation Adopts New Corporate Logo

AMHERST, N.Y., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Columbus McKinnon Corporation , today announced that it is adopting a new corporate logo and tagline to uniquely position it in the global marketplace as a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of material handling products. Columbus McKinnon's new corporate identity is being launched in conjunction with its participation in ProMat 2007, the leading North American trade show for material handling providers, being held at McCormick Place South in Chicago from January 8-11, 2007. At ProMat, Columbus McKinnon Corporation will be located at 441A and showcase its new line of international-rated electric wire rope hoists, EmptiCon(R), its new container unloading device, along with other leading products from its multiple brands and lines.

President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy T. Tevens commented, "As Columbus McKinnon continues to build on its leadership position in North America and expand in growing and emerging markets in Europe, Asia and South America, we want to establish an updated and distinct corporate look to differentiate us in both domestic and international markets. To support this objective, we are also adding a tagline to our corporate identity -- Material Handling - Easily and Safely -- that clearly communicates both the mission of our business and value proposition to the global marketplace. The strength of our balance sheet and financial performance is enabling us to make greater investments in product development, marketing, and international expansion. Our new logo supports these major strategic initiatives to continue growing Columbus McKinnon's business and market share worldwide."

Mr. Tevens continued, "Our new corporate logo is based on the trading symbol for our common stock CMCO, which is an abbreviation of our full company name: Columbus McKinnon Corporation. While clearly different from the previous logo, the style of our new logo retains the CM name in the forefront of the four letter forms with a strong industrial look and a classic, but contemporary style. This change also establishes a unique look for Columbus McKinnon Corporation that is distinct from our orange CM brand logo and clarifies to external and internal audiences our multi-brand strategy."

Columbus McKinnon Director of Marketing Kenneth Beaver added, "An important part of developing our corporate identity is retaining the separate identities of our well-established, highly regarded brands such as Yale, Shaw Box, Coffing and CM while also communicating each brand's affiliation with Columbus McKinnon. To accomplish this objective, we are adding 'A Columbus McKinnon Company' and the new tagline where practical as an element of our brand names. Each brand's connection to Columbus McKinnon Corporation communicates added value to the global marketplace based on our well known reputation for quality and service, while also reinforcing our position as a leader in the material handling industry."

The new logo was designed by Travers Collins and Company, a Western New York marketing communications firm located on the web at: http://www.traverscollins.com/.

Note to editors: A JPEG file of the new Columbus McKinnon Corporation logo and tagline is available by contacting: [e-mail] or [e-mail]. Please specify deadline.

About Columbus McKinnon

Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of material handling products, systems and services, which efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position or secure material. Key products include hoists, cranes, chain and forged attachments. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by its superior design and engineering know-how. Comprehensive information on Columbus McKinnon is available on its web site at: http://www.cmworks.com/.

INVESTORS Karen L. Howard Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer Columbus McKinnon Corporation [e-mail] Kenneth C. Beaver Director of Marketing Columbus McKinnon Corporation [e-mail]