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Columbus McKinnon Corporation

cmco · NASDAQ Industrials
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Ticker cmco
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Industrials
Industry Agricultural - Machinery
Employees 3515
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FY2008 Annual Report · Columbus McKinnon Corporation
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material Handling for Global business.

2008 AnnuAl RepoRt

31˚ 8’ 00˝ N   104˚ 24’ 00˝ E 

DeYAnG, CHInA 
Columbus McKinnon hoist and rigging products help 
to construct windmills bound for massive wind farms 
throughout China

52˚ 22’ 00˝ N   9˚ 43’ 00˝ E 

HAnoveR, GeRmAnY 
Yale Vigo electric chain hoist, designed to FEM international 
standards, launches at the CeMAT 2008 trade show

36˚ 10’ 30˝ N   115˚ 08’ 11˝ W 

lAs veGAs, nevADA 
CM PowerStar hoist enables pioneering “flying deck” 
high-rise construction technique

32˚ 46’ 50˝ N   96˚ 48’ 14˝ W 

DAllAs, texAs 
Duff-Norton actuators position and rotate solar panels 
to maximize capturing the sun’s rays 

59˚ 56’ 00˝ N   30˚ 20’ 00˝ E 

st. peteRsbuRG, RussIA 
New office drives Russian sales of globally proven 
energy and natural resource products

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Table of Contents

Letter to Shareholders 

Performance Highlights 

Growth Strategy 

Long-Term Goals 

Investment Considerations 

1

2

3

4

5

Corporate Information & Vision  6

Executive Officers 

Board of Directors 

Financial Summary 

7

8

9

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

During fiscal 2008, Columbus McKinnon continued to deliver profitable top-
line growth while investing for the future in new products and markets as we 
improved our capital structure. These achievements were made possible by 
our superior products, our market leadership in the United States, Europe and 
other key regions, our relationships with more than 20,000 leading distributors 
and customers around the world, and over 3,200 highly trained and motivated 
Columbus McKinnon associates located in 16 countries.

We have continued to implement our strategic plan this past year and have 
accomplished a great deal, including: growing top line revenue by nearly 6% 
overall and 10% internationally, improving gross margin by 170 basis points, 
generating $37.3 million in profit, net of a $2.5 million one-time charge, and 
delivering record operating cash flow of nearly $60 million.

At the same time, our customers’ needs to increase productivity while operating 
safely are the key drivers of our business and have, in fact, accelerated. Servicing 
our customers is of preeminent importance to meet our long-term vision “to become 
the material handling champion of the world.” This vision, along with our growth 
strategy, rests on Columbus McKinnon’s long-standing and timeless core values. 
Above all, we value our customers, our associates, quality and corporate health.

SEC Form 10-K Document 

10

FY2008 Results

Fiscal 2008 net sales totaled $623.3 million, increasing $33.5 million, or 5.7%, 
over the prior year’s revenue of $589.8 million, which included $9.0 million in 
revenue from the Larco Industrial Services unit we sold at the end of fiscal 2007. 
Columbus McKinnon’s international sales grew to $217.9 million, increasing $19.3 
million, or 10% for the year, continuing our positive international growth trend.

Fiscal 2008 net income was $37.3 million, or $1.95 per share. Univeyor, the 
largest business in our Solutions segment, had a negative effect on Columbus 
McKinnon in fiscal 2008. In January 2008 
we announced our intent to divest Univeyor, 
which is currently underway. On a pro forma 
basis – excluding the Univeyor results and 
a non-cash $2.5 million Univeyor asset 
impairment charge, as well as favorable 
tax adjustments – diluted earnings per 
share increased 14.4% to $2.38 in fiscal 
2008, compared with $2.08 in fiscal 2007. 
In spite of Univeyor’s negative impact, 
we achieved an 11.4% operating income 
margin. On that same pro forma basis, 
operating margin would be 13.6%. Our 
long-term operating income margin goal of 
12% to 14% is clearly attainable and our 
focus remains on reinforcing the foundation 
of this performance and elevating our 
aspirations to even higher levels once this 
divestiture is consummated. 

CMCO hoist and rigging products are 
used for construction and maintenance 
of windmills around the world, including 
those manufactured in Deyang for wind 
farms throughout China and Mongolia

31° 8’ 00” N  104° 24’ 00” E 
DEYaNg, ChiNa

1

Gross margin continued to benefit from our Lean manufacturing processes and 
quality improvements, increasing 170 basis points to 29.6% during fiscal 2008.

Our operating cash flow was superb this past year, growing 31% for the year, and 
33% on a compound annual basis since fiscal 2003. This is clearly one of our 
strengths and indicative of the Company’s fundamental operating performance 
and potential. Cash from operations increased to a record $59.6 million, or $3.11 
per diluted share, in fiscal 2008 from $45.5 million, or $2.40 per diluted share, 
the prior year. 

Continued strong performance by Columbus McKinnon’s Products segment, 
which represented 91.4% of total 2008 revenue, offset the decline of the Solutions 
segment’s Univeyor business that comprised about 4.7% of consolidated sales. 
The Products segment grew its top line by 8.1% to $570.0 million in fiscal 2008 
on strong demand for our hoists, cranes and rigging products around the world. 
Products segment backlog remained strong at $55.8 million on March 31, 2008 
compared with $53.2 million at March 31, 2007. 

Looking ahead, our customers’ robust ordering patterns and thriving industrial 
markets do not reflect the softness being reported in other areas of the U.S. and 
global economies. We read the same news reports on the state of the economy as 
our shareholders and experience the same cost pressures in areas such as health 
care, energy, transportation and various commodities. Still, in fiscal 2008 and into 
fiscal 2009, our customers and the markets we serve around the world continued 
to grow. We are also pleased to see that industrial capacity utilization in the USA, 
a driver of our business, has remained in the 78% to 80% area, which bodes well 
for the markets we serve. 

gRowiNg iNTERNaTioNal PRESENCE

Canada – 5%

Europe – 21%

United States – 65%

Rest of world – 4%

Mexico & Latin America – 5%

In addition to continued vitality and growth in the global industrial markets, 
we see that our end users remain subject to powerful competitive pressures 
to maximize productivity and efficiency, making Columbus McKinnon’s prod-
ucts highly desirable. In North America, Western Europe and other established 
markets, companies are unrelenting in their desire to lift and place loads ever 
more quickly, easily, and safely. In some of our newer markets around the globe, 
there is growing awareness of the importance of worker safety, both in terms of 
the welfare of individual employees and the impact on productivity. Accordingly, 
there is growing interest in Columbus McKinnon as a leading source of product 
solutions in these areas.

Performance highlights –  
Fiscal Year 2008

Products segment sales advanced 
8.1% to $570.0 million on strong 
global demand for hoists, cranes 
and rigging products 

International sales grew by 10% 
to 35% of total sales

Net sales were $623.3 million, 
up $33.5 million compared with 
fiscal 2007

Gross profit increased by 12.1%  
to $184.6 million, a 170 basis point 
improvement in gross profit margin  
to 29.6%

Opened sales offices and warehouses 
in Colón, Panama; Milan, Italy; Beijing, 
China and St. Petersburg, Russia

52˚ 22’ 00” N  9˚ 43’ 00” E 
haNovER, gERmaNY

The Vigo electric chain hoist, designed to 
international standards, launched at the 
2008 Hanover Fair

2

growth Strategy

Grow revenue by investing in new 
markets around the world and devel-
oping new and innovative material 
handling products 

Improve operating margins by con-
tinuing to implement Lean concepts 
and continuing to invest in our people

De-lever our balance sheet and 
maintain a stable capital structure

While our business and our customers’ behavior give us cause for continued 
optimism, we have deliberately fortified Columbus McKinnon to weather more 
challenging economic conditions, should they materialize. Since the last 
downturn faced by Columbus McKinnon in fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2003, 
we have substantially de-levered the Company’s balance sheet, improved its 
working capital utilization, diversified its revenue sources by geography, shifted 
much of its cost structure from fixed to variable costs, improved productivity by 
transferring select manufacturing processes to low-cost regions, and embraced 
Lean and quality improvement techniques.

We are in a wonderful position to continue to grow profitably. Our strong balance 
sheet and excellent cash flow, along with our market leadership position and 
diverse revenue base, provide us with unique opportunities. 

Complement our organic growth with 
synergistic, bolt-on acquisitions

growth Strategy

First, we will continue to grow our business around the world by: 

•	 Leveraging	our	existing	distribution	and	customer	relationships

•	 Extending	existing	products	into	new	markets

•	 Developing	and	promoting	new	products

•	 Capturing	new	geographic	markets

We recently worked closely with one of our longtime distributors to adapt one of our 
proven hoists to help high-rise construction contractors increase their productivity. 
Our new hoist is a critical component of the rigging used to “fly” entire floors out 
the side of a structure and up to the next level to speed multi-story construction, 
making the technique much more productive than traditional methods. To be used 
safely and effectively, a hoist must be extremely reliable, powerful and durable. Our 
new hoist has more than met that need.

36° 10’ 30” N  115° 8’ 11” w 
laS vEgaS, NEvaDa

we recently worked closely with one of our 
longtime distributors to adapt one of our 
proven hoists to help high-rise construction 
contractors increase their productivity. 

Additionally, to strengthen our global positioning and market penetration, we have 
developed and launched new hoists in accordance with international standards. 
These hoists complement our broad hoist product offering, historically designed 
to meet U.S. standards, to now satisfy the preferences of non-U.S. markets. One of 
these lines, the Vigo electric chain hoist, was recently launched at a global material 
handling show in Germany.

A second component of our growth strategy is to build on recent years’ gains 
in operating margins and operating leverage, and continue implementing Lean 

The Company’s Little Mule lever 
tools are widely used by utility 
linesmen in power distribution

The Company’s brands are often 
combined, as is the case with  
this Abell-Howe overhead crane 
and CM hoist

3

CM’s PowerStar hoist, was re-engineered specifically 
for high-rise construction

processes and quality improvements. As 
we grow the top line, we will not back away 
from our cost-reduction and containment 
discipline, while continuing to implement 
Lean manufacturing techniques to further 
improve productivity and competitiveness.

A third component, as noted above, is 
de-levering our balance sheet and manag-
ing a stable capital structure to provide a 
foundation for our global growth strategy. We have made tremendous progress 
in this regard and are well positioned to weather challenging economic condi-
tions and grow Columbus McKinnon through the highs and lows of long-term 
business cycles.

The fourth component of our growth strategy is active exploration of potential 
acquisitions, joint ventures and alliances, particularly outside the United States. 
While we are not seeking deals for the sake of doing them, we do think that current 
conditions present opportunities for well-capitalized and growing companies such 
as Columbus McKinnon. Any transactions are likely to be relatively small, bolt-on 
acquisitions of companies with about $50 million in revenue, which can be accretive 
within about a year. We are especially interested in opportunities that will increase 
Columbus McKinnon’s penetration in geographies outside the United States, 
expand our product lines, or ideally, both.

long-Term goals

The timing and extent to which we undertake acquisition activity will help dictate 
the speed with which we achieve Columbus McKinnon’s long-term revenue, 
profitability and capital structure goals. 

Our long-term revenue goal is $1 billion, with roughly $100 million to $200 million 
of our top-line target achieved through acquisition. Organic growth will also be 
critical to achieving $1 billion, fueled by North American sales increases at or 
above the rate of U.S. gross domestic product growth and international revenue 
growth of 10% to 11%. We expect that reaching our revenue goal will also require 
new products to generate at least 20% of annual revenue, up from 16% in fiscal 
2008, and non-U.S. sales to reach about 50% of revenue.

The United States will remain our single largest geographic market for many years 
to come. We certainly do not take for granted our strong and long-standing U.S. 
distributor and end user customer relationships, many of which are decades 
old. We will continue to make the investments necessary to maintain our market 
leadership and satisfy customers in our core markets. Clearly, however, interna-
tional sales will be essential to driving further profitable top-line growth, both in 
long-established Columbus McKinnon markets such as Canada, Mexico, other 
Latin American countries, and Western Europe as well as newer markets such as 
China, other Asia-Pacific regions, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Russia. 

Our new St. Petersburg, Russia office is focused on introducing our wide range of 
proven products for energy and natural resources to distributors and end users 

long-Term goals

Become a $1 billion revenue  
company with

•	 Acquisitions	contributing	$100	to	
$200 million in revenue growth

•	 International	markets	contributing	

approximately 50% of revenue

•	 New	products	developed	in	the	 

last three years representing 20%  
of revenue

Achieve operating leverage of 20% to 
30% and generate operating margins 
of 12% to 14%

Sustain debt to total capitalization of 
30%, flexing to 50% to accommodate 
acquisitions

Manage working capital to 15% of 
revenue, improving inventory turns to 
6 to 7 times and maintaining DSOs of 
less than 60 days

Having global resources in place to 
execute the strategic plan

Applications are diverse, 
including this Coffing electric 
chain hoist that is lifting and 
positioning this load of lumber

4

investment Considerations

Record operating cash flow of $59.6 
million or $3.11 per share for FY 2008 

Solid financial position with debt to 
total capitalization of 33.4%

Leading U.S. market share for many 
material handling products

69% of U.S. sales into markets where 
company has #1 share

Largest installed base of hoists in 
North America

Comprehensive product offering, with 
no SKU more than 1% of Products 
segment sales

Growing global presence with 35% of 
sales outside of U.S.

75% of Products segment sales sell for 
less than $5,000

Liquidity, average daily trading volume 
greater than 200,000 shares

Experienced management team  
with equity ownership

32˚ 46’ 50” N  96˚ 48’ 14” w 
DallaS, TExaS

Duff-Norton actuators are used in the fast-growing 
solar energy market to position panels to capture the 
sun’s rays

in that market. We also recently opened an 
office in Beijing, China with further plans for 
additional offices in China to service that 
vast industrializing region. In addition, we 
are considering locations to meet demand 
for our products in other emerging markets 
in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

In terms of profitability, Columbus McKinnon’s long-term goal is to achieve 
operating leverage of 20% to 30% in order to consistently deliver operating 
margins of 12% to 14%, up from 11.4% in fiscal 2008. 

Our long-term capital structure goals include lowering debt to 30% of total 
capitalization, down from 33.4% at the end of fiscal 2008, while allowing 
ourselves to flex up to about 50% of total capitalization if required by acquisition 
activity. We have a long-term working capital goal of 15% of revenue, compared 
with 18.4% and 20.1% at the end of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively. To 
achieve this target, we believe we need 6 to 7 annual inventory turns, compared 
with 5.5 turns for fiscal 2008. In addition, we want to keep receivable days sales 
outstanding below 60, which is the level we have maintained since fiscal 2005, 
closing fiscal 2008 at 52.5 days.

59˚ 56’ 00” N  30˚ 20’ 00” E 
ST. PETERSbuRg, RuSSia

our new St. Petersburg office is focused on 
our wide range of proven products for energy 
and natural resources. 

In addition to providing shareholders with benchmarks by which to judge 
Columbus McKinnon’s success, we believe these long-term goals demonstrate 
our confidence in what this Company is capable of achieving under a variety of 
economic conditions. Fiscal 2008 was marked by profitable growth, outstanding 
operating cash flow, further strengthening of our balance sheet, and maintaining 
or enhancing our market leadership in key industries and geographies around the 
world. We thank all of our stakeholders, especially our associates for their hard 
work and commitment to achieve those successes. We further expect to make 
significant strides toward our long-term goals in fiscal 2009, and look forward 
to updating you on our progress. As always, we appreciate your support and 
investment in Columbus McKinnon.

CMCO hoists are widely used in live sports, 
music, theater and other entertainment 
venues worldwide, to suspend signage, 
speakers, lighting systems and the like

5

Timothy T. Tevens 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Ernest R. Verebelyi
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Common Stock

investor Relations

Columbus McKinnon’s common stock is traded on NASDAQ 
under the symbol CMCO. As of April 30, 2008, there were 
450 shareholders of record of the Company’s common stock. 
According to the March 31, 2008 SEC filings, about 168 
institutional investors own approximately 92% of Columbus 
McKinnon’s outstanding common shares.

Karen L. Howard 
Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer 
716-689-5550 
E-mail: karen.howard@cmworks.com

Investor information is available on the  
Company’s web site: www.cmworks.com

annual meeting of Shareholders

Corporate headquarters

July 28, 2008; 10:00 am Eastern Time  
Ramada Hotel and Conference Center 
2402 North Forest Road 
Amherst, NY 14226

Columbus McKinnon Corporation 
140 John James Audubon Parkway 
Amherst, NY 14228-1197 
716-689-5400

independent auditors

Ernst & Young LLP 
50 Fountain Plaza, 14th floor 
Buffalo, NY 14202-2297

Transfer agent

Please direct questions about lost certificates, change of 
address and consolidation of accounts to the Company’s 
transfer agent and registrar: 
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company 
59 Maiden Lane, Plaza Level 
New York, NY 10038 
(800) 937-5449 
(718) 921-8200 
www.amstock.com

vision: become the material 
handling Champion of the world

Our Goal

Superior Customer Excellence

Our Initiatives

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Our Values

We value each other and our diverse backgrounds

We value our corporate health

We value innovation, quality and craftsmanship in all aspects of performance

We value helping our customers succeed

6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive officers

Timothy T. Tevens
President and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Tevens was elected President, Chief Executive Officer and appointed a Director of Columbus McKinnon in 
1998. Mr. Tevens joined the Company in May 1991 as Vice President – Information Services and was elected its 
Chief Operating Officer in October 1996. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tevens was a management consultant 
with Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Tevens is also a director of Zep, Inc. (NYSE: ZEP).

Derwin R. Gilbreath
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Gilbreath joined Columbus McKinnon as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2005. He has more 
than thirty years of experience in industrial operations and management, including Chief Operating  Officer of the 
Metalworking Solutions and Services Group of Kennametal, Inc. (NYSE: KMT) and senior operations management 
positions at General Signal Corporation and NL Industries.

Timothy R. Harvey
General Counsel and Secretary

Mr. Harvey has been with the Company since 1996, initially serving as Manager – Legal Affairs, until his election 
as Secretary in 2003. Prior to 1996, Mr. Harvey was engaged in the private practice of law in Buffalo, New York.

Karen L. Howard
Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Ms. Howard was elected CFO in 2006, having served Columbus McKinnon as interim CFO, Treasurer, Controller 
and in other financial and accounting capacities since joining the Company in 1995. Previously, she was a certified 
public accountant with Ernst & Young LLP.

Joseph J. Owen
Vice President and Hoist Group Leader

Before being named Vice President in 1999, Mr. Owen served as Corporate Director – Materials Management. 
Previously, he was a management consultant with Ernst & Young LLP. 

Richard A. Steinberg
Vice President – Human Resources

Mr. Steinberg joined Columbus McKinnon in 2005 after serving Praxair Inc. in various human resources capacities, 
most recently as a Region Leader and Human Resource Manager. Prior to joining Praxair in 1995,  
he was Human Resources Manager at Computer Task Group Inc. and Organizational Development Leader at  
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Wolfgang Wegener
Vice President and Managing Director – Columbus McKinnon Europe

Prior to being elected Vice President in 2006, Mr. Wegener served as Managing Director of Columbus McKinnon’s 
Yale Industrial Products GmbH subsidiary. Previously, he served in various financial management positions at Yale.

7

board of Directors

Ernest R. Verebelyi was elected Chairman of Columbus McKinnon’s Board of Directors in 2005 and has  
served as a Director of the Company since 2003. Mr. Verebelyi retired as Group President with Terex Corporation 
(NYSE: TEX) in October 2002. He also serves as a director of CH Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: CHG).

Timothy T. Tevens was elected President, Chief Executive Officer and appointed a Director of Columbus McKinnon 
in 1998. Mr. Tevens is also a director of Zep, Inc. (NYSE: ZEP).

Richard H. Fleming was appointed a Director of the Company in 1999. Mr. Fleming is Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer of USG Corporation (NYSE: USG). 

Board Committees: Audit (Chairman), Compensation and Succession 

Wallace W. Creek was appointed a Director of the Company in 2003. Mr. Creek served as a senior financial 
executive with Collins & Aikman and Controller of General Motors (NYSE: GM). He also serves as a director of CF 
Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF).

Board Committees: Corporate Governance and Nomination (Chairman), Audit  

Linda A. Goodspeed was appointed a Director of the Company in 2004. Ms. Goodspeed currently serves as Vice 
President of Information Systems with Nissan North America, Inc. She also serves as a director of American 
Electric Power Co., Inc. (NYSE: AEP).

Board Committees: Corporate Governance and Nomination, Audit

Stephen Rabinowitz was appointed a Director of the Company in 2004. He is the retired Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer of General Cable Corporation (NYSE: BGC). Mr. Rabinowitz is also a director of  
Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENER) and Microheat, Inc. 

Board Committees: Compensation and Succession (Chairman), Audit

Nicholas T. Pinchuk became a Director of the Company in January 2007. Mr. Pinchuk is President, Chief Executive 
Officer and a Director of Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA).

Board Committees: Compensation and Succession, Corporate Governance and Nomination

8

Financial Summary 
(In thousands, except per share, percent change, margin and ratio data) 
Data as of or for the years ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007.

income Statement Data 

2008 

2007 

Change

Net sales 

Gross profit 

Gross margin 

$623,334 

$589,848  

5.7%

184,553 

164,600 

12.1%

29.6% 

27.9% 

Income from operations 

71,148 

68,456 

3.9%

Operating margin 

Net income  

11.4% 

11.6% 

37,349 

34,085 

Net income per diluted share 

$1.95 

$1.80  

9.6%

8.3%

Pro forma net income  
per diluted share* 

balance Sheet Data 

Total assets 

Total liabilities 

$2.38 

$2.08  

14.4%

590,035 

565,638 

294,554 

324,313 

4.3%

-9.2%

Total funded debt 

147,902 

172,063 

-14.0%

Funded debt, net of cash 

71,908 

123,408 

-41.7%

Total shareholders’ equity 

295,481 

241,325 

22.4%

Funded debt/capitalization 

33.4% 

41.6% 

Funded debt,  
net of cash/capitalization 

19.6% 

33.8% 

other Data 

Operating cash flow 

59,590 

45,495 

Operating cash flow per share 

3.11 

2.40 

31.0%

29.6%

Depreciation, amortization  
and impairment 

Capital expenditures 

Inventory turns 

Working capital/revenue 

11,325 

13,066 

5.5 

18.4% 

8,289 

36.6%

10,653 

5.8 

20.1%

22.7%

-5.2%

*Excludes unusual items; a reconciliation of the unusual items affecting net income in both years  
is provided in the Company’s fiscal 2008 fourth quarter and full year earnings release which is  
available on the corporate website at www.cmworks.com.

Strong Cash Flow From operations  
($ in millions)

60

59.6

46.4

45.5

30

26.4

17.2

0

04

05

06

07

08

our growing global Presence 
($ in millions)

Net Sales

700

350

0

556.0

589.8

623.3

514.8

444.6

04

05

06

07

08

international Sales

250

125

0

191.3

198.3

198.5

217.9

158.6

04

05

06

07

08

growing Profitability 
($ in millions)

income from operations
80

68.5

71.1*

57.9

40.7

40

29.9

0

04

05

06

07

08

operating margin

12

6

0

11.6%

11.4%*

10.4%

  7.9%

  6.7%

04

05

06

07

08

*Including operating losses of the Univeyor 
business slated for sale and a non-cash  
$2.5 million Univeyor asset impairment charge.

Continued Debt Reduction 
($ in millions)

Debt, Net of Cash
282.3

300

261.5

164.2

123.4

71.9

04

05

06

07

08

150

0

9

 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  
Washington, D.C. 20549   

FORM 10-K  

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED)  

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008  

Commission file number 0-27618 
_________________  

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION 
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)  

New York 
(State of Incorporation) 

16-0547600 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)  

140 John James Audubon Parkway 
Amherst, New York  14228-1197 
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)  

(716) 689-5400 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 
_________________  

Securities pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: 
NONE  

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value (and rights attached thereto)  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the 

Securities Act.   Yes   [   ]     No   [ X ] 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) 

of the Exchange Act.   Yes   [   ]   No   [ X ]   

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 

15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

Yes [X]  No [  ]   

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 
of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive 
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this 
Form 10-K    [X].   

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-
accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and 
“smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.  

Large accelerated filer  [  ]         

Accelerated filer [ X]        

Non-accelerated filer [  ]      

Smaller reporting company [  ]    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).           
Yes [  ]   No [X] 

 
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of September 30, 
2007 was approximately $452 million, based upon the closing price of the Company’s common shares as quoted on 
the Nasdaq Stock Market on such date. The number of shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of 
April 30, 2008 was 18,989,413 shares.   

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE   

Portions of the Registrant’s proxy statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the 

Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the 
Registrant’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

       
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION 
2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K    

This  annual  report  contains  “forward-looking  statements” within  the meaning  of the Private Securities Litigation  Reform 
Act  of  1995.  Such  statements  involve  known  and  unknown  risks,  uncertainties  and  other  factors  that  could  cause  our  actual 
results  to  differ  materially  from the  results  expressed  or  implied  by  such  statements,  including  general  economic  and  business 
conditions, conditions affecting the industries served by us and our subsidiaries, conditions affecting our customers and suppliers, 
competitor responses to our products and services, the overall market acceptance of such products and services, the integration of 
acquisitions  and  other  factors  set  forth  herein  under  “Risk  Factors.”  We  use  words  like  “will,”   “may,”   “should,”  “plan,”  
“believe,”  “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “future” and other similar expressions to identify forward looking statements.  These 
forward  looking  statements  speak  only  as  of  their  respective  dates  and  we  do  not  undertake  and  specifically  decline  any 
obligation  to  publicly  release  the  results  of  any  revisions  to  these  forward-looking  statements  that  may  be  made  to  reflect  any 
future  events  or  circumstances  after  the  date  of  such  statements  or  to  reflect  the  occurrence  of  anticipated  or  unanticipated 
changes. Our actual operating results could differ materially from those predicted in these forward-looking statements, and any 
other events anticipated in the forward-looking statements may not actually occur.  

Item 1. 

Business

General     

PART I

We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of hoists, cranes, chain, conveyors, material handling systems, lift tables and 
component parts serving a wide variety of commercial and industrial end-user markets. Our products are used to efficiently and 
ergonomically  move,  lift,  position  or  secure  objects  and  loads.  We  are  the  U.S.  market  leader  in  hoists,  our  principal  line  of 
products, which we believe provides us with a strategic advantage in selling our other products. We have achieved this leadership 
position through strategic acquisitions, our extensive, diverse and well-established distribution channels and our commitment to 
product  innovation  and  quality.  We  have  one  of  the  most  comprehensive  product  offerings  in  the  industry  and  we  believe  we 
have  more  overhead  hoists  in  use  in  North  America  than  all  of  our  competitors  combined.  Our  brand  names,  including  CM, 
Coffing, Duff-Norton, Shaw-Box and Yale, are among the most recognized and well-respected in our marketplace.     

The Building of Our Business     

Founded  in  1875,  we  have  grown  to  our  current  size  and  leadership  position  through  organic  growth  and  acquiring  14 
businesses between 1994 and 1999. Those acquisitions significantly broadened our product lines and services and expanded our 
geographic reach, end-user markets and our customer base. Our senior management has substantial experience in the acquisition 
and  integration  of  businesses,  aggressive  cost  management,  efficient  manufacturing  techniques  and  global  operations,  all  of 
which are critical to our long-term growth strategy. We have a proven track record of acquiring complementary businesses and 
product  lines,  integrating  their  activities  into  our  organization,  and  aggressively  managing  their  cost  structures  to  improve 
operating efficiencies. The history of our acquisitions between 1994 and 1999 is outlined below (purchase price in millions):   

1 

  
  
  
Date of Acquisition
April 1999  

March 1999  
January 1999  
December 1998  
August 1998  
March 1998  
January 1998  

Acquired Company
Washington Equipment 
Company  
GL International (2),(6)  
Camlok/Tigrip  
Gautier  
Abell-Howe Crane (5)  
ASI (3)  
Univeyor  

December 1996  
October 1996  

Lister (4)  
Yale (1)  

November 1995  
October 1995  
January 1995  
December 1994  
February 1994  

Lift-Tech  
Endor  
Cady Lifters  
Conco  
Durbin-Durco  

Purchase
Price
$   6.4  

Products/Services
Overhead cranes 

20.6  
10.6  
2.9  
7.0  
155.0  
15.0  

7.0  
270.0  

63.0  
2.0  
0.8  
0.8  
2.4  

Overhead cranes 
Plate clamps, crane weighers 
Rotary unions, swivel joints 
Overhead cranes 
Design and manufacture of custom conveyor systems 
Design and manufacture of powered roller conveyor 
     systems 
Cement kiln, anchor and buoy chain 
Hoists, scissor lift tables, actuators, jacks and rotary 
     unions 
Hoists 
Hoists 
Below-the-hook lifters 
Operator controlled manipulators 
Load securing equipment and attachments   

The  following  is  a  summary  of  our  divestitures  and  property  sales  relating  to  the  above  acquisitions  which  occurred  between 
1998 and 2007 as we focus on our core businesses and major business segments as well as reduce our operating costs.  

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 

(4) 
(5) 
(6) 

In August 1998, we sold the Mechanical Products division of Yale.  
In January 2002, we sold Handling Systems & Conveyors, Inc., a subsidiary of GL International.  
In  May  2002,  we  sold  substantially  all  of  the  assets  of  Automatic  Systems,  Inc.  (“ASI”)  and  in  March  2003,  we  sold 
LICO Steel, Inc., a subsidiary of Audubon West, formerly ASI.  
In February 2004, we sold the assets of the Lister Chain & Forge division. 
In January 2005, we sold a Chicago area property. 
In March 2007, we sold LARCO Inc., a subsidiary of Crane, Equipment, & Service, Inc.   

Our Position in the Industry     

The broad, global material handling industry includes the following sectors:  

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

overhead material handling and lifting devices;  
continuous materials movement;  
wheeled handling devices;  
pallets, containers and packaging;  
storage equipment and shop furniture;  
automation systems and robots; and  
services and unbundled software.     

The breadth of our products and services enables us to participate in each of these sectors, except for pallets, containers and 
packaging  and  storage  equipment  and  shop  furniture.  This  diversification,  together  with  our  extensive  and  varied  distribution 
channels,  minimizes  our  dependence  on  any  particular  product,  market  or  customer.  We  believe  that  none  of  our  competitors 
offers the variety of products or services in the markets we serve.     

We believe that the demand for our products and services has increased during the last twelve months and we believe the 

demand will continue to increase in the future as a result of several macro-economic growth drivers. These drivers include:     

Favorable Industry Trends.     The U.S. industrial economy improved since 2003 and the Eurozone industrial economy has 
improved  since  2005.   Industrial  capacity  utilization  is  currently  around  80%  in  both  regions,  generally  indicative  of  capital 
expansion  and  favorable industrial activity.   Additionally, we monitor other leading indicators so that we can be responsive to 
economic  conditions  that  could  impact  our  markets.   Our  business  performance  is  influenced  by  the  state  of  the  U.S.  and 
Eurozone industrial economies, as well as those in emerging areas.   

2   

  
  
  
 
  
 
Productivity Enhancement.   We believe employers respond to competitive pressures by seeking to maximize productivity 
and  efficiency,  among  other  actions.  Our  hoists  and  other  lifting  and  positioning  products  allow  loads  to  be  lifted  and  placed 
quickly, precisely, with little effort and fewer people, thereby increasing productivity and reducing cycle time.   

Safety Regulations and  Concerns.    Driven  by workplace safety regulations such as the Occupational Safety and Health 
Act  and  the  Americans  with  Disabilities  Act  in  the  U.S.,  and  by  the  general  competitive  need  to  reduce  costs  such  as  health 
insurance premiums and workers’ compensation expenses, employers seek safer ways to lift and position loads. Our lifting and 
positioning products enable these tasks to be performed with reduced risk of personal injury.   

Consolidation  of  Suppliers.     In  an  effort  to  reduce  costs  and  increase  productivity,  our  customers  and  end-users  are 
increasingly  consolidating  their  suppliers.  We  believe  that  our  competitive  strengths  will  enable  us  to  benefit  from  this 
consolidation and enhance our market share.   

Our Competitive Strengths   

Leading  Market Positions.    We are a leading  manufacturer of hoists and alloy and high strength carbon steel chain and 
attachments  in  North  America.   We  have  developed  our  leading  market  positions  over  our  133-year  history  by  emphasizing 
technological innovation, manufacturing excellence and superior after-sale service.  Approximately 69% of our U.S. net sales for 
the  year  ended  March  31, 2008  were from product categories in  which  we believe we hold  the number one market share. We 
believe  that  the  strength  of  our  established  products  and  brands  and  our  leading  market  positions  provide  us  with  significant 
competitive advantages, including preferred supplier status with a majority of our largest customers.  Our large installed base of 
products  also  provides  us  with  a  significant  competitive  advantage  in  selling  our  products  to  existing  customers  as  well  as 
providing repair and replacement parts.   

The following table summarizes the product categories where we believe we are the U.S. market leader:  

Product Category
Powered Hoists (1) 
Manual Hoists & Trolleys (1) 
Forged Attachments (1) 
Lifting and Sling Chains (1) 
Hoist Parts (2) 
Mechanical Actuators (3) 
Tire Shredders (4) 
Jib Cranes (5) 

_____________ 

U.S. Market Share
48% 
59% 
40% 
64% 
60% 
40% 
80% 
25% 

U.S. Market Position
#1 
#1 
#1 
#1 
#1 
#1 
#1 
#1 

Percentage of 
U.S. Net Sales

27% 
13% 
7% 
4% 
9% 
   4% 
   3% 
   2%
69%

(1)  Market share and market position data are internal estimates derived from survey information collected and provided by our trade associations in 2007.   

(2)  Market share and market position data are internal estimates based on our market shares of Powered Hoists and Manual Hoists & Trolleys, which we 
believe are good proxies for our Hoist Parts market share because we believe most end-users purchase Hoist Parts from the original equipment 
supplier.  

(3)  Market share and market position data are internal estimates derived by comparison of our net sales to net sales of one of our competitors and to 

estimates of total market sales from a trade association in 2007.  

(4)  Market share and market position data are internal estimates derived by comparing the number of our tire shredders in use and their capacity to 

estimates of the total number of tires shredded published by a trade association in 2007.   

(5)  Market share and market position are internal estimates derived from both the number of bids we win as a percentage of the total projects for which we 

submit bids and from estimates of our competitors’ net sales based on their relative position in distributor catalogues in 2007.   

Comprehensive  Product  Lines  and  Strong  Brand  Name  Recognition.     We  believe  we  offer  the  most  comprehensive 
product  lines  in  the  markets  we  serve.   We  are  the  only  major  supplier  of  material  handling  equipment  offering  full  lines  of 
hoists, chain and attachments.   Our capability as a full-line supplier has allowed us to (i) provide our customers with “one-stop 
shopping”  for  material  handling  equipment,  which  meets  some  customers’  desires  to  reduce  the  number  of  their  supply 
relationships in order to lower their costs, (ii) leverage our engineering, product development and marketing costs over a larger 
sales base and (iii) achieve purchasing efficiencies on common materials used across our product lines.   

3   

  
 
 
 
 
     
 
In addition, our brand names, including Budgit, Chester, CM, Coffing, Duff-Norton, Little Mule, Shaw-Box and Yale, are 
among  the  most  recognized  and  respected  in  the  industry.   The  CM  name  has  been  synonymous  with  overhead  hoists  since 
manual  hoists  were  first  developed  and  marketed  under  the  name  in  the  early  1900s.   We  believe  that  our  strong  brand  name 
recognition  has  created  customer  loyalty  and  helps  us  maintain  existing  business,  as  well  as  capture  additional  business.   No 
single SKU comprises more than 1% of our sales, a testament to our broad and diversified product offering.     

Distribution Channel Diversity and Strength.    Our products are sold to over 20,000 general and specialty distributors and 
OEMs  globally.   We  enjoy  long-standing  relationships  with,  and  are  a  preferred  provider  to,  the  majority  of  our  largest 
distributors and industrial buying groups.   There has been consolidation among distributors of material handling equipment and 
we have benefited from this consolidation by maintaining and enhancing our relationships with our leading distributors, as well 
as forming new relationships.   We believe our extensive distribution channels provide a significant competitive advantage and 
allow us to effectively market new product line extensions and promote cross-selling.   

Expanding International Markets.    We have significantly grown our international sales since becoming a public company 
in 1996.  Our international sales have grown from $34.3 million (representing 16% of total sales) in fiscal 1996 to $217.9 million 
(representing 35% of our total sales) during the year ended March 31, 2008.  This growth has occurred primarily in Europe, Latin 
America and Asia-Pacific where we have recently expanded our sales presence.  Our international business has provided us, and 
we believe will continue to provide us, with significant growth opportunities and new markets for our products.   

Low-Cost Manufacturing with Significant Operating Leverage.    We believe we are a low-cost manufacturer and we have 
and will continue to generate significant operating leverage due to the initiatives summarized below.  Our operating leverage goal 
is for each incremental sales dollar to generate 20%-30% of operating income.      

—

—

—

—

—

Rationalization and Consolidation.     We have a successful history of consolidating manufacturing facilities 
and optimizing warehouse utilization and location resulting in lower annual operating costs and improving our 
fixed-variable cost relationship.  We continue to evaluate existing operations for further opportunities.    

Lean Manufacturing.     We have initiated Lean Manufacturing techniques, facilitating inventory reductions, a 
significant  decline  in  required  manufacturing  floor  space,  a  decrease  in  product  lead  time  and  improved 
productivity  and  on-time  deliveries.   We  believe  continued  application  of  lean  manufacturing  tools  will 
generate benefits for many years to come.    

International  Expansion.     Our  continued  expansion  of  our  manufacturing  facilities  in  China,  Mexico  and 
Hungary provides us with another cost efficient platform to manufacture and distribute certain of our products 
and  components.   We  now  operate  25  manufacturing  facilities  in  eight  countries,  with  32  stand  alone  sales 
and service offices in 16 countries, and 10 stand alone warehouse facilities in five countries.    

Purchasing Council.     We continue to leverage our company-wide purchasing power through our Purchasing 
Council to reduce our costs and manage fluctuations in commodity pricing, including steel.    

Selective  Vertical  Integration.     We  manufacture  many  of  the  critical  parts  and  components  used  in  the 
manufacture of our hoists and cranes, resulting in reduced costs.   

Strong  After-Market  Sales  and  Support.     We  believe  that  we  retain  customers  and  attract  new  customers  due  to  our 
ongoing  commitment  to  customer  service  and  satisfaction.   We  have  a  large  installed  base  of  hoists  and  chain  that  drives  our 
after-market  sales  for  components  and  repair  parts  and  is  a  stable  source  of  higher  margin  business.   We  maintain  strong 
relationships  with  our  customers  and  provide  prompt  aftermarket  service  to  end-users  of  our  products  through  our  authorized 
network of 16 chain repair stations and approximately 400 hoist service and repair stations.   

Long History of Free Cash Flow Generation and Significant Debt Reduction.     We have consistently generated positive 
free cash flow (which we define as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures) by continually controlling 
our costs, improving our working capital management, and reducing the capital intensity of our manufacturing operations.  In the 
past five years, we have reduced total debt by $168.4 million, from $316.3 million to $147.9 million and continued to grow our 
cash balance.   

Experienced Management Team with Equity Ownership.     Our senior management team provides a depth and continuity 
of experience in the material handling industry.   Our management has experience in aggressive cost management, balance sheet 
management, efficient manufacturing techniques, acquiring and integrating businesses and global operations, all of which are  
critical to our long-term growth.  Our directors and executive officers, as a group, own an aggregate of approximately 3% of our 

4  

  
  
  
  
  
  
outstanding common stock.   

Our Strategy    

Grow our Core Business.     We intend to leverage our strong competitive advantages to increase our market shares across 

all of our product lines and geographies by:    

—  

—  

—  

Leveraging  Our  Strong  Competitive  Position.     Our  large,  diversified,  global  customer  base,  our  extensive 
distribution channels and our close relationships with our distributors provide us with insights into customer 
preferences and product requirements that allow us to anticipate and address the future needs of end-users.    

Introducing  New  and  Cross-Branded  Products.     We  continue  to  expand  our  business  by  developing  new 
material  handling  products  and  services  and  expanding  the  breadth  of  our  product  lines  to  address  material 
handling needs.  We have a dedicated hoist product development team and recently formed a similar group for 
our  rigging  products  (chain  and  forged  attachments).   The  majority  of  the  powered  hoist  products  under 
development are guided by the Federation of European Manufacturing, or FEM, standard.   We believe these 
FEM hoist products, as well as other international design products will facilitate our global sales expansion 
strategy as well as improve our cost competitiveness against internationally made products imported into the 
U.S.   New product sales (as defined by new items introduced within the last three years) amounted to $89.0 
million, $79.5 million, and $81.5 million in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.     

Leveraging  Our  Brand  Portfolio  to  Maximize Market Coverage.     Most industrial distributors carry one or 
two lines of material handling products on a semi-exclusive basis.  Unlike many of our competitors, we have 
developed and acquired multiple well-recognized brands that are viewed by both distributors and end-users as 
discrete  product  lines.   As  a  result,  we  are  able  to  sell  our  products  to  multiple  distributors  in  the  same 
geographic area.   This strategy maximizes our market coverage and provides the largest number of end-users 
with access to our products.   

Continue to Grow in International Markets.    Our international sales of $217.9 million comprised 35% of our net sales for 
the  year  ended  March  31,  2008,  as  compared  to  $34.3  million,  or  16%  of  our  net  sales,  in  fiscal  1996,  the  year  we  became  a 
public  company.   We  sell  to  distributors  in  over  50  countries  and  have  our  primary  international  manufacturing  facilities  in 
China, Mexico, Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, and Hungary.   In addition to new product introductions, we 
continue to expand our sales and service presence in the major and developing market areas of Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin 
America  including  through  our  sales  offices  and  warehouse  facilities  in  Canada,  various  countries  in  Western  and  Eastern 
Europe, China, Thailand, Brazil, Uruguay, Panama and Mexico.  We intend to increase our sales by manufacturing and exporting 
a  broader  array  of  high  quality,  low-cost  products  and  components  from  our  facilities  in  Mexico,  China  and  Hungary  for 
distribution in Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.   We have developed and are continuing to expand upon new hoist and 
other products in compliance with FEM standards and international designs to enhance our global distribution.    

Further Reduce Our Operating Costs and Increase Manufacturing Productivity.     Our objective is to remain a low-cost 
producer.   We  continually  seek  ways  to  reduce  our  operating  costs  and  increase  our  manufacturing  productivity  including 
through our on-going expansion of our manufacturing capacity in low-cost regions, including Mexico, China and Hungary.   In 
furtherance of this objective, we have undertaken the following:    

—  

—  

—  

Implementation  of  Lean  Manufacturing.     We continuously identify potential efficiencies in  our operations 
through  Lean  Manufacturing,  initiated  in  fiscal  2002.   Additionally,  we  reinvigorated  our  Lean  initiative 
during fiscal 2008 to take these activities to the next level globally.    

Rationalization  of  Facilities.     We  have  a  successful  history  of  consolidating  manufacturing  facilities  and 
optimizing  warehouse  utilization  and  location  resulting  in  lower  annual  operating  costs  and  improving  our 
fixed-variable  cost  relationship.   We  have  sufficient  capacity  to  meet  current  and  future  demand  and  we 
periodically investigate opportunities for further facility rationalization.    

Leveraging of Our Purchasing Power.     Our Purchasing Council was formed in fiscal 1998 to centralize and 
leverage  our  overall  purchasing  power  and  has  resulted  in  significant  savings  for  our  company  as  well  as 
management of fluctuations in commodity pricing, including steel.   

5 

  
Drive  EPS  Growth  through  De-leveraging.     We  intend  to  continue  our  focus  on  cash  generation  for  debt  reduction 

through the following initiatives:    

—  

—  

Increase Operating Cash Flow.     As a result of the execution of our strategies to control our operating costs, 
increase  our  U.S.  organic  growth  and  increase  our  penetration  of  international  markets,  we  believe  that  we 
will  continue  to  realize  favorable  operating  leverage.   Our  operating  leverage  goal  is  for  each  incremental 
sales dollar to generate 20%-30% of operating income.  We believe that such operating leverage will result in 
increased  operating  cash  flow  available  for  debt  reduction,  as  well  as  investment  in  new  products  and  new 
markets, organically and via acquisitions.    

Reduce  Working  Capital.     As  described  above,  we  believe  that  our  Lean  Manufacturing  activities  are 
facilitating inventory reduction, improving product lead times and increasing our productivity.  We have other 
initiatives  underway  to  further  improve  other  routine  working  capital  components,  including  accounts 
payable, all initiatives driving toward our long-term goal of total working capital (excluding cash and debt) of 
15%  of  latest  12  months’  revenues.   We  believe  our  improved  working  capital  management  and  increased 
productivity will further result in increased free cash flow.      

Pursue  Strategic  Acquisitions  and  Alliances.    We  intend  to  pursue  synergistic  acquisitions  to  complement  our  organic 
growth.   Priorities  for  such  acquisitions  include:   1)  increasing  international  geographic  penetration,  particularly  in  the  Asia-
Pacific region, and 2) further broadening our offering with complementary products frequently used in conjunction with hoists. 
Additionally,  we  continually  challenge  the  long-term  fit  of  underperforming  businesses  for  potential  divestiture  and 
redeployment of capital.    

Our Segments    

We currently report our operations in two business segments, Products and Solutions.     

Our  Products  segment  designs,  manufactures  and  distributes  a  broad  range  of  material  handling  products  for  various 
applications.  Products  in  this  segment  include  a  wide  variety  of  electric,  lever,  hand  and  air-powered  hoists;  hoist  trolleys; 
industrial crane systems such as bridge, gantry and jib cranes; alloy, carbon steel and kiln chain; closed-die forged attachments, 
such  as  hooks,  shackles,  logging  tools  and  loadbinders;  industrial  components,  such  as  mechanical  and  electromechanical 
actuators,  mechanical  jacks  and  rotary  unions;  and  below-the-hook  special  purpose  lifters.  These  products  are  typically 
manufactured for stock or assembled to order from standard components and are sold primarily through a variety of commercial 
distributors.  The  diverse  end-users  of  our  products  are  in  manufacturing  plants,  power  utility  facilities  and  warehouses,  on 
construction sites, oil rigs, ships and tractor trailers. Some of our products have farming, mining and logging applications, and we 
serve a niche market for the entertainment industry.    

Our Solutions segment is engaged primarily in the design, fabrication and installation of integrated workstation and facility-
wide  material  handling  systems  and  in  the  design  and  manufacture  of  tire  shredders,  lift  tables  and  light-rail  systems.   These 
products and services have historically been highly engineered, built to order and primarily sold directly to end-users for specific 
applications in a variety of industries.   The material handling systems business within this segment is currently undergoing the 
process for divestiture.     

Note  19  to  our  consolidated  financial  statements  included  elsewhere  herein  provides  information  related  to  our  business 
segments  in  accordance  with  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.   Summary  information  concerning  our  business 
segments for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 is set forth below.             

6  

  
2008  

2007  

2006 

Fiscal Years Ended March 31,   

Amount  

% of 
Total 
Sales  

% of 
Total 
Sales  

Amount  
(Dollars in millions) 

Amount  

Net Sales             
     Products ................................
     Solutions ................................
          Total................................$ 

$ 

570.0  
53.3  
623.3  

91.4 
8.6  
100.0 

$ 

$ 

527.1  
62.7  
589.8  

89.4 
10.6  
100.0 

$ 

$ 

493.9  
62.1  
556.0  

% of 
Segment 
/Total 
Sales  

% of 
Segment 
/Total 
Sales  

Amount  

Amount  

Amount  

% of 
Total 
Sales 

88.8 
11.2 
100.0 

% of 
Segment 
/Total 
Sales 

Income (loss) from 
Operations         
     Products ................................
     Solutions ................................
          Total................................$ 

$ 

Products Segment    

Products     

78.4  
(7.3)  
71.1  

13.8 
(13.6)  
11.4 

$ 

$ 

71.5  
(3.0)  
68.5  

13.6 
(4.8)  
11.6 

$ 

$ 

55.9  
2.0  
57.9  

11.3 
3.2 
10.4 

Our  Products  segment  primarily  designs,  manufactures  and  distributes  a  broad  range  of  material  handling,  lifting  and 
positioning products for various applications and has total assets of approximately $560.1 million as of March 31, 2008. These 
products are typically manufactured for stock or assembled to order from standard components and are sold through a variety of 
distributors. In excess of 75% of our Products segment net sales is derived from the sale of products that we sell at a unit price of 
less than $5,000. In fiscal 2008, net sales of the Products segment were $570.0 million or approximately 91.4% of our net sales.  
Of  these  sales,  $391.7  million,  or  68.7%  were  U.S.  and  $178.3  million,  or  31.3%  were  international.  The  following  table  sets 
forth certain sales data for the products of our Products segment, expressed as a percentage of net sales of this segment for fiscal 
2008 and 2007:     

Hoists ......................................................................................
Chain .......................................................................................
Forged attachments .................................................................
Industrial cranes ......................................................................
Industrial components .............................................................

Fiscal Years Ended March 31,  

2008  
57%  
14  
11  
11  
7  
100%  

2007 
54% 
14 
11 
13 
8  
100% 

Hoists.   We manufacture a variety of electric chain hoists, electric wire rope hoists, hand-operated hoists, lever tools and 
air-powered balancers and hoists. Load capacities for our hoist product lines range from one-eighth of a ton to 100 tons. These 
products are sold under our Budgit, Chester, CM, Coffing, Little Mule, Shaw-Box, Yale and other recognized trademarks. Our 
hoists are sold for use in numerous general industrial applications, as well as for use in the construction, energy, mining, food 
services, entertainment and other markets. We also supply hoist trolleys, driven manually or by electric motors, for the industrial, 
consumer and OEM markets.    

We  also  currently  offer  several  lines  of  custom-designed,  below-the-hook  tooling,  clamps,  pallet  trucks  and  textile 
strappings. Below-the-hook tooling and clamps are specialized lifting apparatus used in a variety of lifting activities performed in 
conjunction with hoist and chain applications.  Textile strappings are below-the-hook attachments, frequently used in conjunction 
with hoists.     

7  

  
  
 
 
             
  
 
  
  
Chain.   We manufacture alloy and carbon steel chain for various industrial and consumer applications. Federal regulations 
require  the  use  of  alloy  chain,  which  we  first  developed,  for  overhead  lifting  applications  because  of  its  strength  and  wear 
characteristics.  A  line  of  our  alloy  chain  is  sold  under  the  Herc-Alloy  brand  name  for  use  in  overhead  lifting,  pulling  and 
restraining  applications.  In  addition,  we  also  sell  specialized  load  chain  for  use  in  hoists,  as  well  as  three  grades  and  multiple 
sizes  of  carbon  steel  welded-link  chain  for  various  load  securing  and  other  non-overhead  lifting  applications.  We  also 
manufacture kiln chain sold primarily to the cement manufacturing market.    

Forged Attachments.   We produce a broad line of alloy and carbon steel closed-die forged attachments, including hooks, 
shackles, hitch pins and master links. These forged attachments are used in chain, wire rope and textile rigging applications in a 
variety of industries, including transportation, mining, construction, marine, logging, petrochemical and agriculture.    

In  addition,  we  manufacture  carbon  steel  forged  and  stamped  products,  such  as  loadbinders,  logging  tools  and  other 
securing devices, for sale to the industrial, consumer and logging markets through industrial distributors, hardware distributors, 
mass merchandiser outlets and OEMs.     

Industrial Cranes.   We entered the U.S. crane manufacturing market through our August 1998 acquisition of Abell-Howe, 
a  Chicago-based  regional  manufacturer  of  jib  and  overhead  bridge  cranes.  Our  March  1999  acquisition  of  GL  International, 
which included the Gaffey and Larco brands, and our April 1999 acquisition of Washington Equipment Company established us 
as  a  significant  participant  in  the  U.S.  crane  building  and  servicing  markets.  Crane  builders  represent  a  specific  distribution 
channel for electric wire rope hoists, chain hoists and other crane components. We divested of our Larco business in March 2007, 
which business provided cranes and service primarily to the steel industry in southern Ontario, Canada.    

Industrial  Components.   Through  our  Duff-Norton  division,  we  design  and  manufacture  industrial  components  such  as 
mechanical and electromechanical actuators and rotary unions. Actuators are linear motion devices used in a variety of industries, 
including the paper, steel and aerospace industries. Rotary unions are devices that transfer a liquid or gas from a fixed pipe or 
hose  to  a  rotating  drum,  cylinder  or  other  device.  Rotary  unions  are  used  in  a  variety  of  industries  including  pulp  and  paper, 
printing, textile and fabric manufacturing, rubber and plastic.     

Sales and Marketing     

Our sales and marketing efforts in support of our Products segment consist of the following programs:     

Factory-Direct  Field  Sales  and  Customer  Service.   We  sell  our  products  through  our  sales  force  of  more  than  125 
salespersons and through independent sales agents worldwide. Our sales are further supported by approximately 400 company-
trained customer service correspondents and sales application engineers. We compensate our sales force through a combination 
of base salary and a commission plan based on top line sales and a pre-established sales quota.     

Product  Advertising.   We  promote  our  products  by  advertising  in  leading  trade  journals  as  well  as  producing  and 
distributing  high  quality  information  catalogs.  We  run  targeted  advertisements  for  hoists,  chain,  forged  attachments,  actuators, 
and cranes.     

Target  Marketing.   We  provide  marketing  literature  to  target  specific  end-user  market  sectors  including  construction, 
energy,  mining,  food  service,  and  others.   This  literature  displays  our  broad  product  offering  applicable  to  those  sectors  to 
enhance awareness at the end-user level within those sectors.    

Trade Show Participation.   Trade shows are central to the promotion of our products, and we participate in more than 40 
regional,  national  and  international  trade  shows  each  year.  Shows  in  which  we  participate  range  from  global  events  held  in 
Germany  to  local  “markets”  and  “open  houses”  organized  by  individual  hardware  and  industrial  distributors.  We  also  attend 
specialty shows for the entertainment, rental and safety markets, construction, as well as general purpose industrial and hardware 
shows.  In  fiscal  2008,  we  participated  in  trade  shows  in  the  U.S.,  Canada,  Mexico,  Germany,  the  United  Kingdom,  France, 
China, Brazil, Australia, Korea, Chile, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates.   

Industry Association Membership and Participation.   As a recognized industry leader, we have a long history of work and 
participation  in  a  variety  of  industry  associations.  Our  management  is  directly  involved  at  the  officer  and  director  levels  of 
numerous  industry  associations  including  the  following:  ISA  (Industrial  Supply  Association),  AWRF  (Associated  Wire  Rope 
Fabricators),  PTDA  (Power  Transmission  and  Distributors  Association),  SCRA  (Specialty  Carriers  and  Riggers  Association), 
WSTDA (Web Sling and Tie Down Association), MHI (Material Handling Institute), HMI (Hoist Manufacturers Institute),  
CMAA  (Crane  Manufacturers  Association  of  America),  ESTA  (Entertainment  Services  and  Technology  Association),  NACM 
(National Association of Chain Manufacturers) and ARA (American Rental Association).  

8  

  
Product  Standards  and  Safety  Training  Classes.   We  conduct  on-site  training  programs  worldwide  for  distributors  and 
end-users to promote and reinforce the attributes of our products and their safe use and operation in various material handling 
applications.    

Web Sites.   In addition to our main corporate web site at www.cmworks.com, we currently sponsor an additional 29 brand 
specific web sites and sell hand pallet trucks on one of these sites. Several of our brand web sites include electronic catalogs of 
our various products and list prices. Current and potential customers can browse through our diverse product offering or search 
for specific products by name or classification code and obtain technical product specifications. We continue to add additional 
product catalogs, maintenance manuals, advertisements and customer service information on our various web sites. Many of the 
web  sites  allow  distributors  to  search  for  personalized  pricing  information,  order  status  and  product  serial  number  data  and  to 
enter sales orders.  

Distribution and Markets     

The distribution channels for the Products segment include a variety of commercial distributors. In addition, the Products 
segment  sells  overhead  bridge,  jib  and  gantry  cranes  directly  to  end-users.  We  also  sell  to  the  consumer  market  through 
wholesalers. The following describes our global distribution channels:    

General Distribution Channels.   Our global general distribution channels consist of:      

— 

— 

— 

Industrial  distributors  that  serve  local  or  regional  industrial  markets  and  sell  a  variety  of  products  for 
maintenance, repair, operating and production, or MROP, applications through their own direct sales force.       

Rigging  shops  that  are  distributors  with  expertise  in  rigging,  lifting,  positioning  and  load  securing.  Most 
rigging  shops  assemble  and  distribute  chain,  wire  rope  and  synthetic  slings  and  distribute  off-the-shelf 
hoists and attachments, chain slings and other off-the-shelf products.       

Independent crane builders that design, build, install and service overhead crane and light-rail systems for 
general  industry  and  also  distribute  a  wide  variety  of  hoists  and  lifting  attachments.  We  sell  electric  wire 
rope  hoists  and  chain  hoists  as  well  as  crane  components,  such  as  end  trucks,  trolleys,  drives  and 
electrification systems to crane builders.    

Crane  End-Users.   We  sell  overhead  bridge,  jib  and  gantry  cranes,  parts  and  service  to  end-users  through  our  wholly 
owned  crane  builder,  Crane  Equipment  &  Service,  Inc.  (“CES”)  within  the  CraneMart™  network.  CES  which  includes  Abell-
Howe, Gaffey and Washington Equipment brands designs, manufactures, installs and services a variety of cranes with capacities 
up to 100 tons.   

Specialty Distribution Channels.   Our global specialty distribution channels consist of:      

— 

National distributors that market a variety of MROP supplies, including material handling products, either 
exclusively through large, nationally distributed catalogs, or through a combination of catalog, internet and 
branch  sales  and  a  field  sales  force.  The  customer  base  served  by  national  distributors  such  as  W.  W. 
Grainger,  which  traditionally  included  smaller  industrial  companies  and  consumers,  has  grown  to  include 
large industrial accounts and integrated suppliers.       

—  Material  handling  specialists  and  integrators  that  design  and  assemble  systems  incorporating  hoists, 
overhead  rail  systems,  trolleys,  scissor  lift  tables,  manipulators,  air  balancers,  jib  arms  and  other  material 
handling products to provide end-users with solutions to their material handling problems.      

— 

Entertainment  equipment  distributors  that  design,  supply  and  install  a  variety  of  material  handling  and 
rigging equipment for concerts, theaters, ice shows, sports arenas, convention centers and night clubs.    

Service-After-Sale Distribution Channel.   Service-after-sale distributors include our authorized network of 16 chain repair 
service  stations  and  approximately  400  hoist  service  and  repair  stations.  This  service  network  is  designed  for  easy  parts  and 
service access for our large installed base of hoists and related equipment in North America.    

9    

  
OEM/Government Distribution Channels.   This channel consists of:      

— 

— 

OEMs  that  supply  various  component  parts  directly  to  other  industrial  manufacturers  as  well  as  private 
branding  and  packaging  of  our  traditional  products  for  material  handling,  lifting,  positioning  and  special 
purpose applications.       

Government agencies, including the U.S. and Canadian Navies and Coast Guards, that purchase primarily 
load securing chain and forged attachments.    

Customer Service and Training     

We maintain customer service departments staffed by trained personnel for all of our Products segment sales divisions, and 
regularly  schedule  product  and  service  training  schools  for  all  customer  service  representatives  and  field  sales  personnel. 
Training programs for distribution and service station personnel, as well as for end-users, are scheduled on a regular basis at most 
of our facilities and in the field. We have approximately 400 service and repair stations worldwide that provide local and regional 
repair,  warranty  and  general  service  work  for  distributors  and  end-users.  End-user  trainees  attending  our  various  programs 
include representatives of 3M, Cummins Engine, DuPont, GTE, General Electric, General Motors and many other industrial and 
entertainment organizations.     

We also provide, in multiple languages, a variety of collateral material in video, cassette, CD-ROM, slide and print format 
addressing relevant material handling topics such as the care, use and inspection of chains and hoists, and overhead lifting and 
positioning safety. In addition, we sponsor advisory boards made up of representatives of our primary distributors and service-
after-sale  network  members  who  are  invited  to  participate  in  discussions  focused  on  improving  products  and  service.  These 
boards enable us and our primary distributors to exchange product and market information relevant to industry trends.   

Backlog     

Our Products segment backlog of orders at March 31, 2008 was approximately $55.8 million compared to approximately 
$53.2 million at March 31, 2007.   Our orders for standard products are generally shipped within one week. Orders for products 
that  are  manufactured  to  customers’ specifications are generally shipped  within  four to  twelve weeks. Given  the short product 
lead  times,  we  do  not  believe  that  the  amount  of our Products segment backlog  of orders is a reliable indication  of our future 
sales.   

Competition     

The material handling industry remains highly fragmented. We face competition from a wide range of regional, national and 
international manufacturers in both U.S. and international markets. In addition, we often compete with individual operating units 
of larger, highly diversified companies.     

The principal competitive factors affecting our Products segment include customer service and support as well as product 
availability,  performance,  functionality,  brand  reputation,  reliability  and  price.  Other  important  factors  include  distributor 
relationships and territory coverage.     

Major  competitors  with  our  Products  segment  for  hoists  are  Konecranes,  Demag  Cranes  &  Components  and  Kito-
Harrington;  for  chain  are  Campbell  Chain,  Peerless  Chain  Company  and  American  Chain  and  Cable  Company;  for  forged 
attachments are The Crosby Group and Brewer Tichner Company; for cranes are Konecranes, Demag Cranes & Components and 
a variety of independent crane builders; and for industrial components are Deublin, Joyce-Dayton and Nook Industries.   

Solutions Segment     

The Solutions segment is engaged primarily in the design, fabrication and installation of integrated workstation and facility-
wide material handling systems and in the design and manufacture of tire shredders, lift tables and light-rail systems and has total 
assets of approximately $30 million as of March 31, 2008. Net sales of the Solutions segment in fiscal 2008 were $53.3 million, 
or 8.6% of our total net sales, of which $13.8 million, or 25.9% were U.S. and $39.5 million, or 74.1% were international. The 
following table sets forth certain sales data for the products and services of our Solutions segment, expressed as a percentage of 
this segment’s net sales for fiscal 2008 and 2007:    

10   

  
Integrated material handling conveyor systems and service ...
Tire shredders..........................................................................
Lift tables ................................................................................
Light-rail systems....................................................................

Fiscal Years Ended March 31,  

2008  
55%  
26  
14  
5  
100%  

2007 
63% 
20 
13 
4  
100% 

Products and Services    

Integrated  Material  Handling  Conveyor  Systems  and  Service.   Through  our  Univeyor  business,  we  have  historically 
specialized in designing highly customized, computer-controlled and automated powered roller conveyors for use in warehouse 
operations and distribution systems.   In recent years, we have focused on more standardized products and service to reduce its 
volatility and improve its profitability and return on invested capital.  This business is currently in the process of divestiture.   

Tire Shredders.   We have developed and patented a line of heavy equipment that shreds worn tires, with the byproducts 
useful  for  fuel  and  recycled  products  including  aggregate  filler,  playgrounds,  sports  surfaces,  landscaping  and  other  such 
applications, as well as scrap steel.   

Lift Tables.   Our American Lifts division manufactures powered lift tables. These products enhance workplace ergonomics 

and are sold primarily to customers in the general manufacturing, construction, and air cargo industries.   

Light-Rail Systems.   Introduced in fiscal 2001, light-rail systems are portable steel overhead beam configurations used at 

workstations, from which hoists are frequently suspended.  

Sales and Marketing     

The products and services of the Solutions segment are sold primarily to large sophisticated corporate end-users, including 
Federal  Express,  John  Deere,  Boeing,  Lockheed  Martin,  Proctor  &  Gamble,  Toyota,  Honda  and  other  industrial  companies, 
systems  integrators  and  distributors.  Sales  are  generated  by  internal  sales  personnel  and  rely  heavily  on  engineer-to-engineer 
interactions  with  the  customer  or  a  large  systems  integrator.  The  process  of  generating  client  contract  awards  for  integrated 
conveyor  systems  generally  entails  receiving  a  request-for-quotation  from  customers  and  undergoing  a  competitive  bidding 
process. The Solutions segment also sells tire shredders, scissor lift tables and light-rail systems through its internal sales force 
and through specialized independent distributors and manufacturers representatives.    

Customer Service and Training     

The  Solutions  segment  offers  a  wide  range of value-added  services to  customers including: an  engineering  review of the 
customer’s  processes;  an  engineering  solution  for  identified  material  handling  problems;  project  management;  and  custom 
design, manufacturing and installation services. We also offer after-sales services including operator training, maintenance and 
hot-line support. The typical length of after-sales service varies depending on customer requirements and supplemental training 
courses are offered as needed.   

Backlog     

Revenues from our Solutions segment are generally recognized within one to six months. Our backlog of orders at March 

31, 2008 was approximately $11.8 million compared to approximately $9.6 million at March 31, 2007.   

Competition     

The  principal  competitive  factors  affecting  the  market  for  the  products  and  services  of  our  Solutions  segment  include 
application  solutions,  performance  and  price.  The  process  of  generating  client  contract  awards  for  these  businesses  generally 
entails receiving a request-for-quotation from end-users and undergoing a competitive bidding process. Our Solutions segment 
competes primarily with Crisplant, Gorbel, Moving, Schaffer, Southworth and Swisslog.     

11     

  
 
Employees     

At March 31, 2008, we had 3,233 employees; 2,111 in the U.S./Canada, 213 in Latin America, 572 in Europe and 337 in 
Asia.  Approximately  724  of  our  employees  are  represented  under  seven  separate  U.S.  or  Canadian  collective  bargaining 
agreements  which  terminate  at  various  times  between  September  2008  and  March  2012.   The  contract  which  expires  in 
September 2008 currently covers 67 employees.  We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.   

Raw Materials and Components     

Our principal raw materials and components are steel, consisting of structural steel, processed steel bar, forging bar steel, 
steel rod and wire, steel pipe and tubing and tool steel; electric motors; bearings; gear reducers; castings; and electro-mechanical 
components.   These  commodities  are  all  available  from  multiple  sources.   We  purchase  most  of  these  raw  materials  and 
components  from a limited  number of strategic and  preferred  suppliers under long-term agreements which  are negotiated  on  a 
company-wide  basis  through  our  Purchasing  Council  to  take  advantage  of  volume  discounts.   We  generally  seek  to  pass  on 
materials price increases to our distribution channel partners and end-user customers.  We will continue to monitor our costs and 
reevaluate our pricing policies.  Our ability to pass on these increases is determined by market conditions.   

Manufacturing     

We manufacture a significant percentage of the products we sell. We complement our own manufacturing by outsourcing 
components and finished goods from an established global network of suppliers. We regularly upgrade our global manufacturing 
facilities and  invest in  tooling, equipment and  technology. In  2001, we began implementing Lean Manufacturing in our plants 
which  has  resulted  in  inventory  reductions,  reductions  in  required  manufacturing  floor  area,  shorter  product  lead  time  and 
increased productivity.     

Our  manufacturing  operations  are  highly  integrated.  Although  raw  materials  and  some  components  such  as  motors, 
bearings, gear reducers, castings and electro-mechanical components are purchased, our vertical integration enables us to produce 
many of the components used in the manufacturing of our products. We manufacture hoist lifting chain, steel forged gear blanks, 
lift  wheels,  trolley  wheels,  and  hooks and  other attachments for incorporation  into  our hoist products. These products are also 
sold as spare parts for hoist repair. Additionally, our hoists are used as components in the manufacture of crane systems by us as 
well as our crane-builder customers. We believe this vertical integration results in lower production costs, greater manufacturing 
flexibility and higher product quality, and reduces our reliance on outside suppliers.    

Environmental and Other Governmental Regulation     

Like most manufacturing companies, we are subject to various federal, state and local laws relating to the protection of the 
environment.  To  address  the  requirements  of  such  laws,  we  have  adopted  a  corporate  environmental  protection  policy  which 
provides that all of our owned  or leased  facilities shall, and  all of our employees have the duty to, comply with  all applicable 
environmental  regulatory  standards,  and  we  have  initiated  an  environmental  auditing  program  for  our  facilities  to  ensure 
compliance  with  such  regulatory  standards.  We  have  also  established  managerial  responsibilities  and  internal  communication 
channels for dealing with environmental compliance issues that may arise in the course of our business. We have made and could 
be required to continue to make significant expenditures to comply with environmental requirements.  Because of the complexity 
and changing nature of environmental regulatory standards, it is possible that situations will arise from time to time requiring us 
to  incur  additional  expenditures  in  order  to  ensure  environmental  regulatory  compliance.  However,  we  are  not  aware  of  any 
environmental  condition  or  any  operation  at  any  of  our  facilities,  either  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  which  would  cause 
expenditures  having  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations,  financial  condition  or  cash  flows  and,  accordingly, 
have not budgeted any material capital expenditures for environmental compliance for fiscal 2008.    

We  have  completed  our  investigation  of  past  waste  disposal  activities  at  a  facility  in  Cleveland,  Texas,  operated  by  our 
subsidiary, Crane Equipment and Service, Inc.  Remediation activities under the terms of the voluntary agreement with the Texas 
Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”) have been completed and we are awaiting final regulatory approval from the 
TCEQ.  

In addition, we have notified the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (the “DENR”) of the 
presence of certain contaminants in excess of regulatory standards at our Coffing Hoist facility in Wadesboro, North Carolina. 
We filed an application with the DENR to enter its voluntary cleanup program and were accepted.  We are currently investigating  
under  the  terms  of  the  DENR  Registered  Environmental  Consultant  (“”the  REC”)  and,  if  appropriate,  will  remediate  site 

12   

  
conditions at the facility. At this time, investigative and remediation costs are expected to not exceed $250,000.  

We also discovered the presence of certain contaminants in excess of regulatory standards at our Damascus, Virginia hoist 
plant and have notified the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (the “DEQ”).   We filed an application with the DEQ 
to participate in its voluntary remediation program and have been accepted.     We are currently investigating under the terms of 
the  DEQ  Voluntary  Remediation  Program  and,  if  appropriate,  will  remediate  site  conditions  at  the  facility.  At  this  time, 
investigative and remediation costs are expected to not exceed $65,000.   

In June of 2007, we were identified by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“the DEC”), along 
with other companies, as a potential responsible party (“PRP”) at the Frontier Chemical Royal Avenue Site in Niagara Falls, New 
York.   From  1974  to  1992,  the  Frontier  Royal  Avenue  Site  had  been  operated  as  a  commercial  waste  treatment  and  disposal 
facility.  We sent waste pickle liquor generated at our facility in Tonawanda, New York to the Frontier Royal Avenue Site during 
the  period  from approximately  1982  to  1984.   We  have  joined  with  other  PRP  members  known  as the Frontier Chemical Site 
Joint Defense Alliance Group to conduct investigation and, if appropriate, remediation activities at the site.   At this early stage, 
we do not have an estimate of likely remediation costs, if any, but do not believe that such costs would have a material adverse 
effect on our financial condition or operating results.  

For all of the currently known environmental matters, we have accrued a total of $0.9 million as of March 31, 2008, which, 
in our opinion, is sufficient to deal with such matters. Further, our management believes that the environmental matters known to, 
or  anticipated  by,  us  should  not,  individually  or  in  the  aggregate,  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  operating  results  or 
financial  condition.  However,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  potential  liabilities  and  expenditures  associated  with  unknown 
environmental  matters,  unanticipated  events,  or  future  compliance  with  environmental  laws  and  regulations  will  not  have  a 
material adverse effect on us.     

Our  operations  are  also  governed  by  many  other  laws  and  regulations,  including  those  relating  to  workplace  safety  and 
worker  health,  principally  OSHA  in  the  U.S.  and  regulations  thereunder.  We  believe  that  we  are  in  material  compliance  with 
these laws and regulations and do not believe that future compliance with such laws and regulations will have a material adverse 
effect on our operating results or financial condition.      

Available Information   

Our internet address is www.cmworks.com.  We make available free of charge through our website our Annual Report on 
Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished 
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after 
such documents are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.   

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors

Columbus McKinnon is subject to a number of risk factors that could negatively affect our results from business operations 
or  cause  actual  results  to  differ  materially  from  those  projected  or  indicated  in  any  forward  looking  statement.   Such  factors 
include, but are not limited to, the following:  

Our business is cyclical and is affected by industrial economic conditions.   

Many of the end-users of our products are in highly cyclical industries, such as general manufacturing and construction that 
are  sensitive  to  changes  in  general  economic  conditions.  Their  demand  for  our  products,  and  thus  our  results  of  operations,  is 
directly related to the level of production in their facilities, which changes as a result of changes in general economic conditions 
and  other  factors  beyond  our  control.  Between  fiscal  2000  and  fiscal  2004  for  example,  we  experienced  significantly  reduced 
demand for our products, generally as a result of the global economic slowdown, and more specifically as a result of the dramatic 
decline in capital goods spending in the industries in which our end-users operate. These lower levels of demand and the impact 
of divested businesses resulted in a significant decline in net sales as well as income from operations during that period.   If the 
current economic stability does not continue or if there is deterioration in the general economy or in the industries we serve, our 
business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, the cyclical nature of 
our business could at times also adversely affect our liquidity and ability to borrow under our revolving credit facility.     

13 

  
   
We rely in large part on independent distributors for sales of our products.  

We  depend  on  independent  distributors  to  sell  our  products  and  provide  service  and  aftermarket  support  to  our  end-user 
customers.   Distributors  play  a  significant  role  in  determining  which  of  our  products  are  stocked  at  the  branch  locations,  and 
hence  are  most  readily  accessible  to  aftermarket  buyers,  and  the  price  at  which  these  products  are  sold.   Almost  all  of  the 
distributors  with  whom we  transact  business  offer  competitive  products  and  services to  our end-user customers.   For the most 
part, we do not have written agreements with our distributors located in the United States.   The loss of a substantial number of 
these distributors or an increase in the distributors’ sales of our competitors’ products to our ultimate customers could materially 
reduce our sales and profits.  

We are subject to currency fluctuations from our international sales.   

Our products are sold in many countries around the world.   Thus, a portion of our revenues (approximately $175 million in 
fiscal year 2008) is generated in foreign currencies, including principally the euro, the Canadian dollar, and the Danish Krone, 
and while much of the costs incurred to generate those revenues are incurred in the same currency, a portion is incurred in other 
currencies.  Since our financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. 
dollar and other currencies have had, and will continue to have, an impact on our earnings.  We currently do not have exchange 
rate  hedges  in  place  to  reduce  the  risk  of  an  adverse  currency  exchange  movement.   Currency  fluctuations  may  impact  our 
financial performance in the future.  

Our international operations pose certain risks that may adversely impact sales and earnings.   

We  have  operations  and  assets  located  outside  of  the  United  States,  primarily  in  China,  Mexico,  Germany,  Denmark,  the 
United  Kingdom,  France,  and  Hungary.  In  addition,  we  import  a  portion  of  our  hoist  product  line  from  Asia,  and  sell  our 
products  to  distributors  located  in  approximately  50  countries.  In  fiscal  year  2008,  approximately  35%  of  our  net  sales  were 
derived from non-U.S. markets.  These international operations are subject to a number of special risks, in addition to the risks of 
our  U.S.  business,  including  currency  exchange  rate  fluctuations,  differing  protections  of  intellectual  property,  trade  barriers, 
labor unrest, exchange controls, regional economic uncertainty, differing (and possibly more stringent) labor regulation, risk of 
governmental  expropriation,  U.S.  and  foreign  customs  and  tariffs,  current  and  changing  regulatory  environments,  difficulty  in 
obtaining distribution support, difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations, differences in the availability and terms 
of financing, political instability and risks of increases in taxes. Also, in some foreign jurisdictions we may be subject to laws 
limiting the right and ability of entities organized or operating therein to pay dividends or remit earnings to affiliated companies 
unless specified conditions are met. These factors may adversely affect our future profits.   

Part of our strategy is to expand our worldwide market share and reduce costs by strengthening our international distribution 
capabilities and sourcing basic components in foreign countries, in particular in Mexico, China and Hungary.  Implementation of 
this  strategy  may  increase  the  impact  of  the  risks  described  above,  and  we  cannot  assure  you  that  such  risks  will  not  have  an 
adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.  

Our business is highly competitive and increased competition could reduce our sales, earnings and profitability.   

The  principal  markets  that  we  serve  within  the  material  handling  industry  are  fragmented  and  highly  competitive.  
Competition is based primarily on customer service and support as well as product availability, performance, functionality, brand 
reputation, reliability and price. Our competition in the markets in which we participate comes from companies of various sizes, 
some of which have greater financial and other resources than we do. Increased competition could force us to lower our prices or 
to offer additional services at a higher cost to us, which could reduce our gross margins and net income.    

The greater financial resources or the lower amount of debt of certain of our competitors may enable them to commit larger 
amounts of capital in response to changing market conditions.  Certain competitors may also have the ability to develop product 
or service innovations that could put us at a disadvantage.  In addition, some of our competitors have achieved substantially more 
market  penetration  in  certain  of  the  markets  in  which  we  operate,  including  crane  building.  If  we  are  unable  to  compete 
successfully against other manufacturers of material handling equipment, we could lose customers and our revenues may decline.  
There can also be no assurance that customers will continue to regard our products favorably, that we will be able to develop 
new products that appeal to customers, that we will be able to improve or maintain our profit margins on sales to our customers 
or that we will be able to continue to compete successfully in our core markets.  

14    

  
Our products involve risks of personal injury and property damage, which exposes us to potential liability.  

Our business exposes us to possible claims for personal injury or death and property damage resulting from the products that 
we sell.  We maintain insurance through a combination of self-insurance retentions and excess insurance coverage.  We monitor 
claims  and  potential  claims  of  which  we  become  aware  and  establish  accrued  liability  reserves  for  the  self-insurance  amounts 
based on our liability estimates for such claims.  We cannot give any assurance that existing or future claims will not exceed our 
estimates  for  self-insurance  or  the  amount  of  our  excess  insurance  coverage.   In  addition,  we  cannot  give  any  assurance  that 
insurance  will  continue  to  be  available  to  us  on  economically  reasonable  terms  or  that  our  insurers  would  not  require  us  to 
increase our self-insurance amounts. Claims brought against us that are not covered by insurance or that result in recoveries in 
excess of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our results and financial condition.  

Our future operating results may be affected by fluctuations in steel or other material prices.   We may not be able to pass on 
increases in raw material costs to our customers.   

The principal raw material used in our chain, forging and crane building operations is steel.  The steel industry as a whole is 
highly  cyclical,  and  at  times  pricing  and  availability  can  be  volatile  due  to  a  number  of  factors  beyond  our  control,  including 
general  economic  conditions,  labor  costs,  competition,  import  duties,  tariffs  and  currency  exchange  rates.   This  volatility  can 
significantly  affect  our  raw  material  costs.   In  an  environment  of  increasing  raw  material  prices,  competitive  conditions  will 
determine how much of the steel price increases we can pass on to our customers. During historical rising cost periods, we were 
successful in adding and maintaining a surcharge to the prices of our high steel content products or incorporating them into price 
increases, with a goal of margin neutrality.   In the future, to the extent we are unable to pass on any steel price increases to our 
customers, our profitability could be adversely affected.  

We depend on our senior management team and the loss of any member could adversely affect our operations.    

Our success is dependent on the management and leadership skills of our senior management team. The loss of any of these 
individuals or an inability to attract, retain and maintain additional personnel could prevent us from implementing our business 
strategy. We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our existing senior management personnel or to attract additional 
qualified  personnel  when  needed.  We  have  not  entered  into  employment  agreements  with  any  of  our  senior  management 
personnel with the exception of Wolfgang Wegener, our Vice President and Managing Director of Columbus McKinnon Europe.  

We are subject to various environmental laws which may require us to expend significant capital and incur substantial cost.   

Our operations and facilities are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign requirements relating to the protection of 
the  environment,  including  those  governing  the  discharges  of  pollutants  in  the  air  and  water,  the  generation,  management  and 
disposal of hazardous substances and wastes and the cleanup of contaminated sites.   We have made, and will continue to make, 
expenditures  to  comply  with  such  requirements.   Violations  of,  or  liabilities  under,  environmental  laws  and  regulations,  or 
changes in such laws and regulations (such as the imposition of more stringent standards for discharges into the environment), 
could result in substantial costs to us, including operating costs and capital expenditures, fines and civil and criminal sanctions, 
third  party  claims  for  property  damage  or  personal  injury,  clean-up  costs  or  costs  relating  to  the  temporary  or  permanent 
discontinuance  of  operations.  Certain  of  our  facilities  have  been  in  operation  for  many  years,  and  we  have  remediated 
contamination at some of our facilities.   Over time, we and other predecessor operators of such facilities have generated, used, 
handled and disposed of hazardous and other regulated wastes. Additional environmental liabilities could exist, including clean-
up  obligations  at  these  locations  or  other  sites  at  which  materials  from  our  operations  were  disposed,  which  could  result  in 
substantial future expenditures that cannot be currently quantified and which could reduce our profits or have an adverse effect 
on our financial condition.  

We make estimates in accounting for long-term contracts.   

We  have  long-term  contracts  with  some  of  our  customers  in  our  European  material  handling  systems  business.   These 
contracts  are  accounted  for  using  the  percentage  of  completion,  cost-to-cost  method  of  accounting  in  accordance  with  the 
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Statement of Position 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction-
Type and Certain Production-Type Contacts”.   We recognize revenue on contracts using the percentage of completion, cost-to-
cost method of accounting as work progresses toward completion as determined by the ratio of cumulative costs incurred to date 
to  estimated  total  contact  costs  at  completion,  multiplied  by  the  total  estimated  contract  revenue,  less  cumulative  revenue 
recognized in prior periods. 

15    

  
Changes in estimates affecting sales, costs, and profits are recognized in the period in which the change becomes known using 
the  cumulative  catch-up  method  of  accounting,  resulting  in  cumulative  effect  changes  reflected  in  the  period.   A  significant 
change  in  an  estimate  on  one  or  more  contracts  could  have  a  material  effect  on  our  results  of  operations.   For  contracts  with 
anticipated  losses  at  completion,  we  establish  a  provision  for  the  entire  amount  of  the  estimated  remaining  loss  and  charge  it 
against  income  in  the  period  in  which  the  loss  becomes  known.   Amounts  representing  penalties,  contract  claims,  or  change 
orders are considered in estimating revenues, costs, and profits when they can be reliably estimated and realization is considered 
probable.  

We rely on subcontractors or suppliers to perform their contractual obligations.   

Some of our contracts involve subcontracts with other companies upon which we rely to perform a portion of the services we 
must provide to our customers.   There is a risk that we may have disputes with our subcontractors, including disputes regarding 
the quality and timeliness of work performed by our subcontractor or customer concerns about the subcontractor.  Failure by our 
subcontractors  to  satisfactorily  provide  on  a  timely  basis  the  agreed-upon  supplies  or  perform  the  agreed  upon  services  may 
materially and adversely impact our ability to perform our obligations as the prime contractor.   A delay in our ability to obtain 
components and equipment parts from our suppliers may affect our ability to meet our customers’ needs and may have an adverse 
effect upon our profitability.  

We enter into fixed-price contracts.   

We have fixed price contracts with some of our customers, particularly in our European material handling systems business.  
On fixed-price contracts, we agree to perform the scope of work specified in the contract for a predetermined price.  Depending 
on  the  fixed  price  negotiated,  these  contracts  may  provide  us  with  an  opportunity  to  achieve  higher  profits  based  on  the 
relationship  between  our  total  contract  cost  and  the  contract’s  fixed  price.   However,  we  bear  the  risk  that  increased  or 
unexpected  costs  may  reduce  our  profit  or  cause  us  to  incur  a  loss  on  the  contract  which  would  reduce  our  net  sales  and  net 
earnings.    

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments

None.  

16      

  
   
    We maintain our corporate headquarters in Amherst, New York and, as of March 31, 2008, conducted our principal 

manufacturing at the following facilities:    

           Properties

Item 2. 

Location  
United States:             
Muskegon, MI  
Wadesboro, NC  
Lexington, TN  
Charlotte, NC  
Cedar Rapids, IA  
Eureka, IL  
Damascus, VA  
Chattanooga, TN  
Greensburg, IN  
Chattanooga, TN  
Lisbon, OH  
Cleveland, TX  
Tonawanda, NY  
Sarasota, FL  

Products/Operations  

Hoists  
Hoists  
Chain  
Industrial components  
Forged attachments  
Cranes  
Hoists  
Forged attachments  
Scissor lifts  
Forged attachments  
Hoists and below-the-hook tooling  
Cranes  
Light-rail crane systems  
Tire shredders  

Square
Footage  

Owned or
Leased  

Business
Segment

441,000
186,000
165,000
146,000
100,000
91,000
90,000
81,000
70,000
59,000
37,000
35,000
35,000
25,000

Owned  
Owned  
Owned  
Leased  
Owned  
Owned  
Owned  
Owned  
Owned  
Owned  
Owned  
Owned  
Owned  
Owned  

Products 
Products 
Products 
Products 
Products 
Products 
Products 
Products 
Solutions 
Products 
Products 
Products 
Solutions 
Solutions          

International:     
Velbert, Germany  
Santiago, Tianguistenco, Mexico  
Hangzhou, China  
Arden, Denmark  

Hangzhou, China  
Hangzhou, China  
Chester, United Kingdom  
Chester, United Kingdom  
Romeny-sur-Marne, France  
Arden, Denmark  
Szekesfeher, Hungary  

Hoists  
Hoists and chain  
Hoists and hand pallet trucks  
Project design, conveyors, Layer Picker, 
EmptiCon  
Textile strappings  
Metal fabrication, textiles and textile strappings  
Plate clamps  
Plate clamps  
Rotary unions  
Project construction  
Textiles and textile strappings  

108,000
91,000
78,000

Leased  
Owned  
Leased  

Products 
Products 
Products 

72,000
58,000
51,000
48,000
28,000
22,000
20,000
18,000

Owned  
Leased  
Leased  
Leased  
Owned  
Owned  
Leased  
Leased  

Solutions 
Products 
Products 
Products 
Products 
Products 
Solutions 
Products           

In addition, we have a total of 42 sales offices, distribution centers and warehouses.   We believe that our properties have 
been adequately maintained, are in generally good condition and are suitable for our business as presently conducted. We also 
believe  our  existing  facilities  provide  sufficient  production  capacity  for  our  present  needs  and  for  our  anticipated  needs  in  the 
foreseeable future. Upon the expiration of our current leases, we believe that either we will be able to secure renewal terms or 
enter into leases for alternative locations at market terms.    

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are named a defendant in legal actions arising out of the normal course of business. We are not a 
party to any pending legal proceeding other than ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business. We do not believe that any 
of  our  pending  litigation  will  have  a  material  impact  on  our  business.  We  maintain  comprehensive  general  liability  insurance 
against risks arising out of the normal course of business through our wholly-owned insurance subsidiary of which we are the 
sole policy holder. The limits of this coverage are currently $3.0 million per occurrence ($2.0 million through March 31, 2003) 
and  $6.0  million  aggregate  ($5.0  million  through  March  31,  2003)  per  year.  We  obtain  additional  insurance  coverage  from 
independent insurers to cover potential losses in excess of these limits.  

Item 4. 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None. 

17 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
   Item 5. 

PART II

Market for the Company’s Common Stock and Related Security Holder Matters

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol ‘‘CMCO.” As of April 30, 2008, there were 450 

holders of record of our common stock.     

We do not currently pay cash dividends. Our current credit agreement allows, but limits our ability to pay dividends.  We may 
reconsider or revise this policy from time to time based upon conditions then existing, including, without limitation, our earnings, 
financial condition, capital requirements, restrictions under credit agreements or other conditions our Board of Directors may deem 
relevant.   

We did not repurchase any shares of our company stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008.   

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low sale prices per share for our common stock as 

reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market.   

   Price Range of     
   Common Stock
Low
High

Year Ended March 31, 2007       

First Quarter............................................................$
Second Quarter .......................................................
        Third Quarter ..........................................................
Fourth Quarter ........................................................

30.56 
22.70  
25.00  
25.71  

$  20.15   
16.50  
17.11   
20.65        

Year Ended March 31, 2008       

First Quarter............................................................$
Second Quarter .......................................................
        Third Quarter ..........................................................
Fourth Quarter ........................................................

33.68 
34.30  
33.85  
33.34  

$  21.84   
22.55  
24.46   
22.00        

On April 30, 2008, the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market was $28.31 per share.                        

18  

  
    
 
    
 
  
         
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
PERFORMANCE GRAPH   

The Performance Graph shown below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock based on its 
market price, with the total return of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and the Dow Jones US Diversified Industrials.  The comparison of 
total return assumes that a fixed investment of $100 was invested on March 31, 2003 in our common stock and in each of the 
foregoing indices and further assumes the reinvestment of dividends.  The stock price performance shown on the graph is not 
necessarily indicative of future price performance.    

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, The S&P Midcap 400 Index
And The Dow Jones US Diversified Industrials Index

$2,500

$2,000

$1,500

$1,000

$500

$0

3/03

3/04

3/05

3/06

3/07

3/08

Columbus McKinnon Corporation

S&P Midcap 400

Dow Jones US Diversified Industrials

* $100 invested on 3/31/03 in stock or index-including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal year ending March 31. 

Copyright © 2008, Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.researchdatagroup.com/S&P.htm

19  

  
   
   The  consolidated  balance  sheets  as  of  March  31,  2008  and  2007  and  the  related  statements  of  income,  cash  flows  and 

shareholders’  equity  for  the  three  years  ended  March  31,  2008  and  notes  thereto  appear  elsewhere  in  this  annual  report.  The 
selected  consolidated  financial  data  presented  below  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with,  and  are  qualified  in  their  entirety  by 
“Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Results  of  Operations  and  Financial  Condition,”  our  consolidated  financial 
statements and the notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report.   

Selected Financial Data

Item 6. 

Statements of Income Data: 
Net sales 
Cost of products sold 
Gross profit 
Selling expenses 
General and administrative expenses 
Restructuring charges (1) 
Impairment loss (2) 
Write-off/amortization of intangibles  
Income from operations 
Interest and debt expense 
Other (income) and expense, net  
Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense (benefit) 
Income from continuing operations 
Income from discontinued operations (3) 
Net income  
Diluted earnings per share from continuing 

operations 

Basic earnings per share from continuing 

operations 

Weighted average shares outstanding – assuming 

dilution 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic 

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): 

Total assets 
Total debt (4) 
Total shareholders’ equity 

Other Financial Data: 

$

$

$

$

$

2008  

Fiscal Years Ended March 31,  
2005 
2006 
(Amounts in millions, except per share data) 

2007  

623.3  $
438.8  
184.5  
72.0  
37.6  
1.2  
2.5  
0.1  
71.1  
14.6  
(3.0)  
59.5  
22.7  
36.8  
0.5  
37.3  $

1.92 

1.96 

$

$

589.8  $
425.2  
164.6  
61.7  
34.1  
0.1  
—  
0.2  
68.5  
16.5  
(1.9)  
53.9  
20.5  
33.4  
0.7  
34.1  $

556.0  $
408.4  
147.6  
54.3  
33.6  
1.6  
—  
0.2  
57.9  
24.7  
5.0  
28.2  
(30.9)
59.1  
0.7  
59.8  $

1.76  $

3.56

$

1.80  $

3.69

$

19.2  
18.7  

19.0  
18.5  

16.6
16.1

$

514.8 
388.9 
125.9 
52.3 
31.7 
0.9 
— 
0.3 
40.7 
27.6 
(5.2)
18.3 
2.2 
16.1 
0.6 
16.7  $

1.09

1.10

14.8
14.6

$

$

$

590.0  $
147.9  
295.5  

565.6  $
172.1  
241.3  

566.0  $
209.8  
204.4  

480.9 
270.9 
81.8 

Net cash provided by operating activities 
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities 
Net cash used in financing activities 
Capital expenditures 
Cash dividends per common share 

59.6  
(8.6)  
(28.6)  
13.1  
0.00  

45.5  
(3.4)  
(39.9)  
10.7  
0.00  

46.4  
(6.4)
(4.2)
8.4  
0.00  

17.2 
3.1 
(21.9)
5.9 
0.00 

_____________ 

20 

2004 

444.6
339.8
104.8
48.3
25.0
1.2
— 
0.4
29.9
28.9
(4.2)
5.2
4.0
1.2
— 
1.2

0.08

0.08

14.6
14.6

473.4 
293.4 
63.0  

26.4 
4.3 
(21.5)
3.6 
0.00  

  
           
 
 
 
 
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
            
       
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
  
      
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
              
(1)  Refer  to  “Results  of  Operations”  in  “Item  7.   Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Results  of  Operations  and 
Financial  Condition”  for  a  discussion  of  the  restructuring  charges  related  to  fiscal  2008,  2007,  and  2006.   The  fiscal 
2005  restructuring  charges  consist  of $0.5  million  of costs related  to  facility rationalizations being  expensed  on  an  as 
incurred  basis  as  a  result  of  the  project  timing  being  subsequent  to  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  144.   Fiscal  2005  also 
included $0.3 million of write-down on the net realizable value of a facility based on changes in market conditions and a 
reassessment of its net realizable value.  During fiscal 2004, restructuring charges of $1.2 million were recorded related 
to  various  employee  termination  benefits  and  facility  costs  as  a  result  of  our  continued  closure,  merging  and 
reorganization and completion of two open projects from fiscal 2003.    

(2)  As  a  result  of  the  recurring  losses  and  decreasing  cash  flows  associated  with  our  Univeyor  business,  the  Company 
recorded  a  $2.5  million  impairment  charge  in  accordance  with  SFAS  144  during  fiscal  2008.  Refer  to  Note  2  to  our 
consolidated financial statements for additional information on Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.  

(3)  In May 2002, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of ASI.  The Company received $20,600,000 in cash and 
an  8%  subordinated  note  in  the  principal  amount  of  $6,800,000  which  is  payable  over  10  years  beginning  in  August 
2004.   The full amount of this note has been reserved due to the uncertainty of collection. Principal payments received 
on  the  note  are  recorded  as  income  from  discontinued  operations  at  the  time  of  receipt.   All  interest  and  principal 
payments required under the note have been made to date.  Refer to Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for 
additional information on Discontinued Operations.  

(4)  Total debt includes long-term debt, including the current portion, notes payable and subordinated debt.   

Item 7.  

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Results Of Operations And Financial Condition

This  section  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  our  consolidated  financial  statements  included  elsewhere  in  this  annual 
report.  Comments  on  the  results  of  operations  and  financial  condition  below  refer  to  our  continuing  operations,  except  in  the 
section entitled “Discontinued Operations.”  

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW   

We  are  a  leading  manufacturer  and  marketer  of  hoists,  cranes,  chain,  conveyors,  material  handling  systems,  lift  tables  and 
industrial component parts serving a wide variety of commercial and industrial end-user markets. Our products are used to efficiently 
and  ergonomically  move,  lift,  position  or  secure  objects  and  loads.  Our  Products  segment  sells  a  wide  variety  of  powered  and 
manually operated wire rope and chain hoists, industrial crane systems, chain, hooks and attachments, actuators and rotary unions. 
Our Solutions segment designs, manufactures, and installs application-specific or standard material handling systems and solutions 
for end-users to improve workstation and facility-wide work flow.   

Founded in 1875, we have grown to our current size and leadership position through organic growth and the acquisition of 
14 businesses between February 1994 and April 1999. We have developed our leading market position over our 132-year history 
by emphasizing technological innovation, manufacturing excellence and superior after-sale service. In addition, the acquisitions 
significantly broadened our product lines and services and expanded our geographic reach, end-user markets and customer base.  
Ongoing operations include improving our productivity and increased penetration of the European, Latin American, and Asian 
marketplaces.  We  are  executing  those  initiatives  through  our  Lean  Manufacturing  efforts,  new  product  development  and 
expanded sales and marketing activities. Shareholder value will be enhanced through continued emphasis on the improvement of 
the  fundamentals  including  manufacturing  efficiency,  cost  containment,  efficient  capital  investment,  market  expansion  and 
excellent customer satisfaction.   

We  maintain  a  strong  North  American  market  share  with  significant  leading  market  positions  in  hoists,  lifting  and  sling 
chain, and forged attachments.  To broaden our product offering in markets where we have a strong competitive position as well 
as to  facilitate penetration  into  new geographic markets, we continue expand  our new product development activities.   During 
fiscal  2008,  this  included  the  completion  of  our  product  line  offering  of  wire rope hoist lines in  accordance with  international 
standards  which  began  in  fiscal  2006,  to  complement  our  current  offering  of  hoist  products  designed  in  accordance  with  U.S. 
standards.   Our efforts to expand our global sales will be accomplished through the introduction of certain of our products that 
historically have been  distributed  only in  North  America and also by introducing new products through our existing European 
distribution network.  Furthermore, we continue to expand our on-the-ground sales forces as well as the distribution relationships 
in  China to  capture the anticipated growing demand for material handling products as that economy continues to industrialize.  
Our internal organization supports these strategic initiatives through division of responsibility for North America, Europe, Latin 

21  

  
   
America  and  Asia  Pacific.   The  investments  in  international  markets  and  new  products  are  part  of  our  focus  on  our  greatest 
opportunities for growth.   We are also looking for opportunities for growth via acquisitions or joint ventures.   The focus of our 
acquisition strategy centers on opportunities for international revenue growth and product line expansion in alignment with our 
existing core offering.   

Management believes that the growth rate of total sales may moderate in future periods due to more difficult comparisons 
with our fiscal 2008 periods and a slower rate of U.S. economic growth.  We monitor such indicators as U.S. Industrial Capacity 
Utilization, which increased since July 2003, as an indicator of anticipated demand for our product in the U.S.   In addition, we 
continue  to  monitor  leading  indicators  of  the  potential  impact  of  global  and  U.S.  trends,  including  energy  costs,  steel  price 
fluctuations, rising interest rates, currency impact and activity in a variety of end-user markets around the globe.   

We  constantly  explore  ways  in  which  to  enhance  our  operating  margins  and  leverage  as  well  as  further  improve  our 
productivity and  competitiveness.   We have specific initiatives related  to improved customer satisfaction, reduction of defects, 
shortened  lead  times,  improved  inventory  turns  and  on-time  deliveries,  reduction  of  warranty  costs,  and  improved  working 
capital utilization.  The initiatives are being driven by the continued implementation of our Lean Manufacturing efforts which are 
fundamentally changing our manufacturing processes to be more responsive to customer demand and improving on-time delivery 
and  productivity.  In  addition  to  Lean  manufacturing,  we  are  working  to  achieve  these  strategic  initiatives  through  product 
simplification, the creation of centers of excellence, and improved supply chain management.    

We  continue  to  operate  in  a  highly  competitive  and  global  business  environment.   Accordingly,  we  face  a  variety  of 
challenges and opportunities in those markets and geographies, including trends towards increased utilization of the global labor 
force and the expansion of market opportunities in Asia and other emerging markets. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS   

Net sales of our Products and Solutions segments, in millions of dollars and with percentage changes for each segment, 

were as follows:   

Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
2006
2007
2008

Change 
2008 vs. 2007
%

Amount

Change 
2007 vs. 2006
%

Amount

Products segment.....................
Solutions segment....................
     Total net sales.....................

$  570.0  
53.3
$  623.3

$  527.1   $  493.9  
62.1
$   556.0

62.7
$  589.8

$  42.9 
(9.4)
$  33.5

8.1  
(15.0)   
5.7  

$ 

$ 

33.2  
0.6
33.8

6.7 
1.0 
6.1    

During fiscal 2008, the Company saw continued strength in the North American economy as well as increased demand in 
Europe,  Latin  America  and  Asia.   This  growth  was  a  continuation  of  improvement in  the industrial sector that began  in  fiscal 
2005  through  the  current  period.   In  addition,  sales  growth  continues  to  be  fostered  by  the  expansion  of  international  selling 
efforts.  Net sales for fiscal 2008 of $623.3 increased by $33.5 million or 5.7% from fiscal 2007, and net sales for fiscal 2007 of 
$589.8 million increased by $33.8 million, or 6.1%, from fiscal 2006.   The Products segment for fiscal 2008 experienced a net 
sales increase of 8.1% over the prior year.  The increase was due to a combination of increased volume on the continued growth 
of the global industrial economy and international market share gains as well as price increases ($9.8 million). Fiscal 2008 was 
impacted by the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, particularly the euro, and reported Products 
segment sales were favorably affected by $11.3 million.  The Products segment for fiscal 2007 experienced a net sales increase of 
6.7%  over  the  prior  year.   The  increase  was  due  to  a  combination  of  increased  volume  on  the  continued  growth  of the global 
industrial economy and increasing penetration in our European markets as well as price increases ($7.9 million). Fiscal 2007 was 
impacted by the continued weakness of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, particularly the euro, and reported Products 
segment sales were favorably affected by $4.2 million.   Our fiscal 2008 Solutions segment net sales were down $9.4 million, or 
15%.   The intentional downsizing  of our European  material handling  systems business resulting  from our decision  to  be more 
selective in the projects we choose to accept due to a challenging market and pricing environment resulted in a 25% reduction in 
the sales of this business while the remaining solutions businesses were up 1.6%.   Fiscal 2008 foreign currency fluctuations of 
the U.S. dollar relative to the Danish Krone resulted in a favorable impact of $2.9 million.  Our fiscal 2007 Solutions segment net 
sales were flat as increased volume in our U.S. operations was offset by a downsizing of our European material handling systems 
business resulting  from our decision  to  be more selective in  the projects we choose to accept due to a challenging market and 
pricing  environment.   Fiscal  2007  foreign  currency  fluctuations  of  the  U.S.  dollar  relative  to  the  Danish  Krone  resulted  in  a 
favorable impact of $2.0 million.    

22 

  
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
Gross profit of the Products and Solutions segments, in millions of dollars and as a percentage of total segment net sales, 

was as follows:    

Fiscal Years Ended March 31,  
2007

2006

2008

Amount

%

Amount

%

Amount

%

Products segment ...................
Solutions segment..................
     Total gross profit ..............

$  178.4 
6.1
$  184.5

31.3
11.4
29.6

$  159.2
5.4
$  164.6

30.2
8.6
27.9

$ 138.1
9.5
$ 147.6

28.0 
15.3 
26.5  

Our gross profit margins were approximately 29.6%, 27.9% and 26.5% in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.   The 
Products segment for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 continues to see improved gross margins as a result of operational leverage at 
increased volumes from the prior years across all businesses, the proportion of that increase in our most profitable products sales 
(hoists),  and  the  impact  of  previous  facility  rationalization  projects  and  ongoing  lean  manufacturing  activities.   The  Solutions 
segment’s gross profit margins increased in Fiscal 2008 as a result of timing of one large order on an international tire shredder 
system sale, offsetting losses at our European material handling systems business.   The European systems business losses were 
the result of performance issues and cost overruns on certain projects, declining sales volumes and an unfavorable mix of projects 
with  regards  to  resale  versus  proprietary  product  componentry.     The  Solutions  segment’s  gross  profit  margins  decreased  in 
fiscal  2007  as  favorable  leverage  on  volume  increases  at  our  U.S.  operations  was  offset  by  losses  at  our  European  material 
handling systems business.   The European systems business losses were the result of performance issues and cost overruns on 
certain projects, a challenging pricing environment and an unfavorable sales mix of projects.     

Selling  expenses  were  $72.0  million,  $61.7  million  and  $54.3  million  in  fiscal  2008,  2007  and  2006,  respectively.  As  a 
percentage  of  net  sales,  selling  expenses  were  11.5%,  10.5%  and  9.8%  in  fiscal  2008,  2007  and  2006,  respectively.   In 
furtherance  of  our  continuing  strategic  growth  initiatives,  the  fiscal  2008  increase  includes  additional  salaries  ($1.9  million), 
increased  advertising,  marketing,  and  travel  ($2.4  million),  investments  in  new  markets  ($2.3  million),  translation  of  foreign 
currencies ($2.3 million), and a one-time commission expense associated with a particularly large sale in our Solutions business 
($1.5  million).   The  fiscal  2007  increase,  driven  by  our  strategic  growth  initiatives,  includes  additional  salaries  ($2.5  million), 
increased advertising, marketing, warehousing and travel ($1.4 million), investments in new markets ($1.6 million), translation of 
foreign currencies ($1.1 million), and commission expense on higher revenue ($0.5 million).    

General  and  administrative  expenses  were  $37.6  million, $34.1 million  and  $33.6 million  in  fiscal 2008, 2007  and  2006, 
respectively. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses were 6.0%, 5.8% and 6.1% in fiscal 2008, 2007 
and 2006, respectively. Fiscal 2008 includes increases in personnel costs for new market investment and organizational capacity 
expansion  ($1.6  million),  increased  research  and  development  costs  ($0.5  million),  and  translation  of  foreign  currencies  ($1.2 
million).   Fiscal  2007  includes  increases  in  personnel  costs  for  new  market  investment  ($1.3  million),  increased  research  and 
development  costs  ($1.0  million),  and  increased  healthcare  costs  ($0.8  million),  offset  by  lower  variable  compensation  costs 
($2.5 million).    

Restructuring charges of $1.2 million, $0.1 million and $1.6 million, or 0.2%, 0.0% and 0.3% of net sales in fiscal 2008, 
2007 and 2006, respectively, were primarily attributable to the ongoing organizational rationalizations occurring at the company. 
The fiscal 2008 charges consist of demolition costs of the unused portion of a facility ($0.8 million) being expensed on an as-
incurred basis and severance costs related to the continued reorganization of our European systems business ($0.4 million).  The 
fiscal 2007 charges represent severance costs related to the reorganization of our European systems business ($0.3 million) and 
demolition  costs  of  the  unused  portion  of  the  facility  referenced  above  ($0.2  million)  being  expensed  on  an  as-incurred  basis, 
offset by a recovery of a portion of previous write-downs ($0.4 million) on a vacant facility that was sold during fiscal 2007.  The 
fiscal  2006  charges  consist  of  the  cost  of  removal  of  certain  environmentally  hazardous  materials  ($0.6  million),  inventory 
disposal  costs  related  to  the  rationalization  of  certain  product  families  within  our  mechanical  jack  lines  ($0.4  million),  the 
ongoing  maintenance  costs  of  a  non-operating  facility  accrued  based  on  anticipated  sale  date  ($0.3  million)  and  other  facility 
rationalization projects ($0.3 million).    

Fiscal  2008  includes  an  impairment  charge  of  $2.5  million  related  to  our  European  material  handling  systems  business.  

Refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.   

Amortization of intangibles was $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.     

23  

  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
   
 
   
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
Interest and debt expense was $14.6 million, $16.4 million and $24.7 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 
As a percentage of net sales, interest and debt expense was 2.3%, 2.8% and 4.4% in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 
The  fiscal  2008  and  2007  decreases  primarily  resulted  from  lower  debt  levels  as  we  continue  to  execute  our  strategy  of  debt 
reduction and increased financial flexibility.     

The Company incurred $1.8 million, $5.2 million, and $9.2 million in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively related to 

redemption costs associated with the repurchase of outstanding long-term debt.   

The  Company  recorded  $1.2  million,  $5.3  million,  and  $2.0  million  of  investment  income  related  to  assets  held  in  the 

Company’s wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.   

Other income and expense, net was $3.6 million, $1.8 million and $2.1 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 
Fiscal  2008  includes  $2.2  million  of  investment and  interest income, $0.6  million from product line/real estate sales, and  $0.6 
million of exchange gains offset.   Fiscal 2007 includes $1.2 million of interest income and $0.5 million of gain from a business 
divestiture.  Fiscal 2006 includes $1.1 million of interest income and $0.8 million of gains from sales of real estate.    

Income  taxes  as  a  percentage  of  income  from  continuing  operations  before  income  taxes  for  fiscal  2008  and  fiscal  2007 
were 38.2% and 38.1%, respectively.   Income taxes as a percentage of income before income taxes were not reflective of U.S 
statutory  rates  in  fiscal  2006.   A  valuation  allowance  of  $50.5  million  existed  at  March  31,  2005  due  to  the  uncertainty  of 
whether  our  U.S.  federal  net  operating  loss  carryforwards  (“NOLs”),  deferred  tax  assets  and  capital  loss  carryforwards  might 
ultimately be realized.   We utilized $14.9 million of the U.S. federal NOLs in fiscal 2006 reducing the valuation allowance by 
$5.2 million.  As a result of our improved operating performance during fiscal 2006, we re-evaluated the certainty as to whether 
our remaining U.S. federal NOLs and other deferred tax assets may ultimately be realized.  As a result of the determination that it 
is  more  likely  than  not  that  nearly  all  of  the  remaining  deferred  tax  assets  would  be  realized,  $38.6  million  of  the  remaining 
valuation allowance was reversed as of March 31, 2006.  The U.S. NOLs were fully utilized in fiscal 2008.   

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES  

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $76.0 million at March 31, 2008, an increase of $27.3 million from the March 31, 2007 

balance of $48.7 million.         

Net cash provided by operating activities was $59.6 million, $45.5 million and $46.4 million in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, 
respectively.  The  $14.1  million  increase  in  fiscal  2008  relative  to  fiscal  2007  was  primarily  due  to  stronger  operating 
performance in fiscal 2008 ($10.4 million) and improved working capital components ($3.7 million).   Changes in net working 
capital include favorable changes of $11.2 in accounts receivable and unbilled revenues (downsizing of our European material 
handling   systems  business)  and   $8.6  in  accounts  payable  (resulting  from  timing  of  disbursements  and  increased  volume  of 
business)  offset  by  an  unfavorable  change  of  $7.4  million  in  inventory  (resulting  from  support  for  increase  in  new  product 
launches and new market penetration) and an unfavorable change of $9.3 million in accrued and non-current liabilities (funding 
of pension liabilities).   The $0.9 million decrease in fiscal 2007 relative to fiscal 2006 was primarily due to stronger operating 
performance  in  fiscal  2007  ($16.2  million)  offset  by  increased  working  capital  components  ($17.1  million).   Changes  in  net 
working capital include an unfavorable change of $4.8 million on inventory (resulting from support for upcoming new product 
launches,  a  surge  in  demand  for  larger  capacity  equipment,  and  timing  of  offshore  purchases)  and  an  unfavorable  change  of 
$20.4  million  in  accounts  payable  and  accrued  and  non-current  liabilities  (resulting  from  timing  of  disbursements,  changing 
product  liability  reserves,  and  decreased  variable  compensation  accruals).   These  were  offset  by  a  favorable  change  of  $7.5 
million on accounts receivables and unbilled revenues as a result of improved collections.    

Net  cash  used  by  investing  activities  was  $8.6  million,  $3.4  million  and  $6.4  million  in  fiscal  2008,  2007  and  2006, 
respectively. The fiscal 2008  change in  cash  used  by investing activities is the result of increased capital expenditures and net 
purchases of marketable securities offset by proceeds from the sale of properties and assets.  The fiscal 2007 change in cash used 
by investing activities is the result of increased capital expenditures, offset by increased net proceeds from the sale of marketable 
securities and greater proceeds from asset sales.  The fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 amounts included $5.5 million, $5.4 million and 
$2.1 million, respectively, from business, property and asset divestitures.       

24   

  
Net  cash  used  in  financing  activities  was  $28.6  million,  $39.9  million  and  $4.2  million  in  fiscal  2008,  2007  and  2006, 
respectively.   Fiscal  2008  and  2007  include  $1.4  million  and  $2.6  million,  respectively,  of  proceeds  from  the  exercise  of 
employee stock options.   Fiscal 2006 includes $56.6 million of proceeds from the November 2005 stock offering, $7.1 million 
from the exercise of employee stock options, and $2.2 million of tax benefit from the exercise of stock options.  The fiscal 2008, 
2007 and 2006 amounts included $31.1 million, $42.9 million and $67.8 million of debt repayment, respectively. We also paid 
$2.8 million of financing costs in fiscal 2006 to effect the capital transaction previously described.   

We believe that our cash on hand, cash flows, and borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient 
to fund our ongoing operations and budgeted capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months. This belief is dependent 
upon a steady economy and successful execution of our current business plan which includes cash generation for debt repayment.  
The business plan focuses on continued implementation of lean manufacturing, improving working capital utilization, including 
inventory management, and new market and new product development.  

In March 2006, we entered into a Revolving credit facility, which provides availability up to $75 million. Provided there is 
no default, the Company may request an increase in the availability of the Revolving Credit Facility by an amount not exceeding 
$50 million, subject to lender approval.  The Revolving Credit Facility matures February 2011.   

At  March  31,  2008,  the  Revolving  Credit  Facility  was  not  drawn  and  the  available  amount,  net  of  outstanding  letters  of 
credit of $11.2 million, totaled $63.8 million. Interest is payable at a Eurodollar rate or a prime rate plus an applicable margin 
determined by our leverage ratio. At our current leverage ratio, we qualify for the lowest applicable margin level, which amounts 
to  87.5  basis  points  for  Eurodollar  borrowings  and  zero  basis  points  for  prime  rate  based  borrowings.  The  Revolving  Credit 
Facility  is  secured  by  all  U.S.  inventory,  receivables,  equipment,  real  property,  subsidiary  stock  (limited  to  65%  for  foreign 
subsidiaries) and intellectual property. The corresponding credit agreement associated with the Revolving Credit Facility places 
certain  debt  covenant  restrictions  on  us,  including  certain  financial  requirements  and  a  limitation  on  dividend  payments,  with 
which we were in compliance as of March 31, 2008.  

The Senior Subordinated 8 7/8% Notes (8 7/8% Notes) issued on September 2, 2005 amounted to $129.9 million at March 
31,  2008  and  are  due  November  1,  2013.   Provisions  of  the  8  7/8%  Notes  include,  without  limitation,  restrictions  on 
indebtedness, asset sales, and dividends and other restricted payments.   Until November 1, 2008, we may redeem up to 35% of 
the outstanding notes at a redemption price of 108.875% with the proceeds of equity offerings, subject to certain restrictions. On 
or  after  November  1,  2009,  the  8  7/8%  Notes  are  redeemable  at  the  option  of  the  Company,  in  whole  or  in  part,  at  prices 
declining annually from 104.438% to 100% on and after November 1, 2011.  In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in 
the indenture for such notes), each holder of the 8 7/8% Notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of such holder’s 8 
7/8%  Notes  at  a  purchase  price  equal  to  101%  of  the  principal  amount  thereof.  The  8  7/8%  Notes  are  guaranteed  by  certain 
existing and future U.S. subsidiaries and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements.     

In November 2005, we registered an additional 3,350,000 shares of our common stock which were sold at $20.00 per share.  
The number of shares offered by us was 3,000,000 and 350,000 were offered by a selling shareholder.   We did not receive any 
proceeds  from  the  sale  of  shares  by  the  selling  shareholder.   This  secondary  stock  offering  increased  our  weighted  average 
common stock outstanding by 1.8 million shares for the year ended March 31, 2006.  

Unsecured  and  uncommitted  lines  of  credit  are  available  to  meet  short-term  working  capital  needs  for  certain  of  our 
subsidiaries operating outside of the U.S. The lines of credit are available on an offering basis, meaning that transactions under 
the line of credit will be on such terms and conditions, including interest rate, maturity, representations, covenants and events of 
default, as mutually agreed between our subsidiaries and the local bank at the time of each specific transaction. As of March 31, 
2008, significant credit lines totaled approximately $12.7 million, of which $11.3 million was drawn.  

In  addition  to  the  above  facilities,  our  foreign  subsidiaries  have  certain  fixed  term  bank  loans.  As  of  March  31,  2008, 

significant secured term loans totaled $3.3 million.  There were no significant unsecured loans outstanding at March 31, 2008.  

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS   

The following table reflects a summary of our contractual obligations in millions of dollars as of March 31, 2008, by period 

of estimated payments due:    

25    

  
  Long-term debt obligations (a)  

Operating lease obligations (b)     
Purchase obligations (c)  .........   
Interest obligations (d).............   
Letter of credit obligations ......   
Uncertain tax positions............   
Other 
long-term 
reflected  on 
balance sheet under GAAP (e)   
     Total ...................................  

liabilities 
the  Company’s 

Total
$  136.6  
19.0   
--   
67.7   
11.2   
2.4   

Fiscal 
2009
$  0.5  
5.1   
--   
12.1   
11.2   
0.2   

Fiscal 2010- 
Fiscal 2011
$  0.9  
7.4   
--   
24.3   
--   
0.2   

Fiscal 2012-  More Than  
Fiscal 2013
0.9   
$ 
3.6   
--   
23.5   
--   
2.0   

Five Years
$ 134.3 
2.9 
-- 
7.8 
-- 
0.0 

48.8
$  285.7

0.0
$ 29.1

27.4
$  60.2

14.8
$  44.8

6.6
$ 151.6

(a)  As described in note 10 to our consolidated financial statements. 
(b)  As described in note 17 to our consolidated financial statements. 
(c)  We have no purchase obligations specifying fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased. We estimate that, at any 

given point in time, our open purchase orders to be executed in the normal course of business approximate $40 million. 

(d)  Estimated for our Senior Subordinated Notes due 11/1/13. 
(e)  As described in note 9 to our consolidated financial statements.  

We have no additional off-balance sheet obligations that are not reflected above.  

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES   

In addition to keeping our current equipment and plants properly maintained, we are committed to replacing, enhancing and 
upgrading  our  property,  plant  and  equipment  to  support  new  product  development,  improve  productivity  and  customer 
responsiveness,  reduce  production  costs,  increase  flexibility  to  respond  effectively  to  market  fluctuations  and  changes,  meet 
environmental requirements, enhance safety and promote ergonomically correct work stations. Our capital expenditures for fiscal 
2008, 2007 and 2006 were $13.1 million, $10.7 million and $8.4 million, respectively. Higher capital expenditures in fiscal 2008 
and  2007  were  the  result  of  new  product  development  and  productivity  enhancing  equipment  along  with  normal  maintenance 
items. We expect capital expenditure spending in fiscal 2009 to be in the range of $14-$15 million.   

INFLATION AND OTHER MARKET CONDITIONS   

Our  costs  are  affected  by  inflation  in  the  U.S.  economy  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  in  foreign  economies  including  those  of 
Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America and Asia-Pacific. We do not believe that general inflation has had a material effect on 
our results of operations over the periods presented primarily due to overall low inflation levels over such periods and our ability 
to generally pass on rising costs through annual price increases and surcharges. However, employee benefits costs such as health 
insurance, workers compensation insurance, pensions as well as energy and business insurance have exceeded general inflation 
levels. In the future, we may be further affected by inflation that we may not be able to pass on as price increases.  With changes 
in worldwide demand for steel and fluctuating scrap steel prices over the past several years, we experienced fluctuations in our 
costs  that  we  have  reflected  as  price  increases  and  surcharges  to  our  customers.   We  believe  we  have  been  successful  in 
instituting  surcharges  and  price  increases  to  pass  on  these  material  cost  increases.   We  will  continue  to  monitor  our  costs  and 
reevaluate our pricing policies.    

SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS   

Our  quarterly  results  may  be  materially  affected  by  the  timing  of  large  customer  orders,  periods  of  high  vacation  and 
holiday  concentrations,  restructuring  charges  and  other  costs  attributable  to  our  facility  rationalization  program,  divestitures, 
acquisitions  and  the  magnitude  of  rationalization  integration  costs.  Therefore,  our  operating  results  for  any  particular  fiscal 
quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent fiscal quarter or for the full fiscal year.  

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS  

In May 2002, we completed the divestiture of substantially all of the assets of ASI which comprised the principal business 
unit in our former Solutions - Automotive segment. Proceeds from this sale included an 8% subordinated note in the principal 
amount of $6.8 million payable over 10 years.  Due to the uncertainty of its collection, the note has been recorded at its estimated 
net realizable value of $0.   Principal payments received on the note are recorded as income from discontinued operations at the 

26    

  
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
time of receipt.  Accordingly, $0.6 million of income from discontinued operations was recorded in fiscal 2008, net of tax.   All 
interest and principal payments required under the note have been made to date.   

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES   

The preparation  of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires us to make 
estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  our  consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes.  We 
continually evaluate the estimates and their underlying assumptions, which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying 
value of our assets and liabilities. Actual results inevitably will differ from those estimates. We have identified below the accounting 
policies involving estimates that are critical to our financial statements. Other accounting policies are more fully described in note 2 of 
notes to our consolidated financial statements.   

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.  The  determination  of  the  obligations  and  expense  for  pension  and  postretirement 
benefits is dependent on our selection of certain assumptions that are used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions 
are disclosed in Note 11 to our fiscal 2008 consolidated financial statements and include the discount rates, expected long-term rate of 
return on plan assets and rates of future increases in compensation and healthcare costs.    

The pension discount rate assumptions of 6½%, 6%, and 5¾% as of March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, are based on 
long-term bond rates. The increase in the discount rates for fiscal 2008 and 2007 resulted in an $8.4 and $4.3 decrease in the projected 
benefit obligation as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The decrease in discount rate for fiscal 2006 resulted in a $3.9 million 
increase in the projected benefit obligation as of March 31, 2006.  The rate of return on plan assets assumptions of 7½% for each of the 
years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is based on the composition of the asset portfolios (approximately 60% equities and 40% 
fixed income at March 31, 2008) and their long-term historical returns. The actual assets realized gains of $6.9 and $11.0 million in 
fiscal 2008 and 2007. Our under-funded status as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $15.3 million and $28.8 million, or 10.9% and 
20.6% of the projected benefit obligation, respectively. Our pension contributions during fiscal 2008 and 2007 were approximately 
$14.5 and $6.0 million, respectively. The under-funded status may result in future pension expense increases.  Pension expense for the 
March 31, 2009 fiscal year is expected to approximate $5.3 million, which is down from the fiscal 2008 amount of $6.6 million due to 
an increase in the return on the higher asset value and lower amortization of unrecognized losses.   The factors outlined above may 
result in increases in funding requirements over time, unless there is continued market appreciation in the asset values.  Pension funding 
contributions for the March 31, 2009 fiscal year are expected to decrease by approximately $7.7 million compared to fiscal 2008 which 
included approximately $7.0 million in discretionary contributions above the minimum amounts required by ERISA.  The discretionary 
funding decision reflects an acceleration to comply with the Pension Protection Act of 2006.  The compensation increase assumption of 
3% as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 and 4% as of March 31, 2006 is based on historical trends.   

The healthcare inflation assumptions of 8¼%, 9% and 9¾% for fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively are based on anticipated 
trends.  Healthcare costs in the United States have increased substantially over the last several years.  If this trend continues, the cost of 
postretirement healthcare will increase in future years.   

Insurance Reserves.   Our accrued general and product liability reserves as described in Note 14 to our consolidated financial 
statements  involve  actuarial  techniques  including  the  methods  selected  to  estimate  ultimate  claims,  and  assumptions  including 
emergence  patterns, payment patterns, initial expected  losses and  increased  limit factors. Other insurance reserves such  as workers 
compensation and group health insurance are based on actual historical and current claim data provided by third party administrators or 
internally maintained.    

Inventory and Accounts Receivable Reserves.  Slow-moving and obsolete inventory reserves are judgmentally determined based 
on formulas applied to historical and expected future usage within a reasonable timeframe. We reassess trends and usage on a regular 
basis and if we identify changes, we revise our estimated allowances.  Allowances for doubtful accounts and credit memo reserves are 
also judgmentally determined based on formulas applied to historical bad debt write-offs and credit memos issued, assessing potentially 
uncollectible customer accounts and analyzing the accounts receivable agings.    

Long-Lived Assets.  Property, plant and equipment and certain intangibles are depreciated or amortized over their assigned lives. 
These assets as well as goodwill are also periodically measured for impairment.  The assigned lives and the projected cash flows used 
to test impairment are subjective.  If actual lives are shorter than anticipated or if future cash flows are less than anticipated, we could 
incur a future impairment charge or a loss on disposal relating to these assets.   

Marketable  Securities.   On  a  quarterly  basis,  we  review  our  marketable  securities  for  declines  in  market  value  that  may  be 
considered other than temporary.  We consider market value declines to be other than temporary if they are declines for a period longer 
than six months and in excess of 20% of original cost.  

27 

  
Deferred  Tax  Asset  Valuation  Allowance.   As  of  March  31,  2008,  we  had  $31.9  million  of  gross  deferred  tax  assets  before 
valuation allowances.   As described in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the deferred tax assets relate principally to 
liabilities  including  employee  benefit  plans,  insurance  reserves,  accrued  vacation  and  incentive  costs  and  also  to  asset  valuation 
reserves such as inventory obsolescence reserves and bad debt reserves.  The deferred tax assets include $5.1 million related to various 
state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards for which a $4.1 million deferred tax asset valuation allowance is recorded.   

We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount of future tax benefit we believe is more likely than 
not to be realized.  We consider recent earnings projections, allowable tax carryforward periods, tax planning strategies and historical 
earnings  performance  to  determine  the  amount  of  the  valuation  allowance.   Changes  in  these  factors  could  cause  us  to  adjust  our 
valuation allowance, which would impact our income tax expense when we determine that these factors have changed.    

Revenue Recognition.   Sales are recorded when title passes to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment to the 
customer, except for long-term construction-type contracts. For long-term construction-type contracts, we recognize contract revenues 
under the percentage of completion method, measured by comparing direct costs incurred to total estimated direct costs. Changes in job 
performance, job conditions and estimated profitability, including those arising from final contract settlements, may result in revisions 
to costs and income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. In the event that a loss is anticipated on an 
uncompleted contract, a provision for the estimated loss is made at the time it is determined. Billings on contracts may precede or lag 
revenues  earned,  and  such  differences  are  reported  in  the  balance  sheet  as  current  liabilities  (accrued  liabilities)  and  current  assets 
(unbilled revenues), respectively. Customers do not routinely return product. However, sales returns are permitted in specific situations 
and typically include a restocking charge or the purchase of additional product. We have established an allowance for returns based 
upon historical trends.   

EFFECTS OF NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS  

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, “Fair Value 

Measurements,” (“SFAS 157”) to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles, and expand disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 will be effective for fiscal 
years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB 
Statement No. 157.” This FSP (1) partially defers the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for one year for certain nonfinancial assets 
and nonfinancial liabilities and (2) removes certain leasing transactions from the scope of SFAS 157. The Company believes that 
the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.   

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other 
Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). Among other items, 
SFAS 158 requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of an entity’s defined benefit postretirement plan as an 
asset or liability in the financial statements and requires recognition of the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans in 
other comprehensive income. We adopted all of the currently required provisions of SFAS 158 in fiscal 2007. This statement also 
requires an entity to measure a defined benefit postretirement plan’s assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of 
the end of the employers’ fiscal year. This requirement is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The 
Company does not expect the adoption of this requirement to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements.  

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities 

— Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 allows the irrevocable election of fair value 
as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and liabilities and other items on an instrument-by-
instrument basis. Changes in fair value would be reflected in earnings as they occur. The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve 
financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring 
related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS 159 is effective as 
of the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company believes that the adoption of SFAS 
No. 159 will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.  

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”). 

SFAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed 
in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose all of the information required to evaluate and understand the nature and financial 
effect of the business combination. This statement is effective for acquisition dates on or after the beginning of the first annual 
reporting period beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 
141(R) will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

28  

  
     
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements--an 

amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). This Statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for 
the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 is effective as of the beginning 
of the first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company believes that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will not 
have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.     

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995   

This report may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 
of 1995.  Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to 
differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such statements, including general economic and business conditions, 
conditions affecting the industries served by us and our subsidiaries, conditions affecting our customers and suppliers, competitor 
responses  to  our  products  and  services,  the  overall  market  acceptance  of  such  products  and  services,  the  integration  of 
acquisitions and other factors disclosed in our periodic reports filed with the Commission.   Consequently such forward-looking 
statements  should  be  regarded  as  our  current  plans,  estimates  and  beliefs.   We  do  not  undertake  and  specifically  decline  any 
obligation  to  publicly  release  the  results  of  any  revisions  to  these  forward-looking  statements  that  may  be  made  to  reflect  any 
future events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.   

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market  risk  is  the  potential  loss  arising  from  adverse  changes  in  market  rates  and  prices,  such  as  interest  rates.  We  are 
exposed to various market risks, including commodity prices for raw materials, foreign currency exchange rates and changes in 
interest  rates.  We  may  enter  into  financial  instrument  transactions,  which  attempt  to  manage  and  reduce  the  impact  of  such 
changes. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.   

Our primary commodity risk is related to changes in the price of steel.   We control this risk through negotiating purchase 
contracts on a consolidated basis and by attempting to build changes in raw material costs into the selling prices of or surcharges 
on our products.  We have not entered into financial instrument transactions related to raw material costs.   

In  fiscal  2008,  28%  of  our  net  sales  were  from  manufacturing  plants  and  sales  offices  in  foreign  jurisdictions.  We 
manufacture our products in the United States, Mexico, China, Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Hungary and Germany 
and sell our products and solutions in over 50 countries. Our results of operations could be affected by factors such as changes in 
foreign currency rates or weak economic conditions in foreign markets. Our operating results are exposed to fluctuations between 
the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, European currencies, the Mexican peso and the Chinese yuan. For example, when the 
U.S. dollar weakens against the Euro, the value of our net sales and net income denominated in Euros increases when translated 
into  U.S.  dollars  for  inclusion  in  our  consolidated  results.  We  are  also  exposed  to  foreign  currency  fluctuations  in  relation  to 
purchases denominated in foreign currencies. Our foreign currency risk is mitigated since the majority of our foreign operations’ 
net sales and the related expense transactions are denominated in the same currency so therefore a significant change in foreign 
exchange  rates  would  likely  have  a  very  minor  impact  on  net  income.   For  example,  a  10%  decline  in  the  rate  of  exchange 
between the euro and the U.S. dollar impacts net income by approximately $1.1 million.   In addition, the majority of our export 
sale transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, we currently have not invested in derivative instruments, such as 
foreign exchange contracts, to hedge foreign currency transactions.   

We  control  risk  related  to  changes  in  interest  rates  by  structuring  our  debt  instruments  with  a  combination  of  fixed  and 
variable interest rates and by periodically entering into financial instrument transactions as appropriate. At March 31, 2008, we 
do not have any material swap agreements or similar financial instruments in place. At March 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately 
88% and 92% of our outstanding debt had fixed interest rates, respectively. At those dates, we had approximately $18.0 million 
and  $13.9  million,  respectively,  of  outstanding  variable  rate  debt.  A  1%  fluctuation  in  interest  rates  in  fiscal  2008  and  2007 
would have changed interest expense on that outstanding variable rate debt by approximately $0.2 and $0.1 million, respectively.  

Like many industrial manufacturers, we are involved in asbestos-related litigation.   In continually evaluating costs relating to 
our estimated asbestos-related liability, we review, among other things, the incidence of past and recent claims, the historical case 
dismissal rate, the mix of the claimed illnesses and occupations of the plaintiffs, our recent and historical resolution of the cases, the 
number  of  cases  pending  against  us,  the  status  and  results  of  broad-based  settlement  discussions,  and  the  number  of  years  such 
activity might continue.   Based  on  this review, we  have estimated  our share of liability to defend and resolve probable asbestos-
related  personal  injury  claims.   This  estimate  is  highly  uncertain  due  to  the  limitations  of  the  available  data  and  the  difficulty  of 

29  

  
   
forecasting with any certainty the numerous variables that can affect the range of the liability.  We will continue to study the variables 
in  light  of  additional  information  in  order  to  identify  trends  that  may  become  evident  and  to  assess  their  impact  on  the  range  of 
liability that is probable and estimable.   

Based on actuarial information, we have estimated our asbestos-related aggregate liability through March 31, 2026 and March 
31, 2038 to range between $5.0 million and $15.0 million using actuarial parameters of continued claims for a period of 18 to 30 
years.  Our estimation of our asbestos-related aggregate liability that is probable and estimable, in accordance with U.S. generally 
accepted  accounting  principles  approximates  $8.4  million  which  has  been  reflected  as  a  liability  in  the  consolidated  financial 
statements as of March 31, 2008.  The recorded liability does not consider the impact of any potential favorable federal legislation. 
This liability may fluctuate based on the uncertainty in the number of future claims that will be filed and the cost to resolve those 
claims, which may be influenced by a number of factors, including the outcome of the ongoing broad-based settlement negotiations, 
defensive strategies, and the cost to resolve claims outside the broad-based settlement program.  Of this amount, management expects 
to incur asbestos liability payments of approximately $0.4 million over the next 12 months.  Because payment of the liability is likely 
to extend over many years, management believes that the potential additional costs for claims will not have a material after-tax effect 
on  our  financial  condition  or  our  liquidity,  although  the net after-tax  effect of any future liabilities recorded  could  be material to 
earnings in a future period.   

30 

  
Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   

Columbus McKinnon Corporation   

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 2008:    

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.............................................................................. 
Consolidated Balance Sheets ............................................................................................................................. 
Consolidated Statements of Income................................................................................................................... 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity............................................................................................. 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows............................................................................................................ 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

1.  Description of Business........................................................................................................................  
2.  Accounting Principles and Practices ....................................................................................................  
3.  Discontinued Operations ......................................................................................................................  
4.  Unbilled Revenues and Excess Billings ...............................................................................................  
5. 
Inventories............................................................................................................................................  
6.  Marketable Securities ...........................................................................................................................  
7. 
Property, Plant, and Equipment............................................................................................................  
8.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets ...........................................................................................................  
9.  Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities.........................................................................  
10.  Debt ......................................................................................................................................................  
11.  Pensions and Other Benefit Plans ........................................................................................................  
12.  Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)............................................................................................  
13.  Earnings per Share and Stock Plans .....................................................................................................  
14.  Loss Contingencies ..............................................................................................................................  
15.  Restructuring Charges ..........................................................................................................................  
Income Taxes .......................................................................................................................................  
16. 
17.  Rental Expense and Lease Commitments ............................................................................................  
18.  Summary Financial Information...........................................................................................................  
19.  Business Segment Information.............................................................................................................  
20.  Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) ....................................................................................  
21.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ............................................................................................  
22.  Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements ......................................................................................  

F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6

F-7
F-7
F-11
F-12
F-12
F-12
F-13
F-14
F-14
F-15
F-16
F-20
F-21
F-25
F-26
F-27
F-29
F-30
F-34
F-36
F-37
F-38

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. .......................................................................................  

F-39

F-1 

 
 
  
   
   
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Columbus McKinnon Corporation  

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Columbus McKinnon Corporation as of March 
31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each 
of  the  three  years  in  the  period  ended  March  31,  2008.  Our  audits  also  included  the  financial  statement  schedule 
listed  in  the Index  at Item 15(a). These financial statements and  schedule are the responsibility of the Company's 
management. Our responsibility is to  express an  opinion  on  these financial statements and  schedule based  on  our 
audits.  

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United States).   Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement.  An  audit  includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis, 
evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  An  audit  also  includes assessing  the 
accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall 
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.  

In  our  opinion,  the  financial  statements  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  consolidated 
financial position of Columbus McKinnon Corporation at March 31, 2008 and 2007 and the consolidated results of 
its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2008, in conformity with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when 
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the 
information set forth therein.  

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, on April 1, 2006 the Company changed its method 
of accounting for stock-based compensation.   As discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, on 
March  31,  2007  the  Company  changed  its  method  of  accounting  for  employee  retirement  plans  and  other 
postretirement  benefits.  As  discussed  in  Note  16  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  on  April  1,  2007  the 
Company changed its method of accounting for uncertainty in income taxes.  

We  also  have  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight  Board 
(United States), Columbus McKinnon Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2008, 
based  on  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control-Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated May 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion 
thereon.            

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP  

Buffalo, New York 
May 29, 2008                  

F-2 

 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION   

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS   

 March 31,  

 2008
 2007
(In thousands, except  
share data)  

Current assets:    

ASSETS   

$ 
    Cash and cash equivalents ................................................................................................

75,994  

$ 

48,655 

        Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts  
           ($4,259 and $3,628, respectively)..................................................................................
    Unbilled revenues .............................................................................................................
    Inventories ........................................................................................................................
Prepaid expenses...............................................................................................................
Total current assets ...................................................................................................................
Net property, plant, and equipment ..........................................................................................
Goodwill, net ............................................................................................................................
Other intangibles, net................................................................................................................
Marketable securities ................................................................................................................
Deferred taxes on income .........................................................................................................
Other assets...............................................................................................................................
Total assets................................................................................................................................

97,335    
9,574   
88,332   
17,532   
288,767   
58,414   
187,055   
321   
29,807   
17,570   
8,101   
$  590,035  

97,269  
15,050  
77,179   
18,029 
256,182 
55,231 
185,634 
269 
28,920 
34,460 
4,942 
$  565,638 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

Current liabilities:     

$ 
Notes payable to banks .....................................................................................................
Trade accounts payable.....................................................................................................
Accrued liabilities .............................................................................................................
Restructuring reserve ........................................................................................................
Current portion of long-term debt.....................................................................................
Total current liabilities..............................................................................................................
Senior debt, less current portion ...............................................................................................
Subordinated debt .....................................................................................................................
Other non-current liabilities......................................................................................................
Total liabilities ..........................................................................................................................
Shareholders’ equity:     

Voting common stock; 50,000,000 shares authorized;  

            18,982,538 and 18,825,312 shares issued ....................................................................
Additional paid-in capital ................................................................................................
Retained earnings..............................................................................................................
ESOP debt guarantee; 176,646 and 213,667 shares .........................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive loss............................................................................
Total shareholders’ equity ........................................................................................................
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity..................................................................................

178,457   
122,400   
(2,824)   
(2,741)   
295,481   
$  590,035  

11,330  
41,895   
55,855   
58   
521   
109,659   
6,196   
129,855   
48,844   
294,554   

189 

$ 

9,598   
35,896   
52,344   
599   
297 
98,734 
26,168 
136,000 
63,411 
324,313 

188   
174,654   
85,237   
(3,417)   

(15,337) 
241,325 
$  565,638 

See accompanying notes.  

F-3   

 
 
  
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION    

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME     

 2008

 Year Ended March 31,  
 2007
(In thousands,  
except per share data)      

 2006

Net sales................................................................................................  $ 
Cost of products sold ............................................................................  
Gross profit ...........................................................................................  
Selling expenses....................................................................................  
General and administrative expenses....................................................  
Restructuring charges ...........................................................................  
Impairment loss ....................................................................................  
Amortization of intangibles ..................................................................  
Income from operations ........................................................................  
Interest and debt expense......................................................................  
Cost of bond redemptions.....................................................................  
Investment income................................................................................  
Other (income) and expense, net ..........................................................  
Income from continuing operations before income tax  
        expense (benefit)...........................................................................       
Income tax expense (benefit)................................................................  
Income from continuing operations......................................................  
Income from discontinued operations (net of tax)................................  
Net income............................................................................................  $ 

623,334  
438,781   
184,553   
71,955   
37,647   
1,179   
2,509   
115   
71,148   
14,629   
1,794   
(1,165)   
(3,641)   

59,531   
22,739   
36,792   
557   
37,349  

Average basic shares outstanding .........................................................  
Average diluted shares outstanding ......................................................  

18,723   
19,158   

Basic income per share:      

Income from continuing operations ..............................................  $ 
Income from discontinued operations...........................................  
Basic income per share .................................................................  $ 

Diluted income per share:      

Income from continuing operations ..............................................  $ 
Income from discontinued operations...........................................  
Diluted income per share ..............................................................  $ 

1.96  
0.03   
1.99  

1.92  
0.03   
1.95  

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

589,848  
425,248   
164,600   
61,731   
34,097   
133   
-   
183   
68,456   
16,430   
5,188   
(5,257)   
(1,825)   

53,920   
20,539   
33,381   
704   
34,085  

18,517   
18,951   

1.80  
0.04   
1.84  

1.76  
0.04   
1.80  

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

556,007 
408,385 
147,622 
54,255 
33,640 
1,609 
- 
249 
57,869 
24,667 
9,201 
(2,017) 
(2,136) 

28,154 
(30,946) 
59,100 
696 
59,796 

16,052 
16,628 

3.69   
0.04   
3.73 

3.56   
0.04   
3.60 

See accompanying notes.  

F-4 

 
 
 
 
   
     
     
     
    
    
      
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION    

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
(In thousands, except share and per share data)    

Common 
Stock 
($.01 
par value) 

Addi- 
tional 
Paid-in 
Capital  
149   $  104,078    $ 

Retained 
Earnings 
(Accumulated
Deficit)  

ESOP 
Debt 
Guarantee   

Unearned 
Restricted 
Stock  

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Loss  

Total 
Shareholders’ 
Equity 

(8,644)   $ 

(4,554)   $ 

(6)  

$ 

(9,256)  

$ 

81,767 

Balance at March 31, 2005.............................  $ 
Comprehensive income:        
Net income 2006 ............................................  
Change in foreign currency  

translation adjustment ................................  

Change in net unrealized gain on   

investments, net of tax of $354 ..................  

Change in minimum pension  
liability adjustment, net of  
tax benefit of $1,681 ..................................  
Total comprehensive income..........................  
Common stock issued, 3,000,000 shares .......  
Stock options exercised, 626,282 shares........  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock  options...  
Earned 34,874 ESOP shares...........................  
Restricted common stock granted,               
   1,000 shares .................................................  
Earned portion of restricted shares.................  
Balance at March 31, 2006.............................  $ 
Comprehensive income:  
Net income 2007 ............................................  
Change in foreign currency  

translation adjustment ................................  

Change in net unrealized gain on   

investments, net of tax benefit of $1,006...  

Change in pension liability, prior  

to adoption of SFAS 158, net of  
tax of $3,830...............................................  
Total comprehensive income..........................  
Adjustment to initially apply SFAS 158,     
    net of tax benefit of $6,906 ........................  
Stock compensation - directors ......................  
Stock options exercised, 240,468 shares........  
Stock compensation expense..........................  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock  options...  
Earned 36,154 ESOP shares...........................  
Balance at March 31, 2007.............................  $ 
Comprehensive income:  
Net income 2008 ............................................  
Change in foreign currency  

translation adjustment ................................  

Change in net unrealized gain on   

investments, net of tax benefit of $410 ......  

Change in pension liability and         
postretirement obligations, net of  
tax of $2,695...............................................  
Total comprehensive income..........................  
Adjustment to initially apply FIN 48 .............  
Stock compensation - directors ......................  
Stock options exercised, 144,425 shares........  
Stock compensation expense..........................  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock  options...  
Earned 37,021 ESOP shares...........................  
Balance at March 31, 2008.............................  $ 

—   

—   

—   

—   

30   
6   
—   
—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

56,589   
7,143   
2,154   
95   

59,796   

—    

—   

—    

—   
—   
—   
—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   
—   
—   
558   

—    

—     

—     

—    

—    
—    
—    
—    

—   

59,796 

(1,846)   

(1,846) 

658   

658 

(2,535)   

—   
—   
    —   
—   

(2,535)
56,073 
56,619 
7,149 
2,154 
653 

—   
—   

—   
22   
—   
—   
185   $  170,081    $  51,152  

$ 

—   
—   
(3,996)   $ 

(22)    
6   
(22)  

$ 

    —   
—   
(12,979)  

— 
6 
$  204,421 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

34,085   

—    

—   

—   

—   

—   

—    

—     

—     

—   

34,085 

4,093   

4,093 

(1,869)   

(1,869) 

—   

—   

—    

—   

—    

5,758   

5,758
42,067 

—   
—   
3   
—   
—   
—   

—   
—   
—   
180   
—   
2,598   
—   
1,255   
—   
311   
—   
229   
188   $  174,654    $  85,237  

$ 

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
579   

—    
—    
—    
22    
—    
—    
(3,417)   $         —  

$ 

(10,340)   
—   
—   
    —   
    —   
—   
(15,337)  

(10,340) 
180 
2,601 
1,277 
311 
808 
$  241,325 

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

—   

37,349   

—    

—   

—   

—   

—   

—    

—     

—     

—   

37,349 

9,431   

9,431 

(762)   

(762) 

—   

—   

—    

—   

—    

3,927   

—   
—   
1   
—   
—   
—   

(186)   
—   
—   
196   
—   
1,415   
—   
1,266   
—   
482   
—   
444   
189   $  178,457    $  122,400  

$ 

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
593   

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
(2,824)   $         —  

$ 

—   
—   
—   
    —   
    —   
—   
(2,741)  

3,927
49,945 
(186) 
196 
1,416 
1,266 
482 
1,037 
$  295,481 

See accompanying notes.  

F-5 

 
 
 
 
 
   
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION    

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS   

Operating activities:    
Income from continuing operations................................................................
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing   

operations to net cash provided by operating activities:      

 2008

 Year ended March 31,  
 2007
(In thousands)  

 2006

$ 

36,792  

$ 

33,381

$ 

59,100

Depreciation and amortization................................................................
Deferred income taxes ............................................................................................
(Gain) loss on divestitures ......................................................................................
Gain on sale of real estate/investments ................................................................
Loss on early retirement of bonds................................................................
Amortization/write-off of deferred financing costs ................................
Stock-based compensation......................................................................................
Impairment loss................................................................................................
Changes in operating assets and liabilities     
net of effects of business divestitures:        

8,816   
14,625   
(70)   
(526)   
1,378   
982   
1,462   
2,509  

8,289
12,438
(504)
(5,373)
4,263
1,603
1,457
              —   

Trade accounts receivable and  unbilled revenues................................
Inventories ................................................................................................
Prepaid expenses.............................................................................................
Other assets ................................................................................................
Trade accounts payable...................................................................................
Accrued and non-current liabilities................................................................

7,652   
(9,667)   
654   
(1,183)   
4,707   
(8,541)   
59,590   

Net cash provided by operating activities................................................................
Investing activities:    
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities ................................................................
Purchases of marketable securities ................................................................  
Capital expenditures ................................................................................................
Proceeds from sale of assets ...........................................................................................
Proceeds from sale of businesses....................................................................................
Proceeds from discontinued operations, net of tax .........................................................
Net cash used by investing activities ................................................................
Financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock ................................................................
Proceeds from exercise of stock options................................................................
Payments under revolving line-of-credit agreements .....................................................
Borrowings under revolving line-of-credit agreements..................................................
Repayment of debt ................................................................................................
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt................................................................
Payment of deferred financing costs................................................................
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options................................................................
Change in ESOP debt guarantee.....................................................................................
Net cash used by financing activities................................................................
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash................................................................
Net change in cash and cash equivalents ................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year .............................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ................................................................
Supplementary cash flows data:    

$ 

13,076   
(14,638)   
(13,066)   
5,504   
              —   
557   
(8,567)  

              —  

1,416   
              —   
18   
(31,069)   

              —  

(2)   
482   
593   
(28,562)   
4,878   
27,339   
48,655   
75,994  

(3,521)
(2,260)
(2,132)
921
(3,849)
782
45,495

36,853
(35,686)
(10,653)
2,813
2,574
704
(3,395)

              —   
2,601
(62,930)
65,975
(45,964)
              —   
(449)
311
579
(39,877)
834
3,057
45,598
48,655

$ 

Interest paid ................................................................................................
$ 
$ 
Income taxes paid, net ............................................................................................

14,079  
9,568  

$ 
$ 

17,221
5,712

See accompanying notes. 

F-6 

8,824
(36,968)
87
(2,100)
7,083
3,297
—   
—   

(11,025)
2,518
(2,026)
207
6,099
11,267
46,363

15,913
(16,801)
(8,430)
2,091
              — 
857
(6,370)

56,619
7,149
(47,669)
49,030
(205,167)
136,000
(2,877)
2,154
558
(4,203)
329
36,119
9,479
45,598

26,565
5,035

$ 

$ 
$ 

 
 
 
  
   
 
  
 
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
     
  
   
     
  
   
     
  
   
     
  
   
     
  
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
 
  
  
   
 
 
     
     
  
     
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
   
 
  
       
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION    

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   

(tabular amounts in thousands, except share data)   

1.    Description of Business    

Columbus  McKinnon  Corporation  (the  Company)  is  a  leading  U.S.  designer  and  manufacturer  of  material 
handling  products,  systems  and  services  which  efficiently  and  ergonomically  move,  lift,  position  and  secure 
material.  Key  products  include  hoists,  cranes,  chain  and  forged  attachments.   The  Company’s  material  handling 
products  are  sold,  domestically  and  internationally,  principally  to  third  party  distributors  through  diverse 
distribution  channels,  and  to  a  lesser  extent  directly  to  end-users.   The  Company’s  integrated  material  handling 
solutions  businesses  deal  primarily  with  end  users  and  sales  are  concentrated,  domestically  and  internationally 
(primarily  Europe),  in  the  consumer  products,  manufacturing,  warehousing  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  the  steel, 
construction,  automotive  and  other  industrial  markets.   During  fiscal  2008,  approximately  65%  of  sales  were  to 
customers in the United States.    

2.    Accounting Principles and Practices  

Advertising   

Costs associated with advertising are expensed in the year incurred and are included in selling expense in the 
statement of income.  Advertising expenses were $5,531,000, $3,779,000, and $3,343,000 in fiscal 2008, 2007, and 
2006, respectively.   

Cash and Cash Equivalents    

The Company considers as cash  equivalents all highly liquid  investments with an original maturity of three 

months or less.   

Concentrations of Labor    

Approximately 22% of the Company’s employees are represented by seven separate domestic and Canadian 
collective  bargaining  agreements  which  terminate  at  various  times  between  September  2008  and  March  2012. 
Approximately  2%  of  the  labor  force  is  covered  by  collective  bargaining  agreements  that  will  expire  within  one 
year.   

Consolidation    

These  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  the  Company  and  its  domestic  and  foreign 
subsidiaries;  all  significant  intercompany  accounts  and  transactions  have  been  eliminated.  Our  international 
subsidiaries in Asia and Spain close one month and our Mexican subsidiary closes three months earlier to facilitate 
consolidated reporting.   

Financial Instruments    

The carrying value of the Company’s current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair values based 
upon the relatively short maturity of those instruments.   For the fair value of the Company’s marketable securities 
and debt instruments, see Notes 6 and 10, respectively.     

Foreign Currency Translations    

The Company translates foreign currency financial statements as described in Financial Accounting Standards 
Board  (FASB)  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  (SFAS)  No.  52,  “Foreign  Currency  Translation.” 
Under this method, all items of income and expense are translated to U.S. dollars at average exchange rates for the 
year.  All  assets  and  liabilities  are  translated  to  U.S.  dollars  at  the  year-end  exchange  rate.  Gains  or  losses  on 
translations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders’ equity section of the balance 
sheet.   The  functional  currency  is  the  foreign  currency  in  which  the  foreign  subsidiaries  conduct  their  business.  
Gains  and  losses  from  foreign  currency  transactions  are  reported  in  other  income  and  expense,  net.   There  were 
gains of approximately $600,000 in fiscal 2008 and losses of approximately $225,000 and a $100,000 on foreign 
currency transactions in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively.   

F-7 

 
   
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

Goodwill    

Goodwill  is  not  amortized  but  is  periodically  tested  for  impairment,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”   Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book 
value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value.   The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using a 
discounted  cash  flow  methodology.   The  Company’s  reporting  units  are  determined  based  upon  whether  discrete 
financial information is available and regularly reviewed, whether those units constitute a business, and the extent of 
economic  similarities  between  those  reporting  units  for  purposes  of  aggregation.   As  a  result  of  this  analysis,  the 
reporting  units  identified  under  SFAS  No.  142  were  at  the  component  level,  or  one  level  below  the  reporting 
segment  level  as  defined  under  SFAS  No.  131,  “Disclosures  about  Segments  of  an  Enterprise  and  Related 
Information.”   The  Products  segment  was  subdivided  into  three  reporting  units  and  the  Solutions  segment  was 
subdivided into two reporting units.  Identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are amortized 
over  their  useful  lives  unless  their  useful  lives  are  indefinite,  in  which  case  those  intangible  assets  are  tested  for 
impairment  annually  and  not  amortized  until  their  lives  are  determined  to  be  finite.   See  Note  8  for  further 
discussion of goodwill and intangible assets.    

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets  

The  Company  assesses  impairment  of  its  long-lived  assets  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  SFAS 
No. 144,  “Accounting  for  the  Impairment  or  Disposal  of  Long-Lived  Assets.”  SFAS No. 144  requires  long-lived 
assets,  such  as  property  and  equipment  and  purchased  intangibles  subject  to  amortization  to  be  reviewed  for 
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may 
not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount 
of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the 
carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized equal 
to the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group.    

In assessing long-lived assets for an impairment loss, assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the 
lowest  level  for  which  identifiable  cash  flows  are  largely  independent  of  the  cash  flows  of  other  assets  and 
liabilities.  Asset  grouping  requires  a  significant  amount  of  judgment.  Accordingly,  facts  and  circumstances  will 
influence  how  asset  groups  are  determined  for  impairment  testing.  In  assessing  long-lived  assets  for  impairment, 
management considered the company’s product line portfolio, customers and related commercial agreements, labor 
agreements and other factors in grouping assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows 
are independent. The Company considers projected future undiscounted cash flows, trends and other factors in its 
assessment  of  whether  impairment  conditions  exist.  While  the  Company  believes  that  its  estimates  of  future  cash 
flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such factors as future production volumes, customer pricing, 
economics and productivity and cost initiatives, could significantly affect its estimates. In determining fair value of 
long-lived assets, management uses appraisals, management estimates or discounted cash flow calculations.  

During fiscal 2008, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2,509,000 to reduce the net book value 
of  certain  long-lived  assets  related  to  our  Univeyor  business  within  the  Company’s  Solutions  segment  to  their 
estimated fair value. This impairment was recorded pursuant to impairment indicators including recurring operating 
losses and declining cash flow.  

There were no impairment charges in fiscal 2007 or 2006.  

Inventories    

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost of approximately 56% of inventories at March 31, 
2008 (60% in 2007) has been determined using the LIFO (last-in, first-out) method. Costs of other inventories have 
been  determined  using  the  FIFO  (first-in,  first-out)  or  average  cost  method.  FIFO  cost  approximates  replacement 
cost. Costs in inventory include components for direct labor and overhead costs.     

F-8 

 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

Marketable Securities    

All  of  the  Company’s  marketable  securities,  which  consist  of  equity  securities,  have  been  classified  as 
available-for-sale securities and are therefore recorded at their fair values with the unrealized gains and losses, net 
of tax, reported  in  accumulated  other comprehensive loss within shareholders’ equity unless unrealized losses are 
deemed to be other than temporary. In such instance, the unrealized losses are reported in the statement of income 
within investment income. Estimated fair value is based on published trading values at the balance sheet dates. The 
cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividend income are included in 
investment income in the consolidated statements of income.    

The  marketable  securities  are  carried  as  long-term  assets  since  they  are  held  for  the  settlement  of  the 
Company’s  general  and  products  liability  insurance  claims  filed  through  CM  Insurance  Company,  Inc.,  a  wholly 
owned captive insurance subsidiary.   

Property, Plant, and Equipment    

Property,  plant,  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost  and  depreciated  principally  using  the  straight-line  method 
over  their  respective  estimated  useful  lives  (buildings  and  building  equipment—15  to  40  years;  machinery  and 
equipment—3  to  18  years).  When  depreciable  assets  are  retired,  or  otherwise  disposed  of,  the  cost  and  related 
accumulated  depreciation  are  removed  from  the  accounts  and  any  resulting  gain  or  loss  is  reflected  in  operating 
results.   

Research and Development    

Research  and  development  costs  as  defined  in  SFAS  No.  2,  “Accounting  for  Research  and  Development 
Costs”  for  the  years  ended  March  31,  2008,  2007  and  2006  were  $4,495,000,  $2,887,000  and  $1,614,000, 
respectively and are classified as general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income.    

Revenue Recognition and Concentration of Credit Risk    

Sales are recorded when title passes to the customer which is generally at time of shipment to the customer, 
except for long-term construction contracts as described below. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations 
of its customers’ financial condition, but generally does not require collateral to support customer receivables. The 
credit  risk  is  controlled  through  credit  approvals,  limits  and  monitoring  procedures.  Accounts  receivable  are 
reported  at  net  realizable  value  and  do  not  accrue  interest.   The  Company  establishes  an  allowance  for  doubtful 
accounts  based  upon  factors  surrounding  the  credit  risk  of  specific  customers,  historical  trends  and  other  factors.   
Accounts receivable are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts once all collection efforts have been 
exhausted.   The  Company  does  not  routinely  permit  customers  to  return  product.   However,  sales  returns  are 
permitted in specific situations and typically include a restocking charge or the purchase of additional product.  The 
Company has established an allowance for returns based upon historical trends.   

The  Company  recognizes  contract  revenues  under  the  percentage  of  completion  method,  measured  by 
comparing  direct  costs  incurred  to  total  estimated  direct  costs.  Changes  in  job  performance,  job  conditions  and 
estimated profitability, including those arising from final contract settlements, may result in revisions to costs and 
income and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. In the event that a loss is anticipated 
on  an  uncompleted  contract,  a  provision  for  the  estimated  loss  is  made  at  the  time  it  is  determined.    Billings  on 
contracts  may  precede  or  lag  revenues  earned,  and  such  differences  are  reported  in  the  balance  sheet  as  current 
liabilities (accrued liabilities) and current assets (unbilled revenues), respectively.   

Sale-Leaseback Transactions  

On June 22, 2007, the Company sold its facility in Charlotte, NC and entered into a leaseback for a portion of 
the  facility  under  a  10-year  lease  agreement.  Net  proceeds  to  the  Company  for  the  sale  of  the  property  were 
approximately  $4,800,000.  The  $800,000  gain  on  the  transaction  was  deferred  and  will  be  recognized  as  income 
over the 10-year leaseback period. The lease agreement has been recorded as a capital lease, refer to note 7.   

F-9  

 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

On January 28, 2005, the Company sold its corporate headquarters property and entered into a leaseback for a 
portion of the facility under a 10-year lease agreement. Net proceeds to the Company for the sale of the property 
were approximately $2,700,000 and the gain on the transaction was $2,200,000. Of the total gain, $1,000,000 was 
recognized in 2005 under the caption other income, and $1,200,000 was deferred and will be recognized as income 
over the 10-year leaseback period. Additionally, $500,000 of non-cash value (rent abatement) will be recognized on 
a straight-line basis as lower operating expenses over the 10-year leaseback period.   

Shipping and Handling Costs    

Shipping and handling costs are a component of cost of products sold.   

Stock-Based Compensation  

Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123(R), "Share-Based Payment," applying the modified 
prospective method. This Statement requires all equity-based payments to employees, including grants of employee 
stock options, to be recognized in the statement of earnings based on the grant date fair value of the award. Under 
the  modified  prospective  method,  the  Company  is  required  to  record  equity-based  compensation  expense  for  all 
awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards outstanding as 
of the date of adoption. The adoption of SFAS 123(R) resulted in $1,230,000 ($0.06 per share) of non-deductible 
incentive stock option expense in the year ended March 31, 2007.  Stock compensation expense is included in cost 
of  goods  sold,  selling,  and  general  and  administrative  expense.   The  Company  uses  a  straight-line  method  of 
attributing the value of stock-based compensation expense, subject to minimum levels of expense, based on vesting.  

Prior  to  April  1,  2006,  the  Company  accounted  for  the  stock  option  plans  under  the  recognition  and 
measurement  principles  of  Accounting  Principles  Board  Opinion  No.  25,  “Accounting  for  Stock  Issued  to 
Employees” (APB 25) and related Interpretations.  No stock-based employee compensation cost was reflected in net 
income, as all options granted under these plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying 
common stock on the date of grant and the number of options granted was fixed.    

The Company's net income and earnings per share as if the fair value based method had been applied to all 

outstanding and unvested awards for fiscal year 2006 is as follows:   

Year Ended 
March 31,2006 
Net income, as reported ..........................................................
$ 
Deduct: Total stock-based employee  

59,796 

compensation expense determined under   
fair value based method for all awards,  
net of related tax effects................................................................

Net income, pro forma ................................................................

$ 

(577) 
59,219 

Basic income per share:  
As reported................................................................................................
  3.73 
  3.69 
Pro forma ................................................................................................

$ 
$  

Diluted income per share:  
As reported................................................................................................
3.60 
3.56 
Pro forma ................................................................................................

$ 
$ 

F-10  

 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
      
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

In  November  2005,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  issued  Staff  Position  ("FSP")  FAS 
123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards.” FSP 
FAS 123(R)-3 provides an alternative transition method for establishing the beginning balance of the pool of excess 
tax  benefits  available  to  absorb  tax  deficiencies  recognized  subsequent  to  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  123(R)  (the 
"APIC Pool"). Effective in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company elected to adopt the alternative transition 
method  provided  in  FSP  FAS  123(R)-3  for  establishing  the  beginning  balance  of  the  APIC  Pool.  This  method 
consists of a computational component that establishes a beginning balance of the APIC Pool related to employee 
compensation and a simplified method ("short-cut method") to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC Pool 
of employee awards that are fully vested and outstanding upon the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).  

See Note 13 for further discussion of stock-based compensation.  

Use of Estimates    

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles 
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements 
and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.   

Warranties  

The  Company  offers  warranties  for  certain  products  it  sells.   The  specific  terms  and  conditions  of  those 
warranties  vary  depending  upon  the  product  sold  and  the  country  in  which  the  Company  sold  the  product.   The 
Company  generally  provides  a  basic  limited  warranty,  including  parts  and  labor  for  any  product  deemed  to  be 
defective for a period of one year.   The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its basic limited 
warranty, based largely upon actual warranty repair costs history, and records a liability in the amount of such costs 
in  the  month  that  the  product  revenue  is  recognized.   The  resulting  accrual  balance  is  reviewed  during  the  year.  
Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rate 
of warranty claims, and cost per claim.  

Changes in the Company’s product warranty accrual are as follows:    

March 31, 

Balance at beginning of year...................................................................................
Accrual for warranties issued .................................................................................
Warranties settled ................................................................................................
$ 
Balance at end of year.............................................................................................

1,263  
3,300   
(3,160)   
1,403  

$ 

2008

2007

$ 

$ 

2,132    
3,770    
(4,639)    
1,263 

3.    Discontinued Operations    

In  May  2002,  the  Company  sold  substantially  all  of  the  assets  of  Automatic  Systems,  Inc.  (ASI).  The  ASI 
business was the principal business unit in the Company’s former Solutions – Automotive segment.  The Company 
received $20,600,000 in cash and an 8% subordinated note in the principal amount of $6,800,000 which is payable 
at a rate of $214,000 per quarter over eight years beginning August 2004. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the 
financial viability of the debtor, the note has been  recorded  at the estimated  net realizable value of $0.   Principal 
payments  received  on  the  note  are  recorded  as  income  from  discontinued  operations  at  the  time  of  receipt.   All 
interest and principal payments required under the note have been made to date.   The gross value of the note as of 
March 31, 2008 is approximately $3,600,000.       

F-11 

 
  
 
    
 
  
  
 
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)    

4.    Unbilled Revenues and Excess Billings    

Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts ...............................................................
Estimated earnings ..................................................................................................
Revenues earned to date .........................................................................................
Less billings to date ................................................................................................

$ 

$ 

March 31, 

2008

2007

38,039  
12,334   
50,373   
41,179   
9,194  

$ 

$ 

50,014    
12,119    
62,133 
48,042      
14,091 

The net amounts above are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the following captions:    

Unbilled revenues ...........................................................................................................
Accrued liabilities ...........................................................................................................

$ 

$ 

5.    Inventories    

Inventories consisted of the following:     

At cost—FIFO basis:      

Raw materials .........................................................................................................
Work-in-process .....................................................................................................
Finished goods ........................................................................................................

$ 

LIFO cost less than FIFO cost ........................................................................................
Net inventories................................................................................................................

$ 

March 31, 

2008

2007

9,574  
(380)   
9,194  

$ 

$ 

15,050  

(959)   

14,091 

March 31, 

2008

2007

48,640  
10,454   
44,102   
103,196   
(14,864)   
88,332  

$ 

$ 

45,006    
9,050    
36,606     
90,662 
(13,483)  
77,179 

6.    Marketable Securities     

Marketable  securities  are  held  for  the  settlement  of  the  Company’s  general  and  products  liability  insurance 
claims filed through the Company’s wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary, CM Insurance Company, Inc. (see 
Notes  2  and  14).  In  accordance  with  SFAS  No.  115,  “Accounting  for  Certain  Investments  in  Debt  and  Equity 
Securities,”  the Company reviews its marketable securities for declines in market value that may be considered other 
than  temporary.   The Company considers market value declines to be other than temporary if they are declines for a 
period longer than six months and in excess of 20% of original cost.   Based on the Company’s review no unrealized 
losses represented an other than temporary impairment for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.  As of March 31, 
2006, in accordance with SFAS No. 115, the Company reduced the cost bases of certain equity securities since it 
was  determined  that  the  unrealized  losses  on  those  securities  were  other  than  temporary  in  nature.  This 
determination resulted in the recognition of a pre-tax charge to earnings of $78,000 for the year ended March 31, 
2006, classified within other (income) and expense, net.  

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2008:        

Equity securities.......................................................... 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains 

$ 

4  

Cost 
   $  30,945  

F-12 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 
$ 

Estimated 
Fair 
Value  

1,142   $  29,807 

 
  
 
    
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
   
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

The aggregate fair value of investments and unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities in an unrealized 

loss position at March 31, 2008 are as follows:   

Securities in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months   
Securities in a continuous loss position for more than 12 months    

Aggregate  
Fair Value  

Unrealized   
Losses    

$  17,636  
10,938   
$  28,574  

$ 

$ 

580  
562    

1,142 

The  net  gains  related  to  sales  of  marketable  securities  totaled  $88,000,  $4,360,000  and  $1,436,000  in  fiscal 

2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 2007:        

Equity securities.......................................................... 

Gross 
Unrealized 
Gains 

$ 

68  

Cost 
   $  28,886  

Gross 
Unrealized 
Losses 
$ 

Estimated 
Fair 
Value  

34   $  28,920 

Net unrealized losses included in the balance sheet at March 31, 2008 amounted to $1,138,000 and the related 
income tax benefit was $398,000. Net unrealized gains included in the balance sheet at March 31, 2007 amounted to 
$34,000 and the related income taxes were $12,000. Unrealized gains and losses, net of related income taxes, are 
reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholders’ equity.    

7.    Property, Plant, and Equipment    

Consolidated property, plant, and equipment of the Company consisted of the following:     

Land and land improvements........................................................................................   $ 
Buildings.......................................................................................................................   
Machinery, equipment, and leasehold improvements...................................................   
Construction in progress ...............................................................................................   

4,503  
32,656   
110,192   
2,747   
150,098   
Less accumulated depreciation .....................................................................................   
91,684   
Net property, plant, and equipment...............................................................................   $  58,414  

2008

2007

$ 

5,036  
29,657  
104,479  

2,277     

141,449 
86,218  
$  55,231 

March 31, 

Buildings include assets recorded under capital leases amounting to $3,147,000 and $0 for the years ended 
March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Accumulated depreciation includes accumulated amortization of the assets 
recorded under capital leases amounting to $236,000 at March 31, 2008.  

Depreciation  expense,  including  amortization  of  assets  recorded  under  capital  leases,  was  $8,701,000, 

$8,106,000, and $8,575,000 for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.      

F-13  

 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)    

8.    Goodwill and Intangible Assets  

As discussed in Note 2, goodwill is not amortized but is periodically tested for impairment, in accordance with 
the  provisions  of  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  (SFAS)  No.  142,  “Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible 
Assets.”  Goodwill impairment is deemed to exist if the net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair 
value.  The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow methodology.  The Company’s 
reporting  units  are  determined  based  upon  whether  discrete  financial  information  is  available  and  regularly 
reviewed, whether those units constitute a business, and the extent of economic similarities between those reporting 
units for purposes of aggregation.   As a result of this analysis, the reporting units identified under SFAS No. 142 
were  at  the  component  level,  or  one  level  below  the  reporting  segment  level  as  defined  under  SFAS  No.  131, 
“Disclosures  about  Segments  of  an  Enterprise  and  Related  Information.”   The  Products  segment  was  subdivided 
into three reporting units and the Solutions segment was subdivided into two reporting units.        

Identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are amortized over their useful lives unless 
their  useful  lives  are  indefinite,  in  which  case  those  intangible  assets  are  tested  for  impairment  annually  and  not 
amortized until their lives are determined to be finite.  

No  impairment  charges  related  to  goodwill  or  intangible  assets  were  recorded  during  fiscal  2008,  2007  or 

2006.   

All goodwill reported in fiscal 2008 and 2007 was related to the products segment.  A summary of changes in 

goodwill during the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:   

Balance at March 31, 2006 ....................................................................................  
Currency translation............................................................................................... 
Balance at March 31, 2007 ....................................................................................  
Currency translation............................................................................................... 
Balance at March 31, 2008 ....................................................................................  

$  184,917 
717 
$  185,634 
1,421 
$  187,055 

Patents  and  other  intangibles,  net  amounted  to  $321,000  and  $269,000  for  the  years  ended  March  31,  2008 
and 2007, respectively. Based on the current amount of patents and other, net, the estimated amortization expense 
for  each  of  the  succeeding  five  years  is  expected  to  be  $107,000,  $85,000,  $67,000,  $45,000,  and  17,000, 
respectively.   

9.    Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities    

Consolidated accrued liabilities of the Company consisted of the following:      

March 31, 

Accrued payroll ........................................................................................................................
Accrued pension cost ................................................................................................................
Interest payable.........................................................................................................................
Accrued workers compensation................................................................................................
Accrued income taxes payable................................................................................................
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation................................................................................
Accrued health insurance..........................................................................................................
Accrued general and product liability costs..............................................................................
Other accrued liabilities ............................................................................................................

2008
$  18,466  
338   
4,976   
3,520   
7,311   
1,332   
4,026   
4,010   
11,876   
$  55,855  

2007
$  17,302
245
5,408
3,000
7,723
1,456
3,466
4,000
9,744
$  52,344

F-14  

 
   
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

Consolidated other non-current liabilities of the Company consisted of the following:     

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation ................................................................
$ 
Accrued general and product liability costs..............................................................................
Accrued pension cost ................................................................................................................
Accrued workers compensation................................................................................................
Other non-current liabilities................................................................................................

9,362  
16,761   
16,603   
2,253   
3,865   
$  48,844   

  2008

  2007

$ 

9,015
17,078
28,531
6,104
2,683
$  63,411

March 31, 

10.    Debt    

Consolidated long-term debt of the Company consisted of the following:    

March 31, 

Revolving Credit Facility due February 22, 2011 ................................................................
10% Senior Secured Notes ................................................................................................
Capital lease obligations ................................................................................................
Other senior debt................................................................................................
Total senior debt ................................................................................................
8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due November 1, 2013 with interest   

-  
-   
3,006   
3,711   
6,717   

$ 

2008

payable in semi-annual installments ................................................................

Total................................................................................................................................
Less current portion ................................................................................................

129,855      
136,572   
521   
$  136,051  

$ 

2007

-  
22,125  
-  
4,340  
26,465 

136,000  
162,465 

297    

$  162,168 

In  March,  2006,  the  Company  amended  and  expanded  its  revolving  credit  facility.  The  Revolving  Credit 
Facility  provides  availability  up  to  a  maximum  of  $75,000,000.   Provided  there  is  no  default,  the  Company  may 
request  an  increase  in  the  availability  of  the  Revolving  Credit  Facility  by  an  amount  not  exceeding  $50,000,000, 
subject  to  lender  approval.   The  unused  Revolving  Credit  Facility  totaled  $63,800,000,  net  of  outstanding 
borrowings  of  $0  and  outstanding  letters  of  credit  of  $11,200,000.  Interest  on  the  revolver  is  payable  at  varying 
Eurodollar rates based on LIBOR or prime plus a spread determined by our leverage ratio amounting to 87.5 or 0 
basis points, respectively, at March 31, 2008.   The Revolving Credit Facility is secured by all domestic inventory, 
receivables,  equipment,  real  property,  subsidiary  stock  (limited  to  65%  for  foreign  subsidiaries)  and  intellectual 
property.  

The corresponding credit agreement associated with the Revolving Credit Facility places certain debt covenant 
restrictions on the Company, including certain financial requirements and a restriction on dividend payments, with 
which the Company was in compliance as of March 31, 2008.  

The  Senior  Subordinated  8  7/8%  Notes  (8  7/8%  Notes)  issued  on  September  2,  2005  amounted  to 
$129,855,000 at March 31, 2008 and are due November 1, 2013. Provisions of the 8 7/8% Notes include, without 
limitation, restrictions on indebtedness, asset sales, and dividends and other restricted payments.  Until November 1, 
2008, the Company may redeem up  to  35% of the outstanding  notes at a redemption  price of 108.875% with the 
proceeds of equity offerings, subject to certain restrictions.   The 8 7/8% Notes are redeemable at the option of the 
Company, in whole or in part, at prices declining annually from the Make-Whole Price (as defined in the 8 7/8% 
Notes agreement) to 100% on and after November 1, 2011.   In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the 
indenture  for  such  notes),  each  holder  of  the  8  7/8%  Notes  may  require  us  to  repurchase  all  or a portion  of such 
holder’s 8 7/8% Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof.   The 8 7/8% Notes are 
guaranteed  by  certain  existing  and  future  domestic  subsidiaries  and  are  not  subject  to  any  sinking  fund 
requirements. During fiscal 2008, the Company used cash on hand to repurchase $6,145,000 of the outstanding 8 
7/8% Notes. 

F-15   

 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
     
  
 
  
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION   

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

On  August  1,  2007  the  Company  used  cash  on  hand  to  redeem  all  of  the  remaining  $22,125,000  of  its 

outstanding 10% Senior Secured Notes.   

Cost of bond redemptions, including premiums and the write-off of deferred financing fees, was $1,794,000, 

$5,188,000 and $9,201,000 in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006 respectively.  

The carrying amount of the Company’s revolving credit facility approximates the fair value based on current 
market rates. The Company’s Senior Subordinated  Notes have an approximate fair market value of $132,452,000 
based on quoted market prices, the total of which is more than their carrying amount of $129,855,000.    

On June 22, 2007, the Company recorded a capital lease resulting from the sale and partial leaseback of its 
facility  in  Charlotte,  NC  under  a  10  year  lease  agreement.  The  outstanding  balance  on  the  capital  lease  of 
$3,006,000 as of March 31, 2008 is included in senior debt in the consolidated balance sheets.  

The  principal  payments  scheduled  to  be  made  as  of  March  31,  2008  on  the  above  debt  are  as  follows  (in 

thousands):        

2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
Thereafter    

$  

521 
505 
433 
425 
447 
134,241  

International Lines of Credit and Loans  

Unsecured  and  uncommitted  lines  of  credit  are  available  to  meet  short-term  working  capital  needs  for  our 
subsidiaries operating outside of the United States. The lines of credit are available on an offering basis, meaning 
that  transactions  under  the  line  of  credit  will  be  on  such  terms  and  conditions,  including  interest  rate,  maturity, 
representations, covenants and events of default, as mutually agreed between our subsidiaries and the local bank at 
the  time  of  each  specific transaction.   Effective August 1, 2007, the Company issued  a guarantee to  a third  party 
lender which secures any borrowing by Univeyor, one of the Company’s wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries, under 
Univeyor’s credit facility.  The credit facility provides availability up to a maximum of approximately $12,705,000. 
The outstanding borrowings on this credit facility were approximately $11,294,000 at March 31, 2008.   

In addition to the above facilities, our foreign subsidiaries have certain fixed term bank loans. As of March 31, 
2008, significant secured loans totaled $3,325,000.  There were no significant unsecured loans outstanding at March 
31, 2008.  

11.    Pensions and Other Benefit Plans  

The  Company  provides  retirement  and  pension  plans,  including  defined  benefit  and  defined  contribution 
plans,  and  postretirement  benefit  plans  to  certain  employees.   Effective  March 31,  2007,  the  Company  adopted 
SFAS  No. 158,  “Employers’  Accounting  for  Defined  Benefit  Pension  and  Other  Postretirement  Plans,  an 
amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R),” which required the recognition in pension and other 
postretirement benefits obligations and accumulated other comprehensive income of actuarial gains or losses, prior 
service  costs  or  credits  and  transition  assets  or  obligations  that  had  previously  been  deferred  under  the  reporting 
requirements  of  SFAS  No. 87,  SFAS  No. 106  and  SFAS  No. 132(R).   This  statement  also  requires  an  entity  to 
measure a defined benefit postretirement plan’s assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end 
of the employers’ fiscal year.  This requirement is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. 

F-16   

 
     
  
 
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

Pension Plans   

The Company provides defined benefit pension plans to certain employees.  The Company uses March 31 as 
the  measurement  date  for  its  Yale  Industrial  Products  GmbH  pension  plan  and  December  31  as  the  measurement 
date for all of its other pension plans.  The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligation, plan assets, and 
funded status of the plans:    

March 31, 

2008

2007

Change in benefit obligation:      

Benefit obligation at beginning of year ........................................................................
Service cost ...................................................................................................................
Interest cost ...................................................................................................................

    Actuarial (gain) loss................................................................................................

Benefits paid .................................................................................................................
Foreign exchange rate changes .....................................................................................
Benefit obligation at end of year...................................................................................

$  139,621  
4,386   
8,277   
(4,827)   
(6,973)   
389   
$  140,873  

$  134,148    
4,147    
7,608   
22    
(6,346)    
42    

$  139,621 

Change in plan assets:      

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year...............................................................
Actual gain on plan assets.............................................................................................
Employer contribution ................................................................................................
Benefits paid .................................................................................................................
Foreign exchange rate changes .....................................................................................
Fair value of plan assets at end of year .........................................................................

$  110,845  
6,859   
14,466   
(6,973)   
343   
$  125,540  

$  100,206    
10,989    
5,960    
(6,346)    
36    

$  110,845 

Funded status  ...............................................................................................................
Unrecognized actuarial loss ..........................................................................................
Unrecognized prior service cost ...................................................................................
$ 
Net amount recognized ................................................................................................

$  (15,333)  
21,289   
1,943   
7,899  

$  (28,776)    
27,918    
2,213    
1,355 

$ 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:     

Other assets – non current.............................................................................................
$ 
Accrued liabilities .........................................................................................................
Other non-current liabilities..........................................................................................
Deferred tax effect of accumulated other comprehensive loss ................................
Accumulated other comprehensive loss........................................................................
$ 
Net amount recognized ................................................................................................

1,608  
(338)   
(16,603)   
9,252   
13,980   
7,899  

2008

2007

-    
(245)    
(28,531)    
12,059    
18,072    
1,355 

$ 

$ 

March 31, 

  In fiscal 2009, an estimated net loss of $875,000 and prior service cost of $340,000 for the defined benefit 

pension plans will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income to net periodic benefit cost.  

Net periodic pension cost included the following components:    

Year Ended March 31, 
2007

2006

2008

Service costs—benefits earned during the period.............................................
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation.....................................................
Expected return on plan assets..........................................................................
Net amortization ...............................................................................................
Curtailment/settlement loss...............................................................................
Net periodic pension cost..................................................................................

$ 

$ 

4,386  
8,277   
(8,198)   
2,014   
80   
6,559  

$ 

$ 

4,147  
7,608   
(7,244)   
2,773   
156   
7,440  

$ 

$ 

4,004  
7,213  
(6,753)  
2,518  
-  
6,982 

F-17 

 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
    
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
    
 
  
  
  
  
 
    
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
   
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

Information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is as follows:   

March 31, 

Projected benefit obligation ..........................................................................................
Fair value of plan assets................................................................................................

2008
$  107,912  
91,030   

2007

$  139,621    
110,845  

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is as follows:   

March 31, 

Accumulated benefit obligation ....................................................................................
Fair value of plan assets................................................................................................

2008
$  18,912  
9,733   

2007

$  124,508    
105,345  

Unrecognized  gains  and  losses  are  amortized  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  average  remaining  service 

period of active participants.    

The weighted-average  assumptions  in  the  following  table  represent  the  rates  used  to  develop  the  actuarial 
present  value  of  the  projected  benefit  obligation  for  the  year  listed  and  also  net  periodic  pension  cost  for  the 
following year:   

Discount rate...............................................................  
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets........  
Rate of compensation increase....................................  

March 31,   

2008 
6.50%  
7.50  
3.00  

2007 
6.00%  
7.50  
3.00  

2006 
5.75%  
7.50  
4.00  

2005 
6.00% 
8.25  
4.00   

The expected rate of return on plan asset assumptions are determined considering historical averages and real 

returns on each asset class.  

The Company’s retirement plan target and actual asset allocations are as follows:    

Equity securities..........................................................  
Fixed income ..............................................................  
Total plan assets..........................................................  

Target  
2009  

70%    
30    
100%    

March 31,  

Actual 

2008 

60%  
40  
100%  

2007 
62% 
38  
100% 

The  Company  has  an  investment  objective  for  domestic  pension  plans  to  adequately  provide  for  both  the 
growth and liquidity needed to support all current and future benefit payment obligations.  The investment strategy 
is  to  invest  in  a  diversified  portfolio  of  assets  which  are  expected  to  satisfy  the  aforementioned  objective  and 
produce  both  absolute  and  risk  adjusted  returns  competitive  with  a  benchmark  that  is  a  blend  of  major  US  and 
international  equity  indexes  and  an  aggregate  bond  fund.   The  shift  to  the  targeted  allocation  is  the  result  of 
management’s re-evaluation of its investment allocation.  The targeted allocation will be accomplished as some plan 
assets governed  by collective bargaining  contracts will be transferred  from fixed income into equity securities, as 
well as reallocation of remaining assets to achieve the desired balance during fiscal 2009.  

The Company’s funding policy with respect to the defined benefit pension plans is to contribute annually at 
least  the  minimum  amount  required  by  the  Employee  Retirement  Income  Security  Act  of  1974  (ERISA).   
Additional  contributions  may  be  made  to  minimize  PBGC  premiums.   The  Company  expects  to  contribute 
$6,777,000 to its pension plans in fiscal 2009.     

F-18  

 
  
 
    
 
  
  
 
    
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

Information about the expected benefit payments for the Company’s defined benefit plans is as follows:     

2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014-2018    

$  

6,164 
6,643 
7,251 
8,164 
8,968 
54,489  

Postretirement Benefit Plans    

The  Company  sponsors  defined  benefit  postretirement  health  care  plans  that  provide  medical  and  life 
insurance  coverage  to  certain  domestic  retirees  and  their  dependents  of  one  of  its  subsidiaries.  Prior  to  the 
acquisition of this subsidiary, the Company did not sponsor any postretirement benefit plans. The Company pays the 
majority  of  the  medical  costs  for  certain  retirees  and  their  spouses  who  are  under  age  65.  For  retirees  and 
dependents of retirees who retired prior to January 1, 1989, and are age 65 or over, the Company contributes 100% 
toward the American Association of Retired Persons (“AARP”) premium frozen at the 1992 level. For retirees and 
dependents of retirees who retired after January 1, 1989, the Company contributes $35 per month toward the AARP 
premium. The life insurance plan is noncontributory.   

The Company’s postretirement health benefit plans are not funded.  The following sets forth a reconciliation of 

benefit obligation and the funded status of the plan:    

March 31, 

2008

2007

Change in benefit obligation:      

Benefit obligation at beginning of year ................................................................
Service cost ...................................................................................................................
Interest cost ...................................................................................................................
Actuarial loss (gain)................................................................................................
Benefits paid .................................................................................................................
        Benefit obligation at end of year...................................................................................

$  10,471  
3   
613   
693   
(1,086)   

$  10,694  

Funded status  ................................................................................................
Unrecognized actuarial loss ..........................................................................................
Net amount recognized ................................................................................................

$  (10,694)  
5,413   
(5,281)  

$ 

$  12,221    
3    
658    
(193)    
(2,218)  

$  10,471 

$  (10,471)    
5,138    
(5,333) 

$ 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:    

Accrued liabilities ................................................................................................
$ 
Other non-current liabilities..........................................................................................
Deferred tax effect of accumulated other comprehensive loss ................................
Accumulated other comprehensive loss................................................................
$ 
Net amount recognized ................................................................................................

(1,332)  
(9,362)   
2,165   
3,248   
(5,281)  

$ 

$ 

(1,456)    
(9,015)    
2,055    
3,083    
(5,333) 

In fiscal 2009, an estimated net loss of $408,000 for the defined benefit postretirement health care plans will 

be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income to net periodic benefit cost.        

March 31, 

2008

2007

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COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following:      

Year Ended March 31, 
   2007
Service cost—benefits attributed to service during the period ................................
$ 
3  
Interest cost................................................................................................................................
613   
Amortization of plan net losses................................................................................................
418   
$1,034  
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost ................................................................

3  
658   
414   
$1,075  

   2008
$ 

   2006
$ 

6  
751  
411    

$1,168 

For measurement purposes, healthcare costs were assumed to increase 8.25% in fiscal 2008. Healthcare costs 
were assumed to increase 9.5% in fiscal 2009 grading down over time to 5% in six years. The discount rate used in 
determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 6.5% and 6.0% as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, 
respectively.    

Information about the expected benefit payments for the Company’s postretirement health benefit plans is as 

follows:  

2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014-2018    

$  

1,332  
1,242  
1,243 
1,198  
1,148 
4,422  

Assumed medical claims cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A 

one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:    

Effect on total of service and interest cost components................................
Effect on postretirement obligation ................................................................

One Percentage 
Point Increase 
33  
599   

$ 

One Percentage   
Point Decrease    

$ 

(30) 
(541)  

Other Benefit Plans  

The  Company  also  sponsors  defined  contribution  plans  covering  substantially  all  domestic  employees. 
Participants  may  elect  to  contribute  basic  contributions.  These  plans  provide  for  employer  contributions  based 
primarily  on  employee  participation.  The  Company  recorded  a  charge  for  such  contributions  of  approximately 
$1,780,000, $1,650,000 and $1,476,000 for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.     

12.    Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)    

The  AICPA  Statement  of  Position  93-6,  “Employers’  Accounting  for  Employee  Stock  Ownership  Plans” 
requires  that  compensation  expense  for  ESOP  shares  be  measured  based  on  the  fair  value  of  those  shares  when 
committed  to  be  released  to  employees,  rather  than  based  on  their  original  cost.  Also,  dividends  on  those  ESOP 
shares that have not been allocated or committed to be released to ESOP participants are not reflected as a reduction 
of retained earnings. Rather, since those dividends are used for debt service, a charge to compensation expense is 
recorded.  Furthermore,  ESOP  shares  that  have  not  been  allocated  or  committed  to  be  released  are not considered 
outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share.   

The obligation of the ESOP to repay borrowings incurred to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock 
is  guaranteed  by  the  Company;  the  unpaid  balance  of  such  borrowings,  if  any,  would  be  reflected  in  the 
consolidated balance sheet as a liability. An amount equivalent to the cost of the collateralized common stock and 
representing deferred employee benefits has been recorded as a deduction from shareholders’ equity.   

F-20 

 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
   
  
     
  
 
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
 
   
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)    

Substantially all of the Company’s domestic non-union employees are participants in the ESOP. Contributions 
to  the  plan  result  from  the  release  of  collateralized  shares  as  debt  service  payments  are  made.  Compensation 
expense  amounting  to  $965,000, $808,000  and  $653,000  in  fiscal 2008, 2007  and  2006, respectively, is recorded 
based on the guaranteed release of the ESOP shares at their fair market value. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares, 
if any,   are recorded as a reduction of retained earnings and are applied toward debt service.    

At March 31, 2008 and 2007, 667,177 and 694,751 of ESOP shares, respectively, were allocated or available 
to be allocated to participants’ accounts. At March 31, 2008 and 2007, 176,646 and 213,667 of ESOP shares were 
pledged as collateral to guarantee the ESOP term loans.    

The fair market value of unearned ESOP shares at March 31, 2008 amounted to $5,472,000.    

13.   Earnings per Share and Stock Plans    

Earnings per Share    

The Company calculates earnings per share in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 
No. 128, “Earnings per Share” (SFAS No. 128). Basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of options, 
warrants, and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share includes any dilutive effects of stock options.    

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:     

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:   

           Year Ended March 31, 

2008

2007

2006

Income from continuing operations ..........................................................
Income from discontinued operations (net of tax) ................................

$ 

         Net income ...............................................................................................

$ 

36,792 

$ 

557   
37,349   $ 

Denominators:   

Weighted-average common stock outstanding—    

denominator for basic EPS ................................................................
Effect of dilutive employee stock options.................................................
Adjusted weighted-average common stock     
outstanding and assumed conversions—    
denominator for diluted EPS................................................................

18,723    
435   

19,158     

$ 

33,381 
704   
34,085   $ 

59,100   
696 
59,796 

18,517    
434   

16,052   
576   

18,951     

16,628 

The weighted-average common stock outstanding shown above is net of unallocated ESOP shares (see Note 

12).      

Stock Plans    

Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123(R), "Share-Based Payment," applying the modified 
prospective method. This Statement requires all equity-based payments to employees, including grants of employee 
stock options, to be recognized in the statement of earnings based on the grant date fair value of the award. Under 
the  modified  prospective  method,  the  Company  is  required  to  record  equity-based  compensation  expense  for  all 
awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted awards outstanding as 
of the date of adoption. Stock based compensation expense amounted to $1,128,000 and $1,230,000 in fiscal 2008 
and  2007,  respectively.   Stock  compensation  expense  is  included  in  cost  of  goods  sold,  selling,  and  general  and 
administrative  expense.   The  Company  uses  a  straight-line  method  of  attributing  the  value  of  stock-based 
compensation expense, subject to minimum levels of expense, based on vesting.    

F-21 

 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
  
    
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)  

Long Term Incentive Plan  

Effective July 31, 2006, the shareholders of the Company approved the adoption of our Long Term Incentive 
Plan (LTIP).   The total number of shares of common stock with respect to which awards may be granted under the 
plan  is  850,000.   The  LTIP  was  designed  as  an  omnibus  plan  and  awards  may  consist  of  non-qualified  stock 
options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, or stock bonuses. 
A maximum of 600,000 shares may be awarded as restricted stock, restricted stock units, or stock bonuses.  

On  May  17,  2007,  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  terms  of  the  fiscal  2008  awards  to  be 
granted under the 2006 Long Term Incentive plan.   Under the plan, the granting of awards to employees may take 
the  form  of  options,  restricted  shares,  and  performance  shares.   The  Compensation  Committee  of  our  Board  of 
Directors  determines  the  number  of  shares,  the  term,  the  frequency  and  date,  the  type,  the  exercise  periods,  any 
performance criteria pursuant to which awards may be granted and the restriction and other terms and conditions of 
each grant in accordance with terms of our Plan.    

Options granted were subject to a performance measure and have a maximum term of 10 years and vest ratably 
over a four year period from date of grant.   Option awards provide for accelerated vesting as a result of reaching 
retirement age and a specified number of years of service.  Restricted shares vest ratably based on service one-third 
after each of years three, four, and five.   Performance shares granted are based upon the Company’s performance 
over a three year period depending on the Company’s total shareholder return relative to a group of peer companies.  

The Company recognized compensation expense for stock option awards and unvested restricted share awards 
that vest based on time or market parameters straight-line over the requisite service period for vesting of the award.  
Performance based nonvested shares are recognized as compensation expense based on fair value on date of grant, 
the number of shares ultimately expected to vest and the vesting period.  For accounting purposes, the performance 
shares are considered to have a market condition.   The effect of the market condition is reflected in the grant date 
fair  value  of  the  award  and,  thus  compensation  expense  is  recognized  on  this  type  of  award  provided  that  the 
requisite  service  is  rendered  (regardless  of  whether  the  market  condition  is  achieved).   The  fair  value  of  a 
performance share award is estimated using a Monte Carlo analysis to estimate the total return ranking of CMCO 
among the peer companies on the date of grant over the performance period.  

For  the  year  ended  March  31,  2008,  the  Company  granted  34,457  performance  based  awards  at  a  weighted 
average fair value of $19.40.  All 34,457 awards were outstanding and unvested as of March 31, 2008.  There were 
no performance based awards granted in fiscal 2007 or fiscal 2006.  Total unrecognized compensation costs related 
to the unvested performance share awards as of March 31, 2008 was $469,000 and is expected be recognized over a 
weighted average period of two years.  

During fiscal 2008 and 2007, a total of 7,601 and 9,390 shares of stock, respectively, were granted under the 
LTIP to  the Company’s non-executive directors as part of their annual compensation.   The weighted average fair 
value grant price of those shares was $25.80 and $19.17 for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.  The expense 
related to the shares for fiscal 2008 and 2007 was $196,000 and $180,000, respectively.  

During fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, restricted stock units were granted under the LTIP to the Company’s non-
executive directors as part of their annual compensation.   A summary of the restricted stock unit awards granted to 
the Company’s non-executive Directors as of March 31, 2008 is as follows:   

Shares 

Unvested at March 31, 2006................................

Granted ................................................................

Unvested at March 31, 2007................................

Granted ................................................................

        Vested ................................................................
Unvested at March 31, 2008................................

-  
7,200   
7,200  
7,842   
(4,521)   
10,521  

$ 

Weighted-average 
Grant Date 
Fair Value  
- 
19.17  
19.17 
25.80 
19.54  
23.96 

$ 

$ 

F-22 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

The  expense  related  to  the  restricted  stock  units  for  fiscal  2008  and  2007  was  $130,000  and  $40,000, 
respectively. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units as of March 31, 2008 
is  $200,000  and  is  expected  to  be  recognized  over  a  weighted  average  period  of  one  year.   The  fair  value  of 
restricted stock units that vested during the year ended March 31, 2008 was $117,000.  

As of March 31, 2008, there were 783,510 shares available for future grants under the Long Term Incentive 

Plan.  

Stock Option Plans  

Existing prior to the adoption of the LTIP, the Company maintained two stock option plans, a Non-Qualified 
Stock  Option  Plan  (Non-Qualified  Plan)  and  an  Incentive  Stock  Option  Plan  (Incentive  Plan).  Under  the  Non-
Qualified  Plan,  options  may  be  granted  to  officers  and  other  key  employees  of  the  Company  as  well  as  to  non-
employee directors and advisors.   As of March 31, 2008, no options have been granted to non-employees. Options 
granted under the Non-Qualified and Incentive Plans become exercisable over a four-year period at the rate of 25% 
per year commencing one year from the date of grant at an exercise price of not less than 100% of the fair market 
value of the common stock on the date of grant. Any option granted under the Non-Qualified plan may be exercised 
not earlier than one year from the date such option is granted. Any option granted under the Incentive Plan may be 
exercised not earlier than one year and not later than 10 years from the date such option is granted.   

A summary of option transactions during each of the three fiscal years in the period ended March 31, 2008 is 

as follows:     

Shares 
           1,802,800  
Outstanding at March 31, 2005 ................................
45,000   
Granted ................................................................
(626,282)   
(89,400)   

         Exercised ................................................................
Cancelled ................................................................

Outstanding at March 31, 2006 ................................
Granted ................................................................

         Exercised ................................................................
Cancelled ................................................................

Outstanding at March 31, 2007 ................................
Granted ................................................................

         Exercised ................................................................
Cancelled ................................................................

           1,132,118  
70,000   
(240,468)   
(30,500)   

              931,150  
5,000   
(144,425)   
(4,875)   

Outstanding at March 31, 2008 ................................
Exercisable at March 31, 2008 ................................

              786,850  
              581,475  

Weighted-average 
Exercise Price 

Weighted-average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value  

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

10.89   
21.61   
11.41     
7.76    
11.28   
22.41   
10.82     
9.85    
12.28   
32.85   
9.81     
5.46    

12.91 
12.89 

4.8  
4.0  

$ 14,227 
$ 10,521 

We calculated intrinsic value for those options that had an exercise price lower than the market price of our 
common shares as of March 31, 2008. The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options as of March 31, 2008 is 
calculated  as  the  difference  between  the  exercise  price  of  the  underlying  options  and  the  market  price  of  our 
common  shares  for  the  781,850  options  that  were  in-the-money  at  that  date.  The  aggregate  intrinsic  value  of 
exercisable options as of March 31, 2008 is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying 
options and the market price of our common shares for the 581,475 exercisable options that were in-the-money at 
that date. The Company's closing stock price was $30.98 as of March 31, 2008. The total intrinsic value of stock 
options exercised was $2,842,000, $3,434,000 and $6,487,000 during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  As 
of March 31, 2008, there are 132,475 options available for future grants under the two stock option plans.  

The  fair  value  of  shares  that  vested  was  $5.14,  $3.87  and  $4.01  during  fiscal  2008,  2007  and  2006, 

respectively.  

F-23 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)  

Cash  received  from  option  exercises  under  all  share-based  payment  arrangements  during  fiscal  2008  was 
$1,416,000. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options under stock option plans are credited to common stock at 
par value and the excess is credited to additional paid-in capital.  

As  of  March  31,  2008,  $891,000  of  unrecognized  compensation  cost  related  to  non-vested  stock  options  is 

expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3 years.  

Exercise  prices  for  options  outstanding  as  of  March  31,  2008,  ranged  from  $5.46  to  $32.85.  The following 

table provides certain information with respect to stock options outstanding at March 31, 2008:      

Range of Exercise Prices
           Up to $10.00 ......................................  
          $10.01 to $20.00. ................................  
          $20.01 to $30.00 .................................  
          $30.01 to $40.00 .................................  

Stock Options 
Outstanding
440,100  
80,000   
261,750   
5,000   
786,850  

Weighted-average 
Exercise Price
7.15 
$ 
14.67 
21.67 
32.85 
$  12.91 

Weighted-average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life
5.2 
6.8 
3.5 
9.3   
4.8 

The following table provides certain information with respect to stock options exercisable at March 31, 2008:    

Range of Exercise Prices
           Up to $10.00 ............................................................................  
          $10.01 to $20.00. ......................................................................   
          $20.01 to $30.00 .......................................................................   

Stock Options 
Outstanding

330,975  
48,750   

201,750
581,475

$ 

Weighted-average 
Exercise Price
7.66 
13.64 
21.28
12.89

$ 

The  fair  value  of  stock  options  granted  was  estimated  on  the  date  of  grant  using  a  Black-Scholes  option 
pricing  model.   The  Black-Scholes  option  valuation  model  was  developed  for  use  in  estimating  the  fair  value  of 
traded  options  which  have  no  vesting  restrictions  and  are  fully  transferable.  In  addition,  option  valuation  models 
require  the  input  of  highly  subjective  assumptions  including  the  expected  stock  price  volatility.  Because  the 
Company’s  employee  stock  options  have  characteristics  significantly  different  from  those  of  traded  options,  and 
because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management’s 
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee 
stock options. The weighted-average fair value of the options was $18.48, $12.93 and $12.13 for options granted 
during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.   The following table provides the weighted-average assumptions 
used to value stock options granted during fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006:      

Year Ended  
March 31, 2008

Year Ended  
March 31, 2007

Year Ended   
March 31, 2006

Assumptions: 

Risk-free interest rate.................................... 
Dividend yield—Incentive Plan ................... 
Volatility factor ............................................ 
Expected life—Incentive Plan ...................... 

4.9 %  
0.0 %  
0.571  
5.5 years  

4.9 %  
0.0 %  
0.593  
5.5 years  

4.5 % 
0.0 % 
0.615 
5 years    

To  determine  expected  volatility,  the  Company  uses  historical  volatility  based  on  daily  closing  prices  of  its 
Common Stock over periods that correlate with the expected terms of the options granted. The risk-free rate is based 
on  the  United  States  Treasury  yield  curve  at  the  time  of  grant  for  the  appropriate  term  of  the  options  granted. 
Expected dividends are based on the Company's history and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected term of 
stock options is based on vesting schedules, expected exercise patterns and contractual terms.    

F-24  

 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
   
    
  
   
  
  
 
      
       
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)  

Restricted Stock  

Also existing prior to the adoption of the LTIP, the Company maintains a Restricted Stock Plan. The Company 
charges  compensation  expense  and  shareholders’  equity  for  the  market  value  of  shares  ratably  over  the  restricted 
period.  Grantees  that  remain  continuously  employed  with  the  Company  become  vested  in  their  shares  five  years 
after the date of the grant.   As of March 31, 2008, there were 47,000 shares available for future grants under the 
Restricted Stock Plan.  

During the Fiscal 2008, 1,000 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average fair value grant 
price  of  $31.69.   As  of  March  31,  2008,  there  are  3,000  shares  of  restricted  stock  outstanding  with  a  weighted 
average fair value grant price of $21.39.  The expense related to restricted stock was $8,000, $7,000 and $6,000 for 
fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.   

14.    Loss Contingencies    

From  time  to  time,  the  Company  is  named  a  defendant  in  legal  actions  arising  out  of  the  normal  course  of 
business.   The  Company  is  not  a  party  to  any  pending  legal  proceeding  other  than  ordinary,  routine  litigation 
incidental to our business.   The Company does not believe that any of our pending litigation will have a material 
impact on its business.  

General  and  Product  Liability—  Accrued  general  and  product  liability  costs  are  the  actuarially  estimated 
reserves based on amounts determined from loss reports, individual cases filed with the Company, and an amount 
for  losses incurred  but not reported.   Reserves for certain  asbestos related  claims are discounted  using  a risk  free 
interest  rate  which  ranged  from  1.55%  to  4.30%  as  of  March  31,  2008.   The  aggregate  amount  of  undiscounted 
reserves and discount amount was $4,430,000 and $1,425,000, respectively, as of March 31, 2008.  Payments over 
each of the next five years is expected to be $200,000 and $3,430,000 thereafter.   The liability for accrued general 
and product liability costs is funded by investments in marketable securities (see Notes 2 and 6).  

During fiscal 2006, the Company reevaluated the predictability of future cash flows associated with its self-
insured  product  liability  and  asbestos  reserves  and  concluded  that  future  cash  payments  related  to  reserves  for 
nonasbestos  claims  could  no  longer  be  discounted  due  to  their  underlying  uncertainty.   This  change  in  estimate 
resulted in a reduction in the discount recorded by the company of approximately $1,578,000 ($0.09 diluted EPS) 
impact for fiscal 2006.  

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for accrued general and 

product liability:   

2008
Accrued general and product liability, beginning of year..............................
$ 21,078  
-   
Add impact of change in discount estimate ................................
2,201   
Add provision for claims ................................................................
Deduct payments for claims................................................................
(2,508)   
Accrued general and product liability, end of year................................

     $ 20,771 

2007
$ 20,969  
-   
4,343   
(4,234)   

2006
$ 16,094  
1,578  
6,342  
(3,045)  

     $ 21,078 

     $ 20,969 

           Year Ended March 31, 

The  per  occurrence  limits  on  our  self-insurance  for  general  and  product  liability  coverage  to  Columbus 
McKinnon were $2,000,000 from inception through fiscal 2003 and $3,000,000 for fiscal 2004 and thereafter.   In 
addition  to  the  per  occurrence  limits,  the  Company’s  coverage  is  also  subject  to  an  annual  aggregate  limit, 
applicable to  losses only.   These limits range from $2,000,000  to  $6,000,000 for each policy year from inception 
through fiscal 2008.     

F-25  

 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
   
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)  

Along  with  other  manufacturing  companies,  the  Company  is  subject  to  various  federal,  state  and  local  laws 
relating to the protection of the environment. To address the requirements of such laws, the Company has adopted a 
corporate environmental protection policy which provides that all of its owned or leased facilities shall, and all of its 
employees  have  the  duty  to,  comply  with  all  applicable  environmental  regulatory  standards,  and  the  Company  has 
initiated an environmental auditing program for our facilities to ensure compliance with such regulatory standards.  The 
Company  has  also  established  managerial  responsibilities  and  internal  communication  channels  for  dealing  with 
environmental compliance issues that may arise in the course of our business. Because of the complexity and changing 
nature  of  environmental  regulatory  standards,  it  is  possible  that  situations  will  arise  from time  to  time  requiring  the 
Company to incur expenditures in order to ensure environmental regulatory compliance. However, the Company is not 
aware of any environmental condition or any operation at any of its facilities, either individually or in the aggregate, 
which would cause expenditures having a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash 
flows  and,  accordingly,  has  not  budgeted  any  material  capital  expenditures  for  environmental  compliance  for  fiscal 
2008.    

Like  many  industrial  manufacturers,  the  Company  is  involved  in  asbestos-related  litigation.   In  continually 
evaluating  costs  relating  to  its  estimated  asbestos-related  liability,  the  Company  reviews,  among  other  things,  the 
incidence of past and recent claims, the historical case dismissal rate, the mix of the claimed illnesses and occupations 
of the plaintiffs, its recent and historical resolution of the cases, the number of cases pending against it, the status and 
results  of  broad-based  settlement  discussions,  and  the  number  of  years  such  activity  might  continue.   Based  on  this 
review, the Company has estimated its share of liability to defend and resolve probable asbestos-related personal injury 
claims.   This estimate is highly uncertain due to the limitations of the available data and the difficulty of forecasting 
with any certainty the numerous variables that can affect the range of the liability.  The Company will continue to study 
the variables in light of additional information in order to identify trends that may become evident and to assess their 
impact on the range of liability that is probable and estimable.  

Based on actuarial information, the Company has estimated its asbestos-related aggregate liability through March 
31, 2026 and March 31, 2038 to range between $5,000,000 and $15,000,000 using actuarial parameters of continued 
claims  for  a  period  of  18  to  30  years.   The  Company's  estimation  of  its  asbestos-related  aggregate  liability  that  is 
probable  and  estimable,  in  accordance  with  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  approximates  $8,400,000 
which  has  been  reflected  as  a  liability  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  as  of  March  31,  2008.  The  recorded 
liability does not consider the impact of any potential favorable federal legislation.  This liability may fluctuate based on 
the uncertainty in the number of future claims that will be filed and the cost to resolve those claims, which may be 
influenced by a number of factors, including the outcome of the ongoing broad-based settlement negotiations, defensive 
strategies, and  the cost to  resolve claims outside the broad-based  settlement program.   Of this amount, management 
expects to incur asbestos liability payments of approximately $400,000 over the next 12 months.  Because payment of 
the liability is likely to extend over many years, management believes that the potential additional costs for claims will 
not have a material after-tax effect on the financial condition of the Company or its liquidity, although the net after-tax 
effect of any future liabilities recorded could be material to earnings in a future period.   

15.    Restructuring Charges    

The  Company  analyzes  its  global  capacity  requirements  in  accordance  with  its  ongoing  cost  savings  and 
consolidation  efforts.   As  a  result,  facilities  are  closed  or  significantly  reorganized  and  production  operations  are 
transferred  to  other  facilities  within  the  same  reporting  segment,  to  better  utilize  their  available  capacity.  During 
fiscal  2008,  the  Company  recorded  restructuring  costs  of  $1,179,000  for  facility  demolition  costs  and  severance. 
$1,132,000  and  $47,000  of  these  costs  are  related  to  the  Solutions  and  Products  segments,  respectively.  The 
Solutions  segment  costs  are  related  to  two  separate  businesses  within  the  segment.  The  liability  as  of  March  31, 
2008 consists primarily of environmental remediation costs which were accrued in accordance with SFAS No. 143.      

F-26  

 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)  

During fiscal 2007, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $543,000 for severance and the maintenance 
of non-operating facilities being held for sale which are expensed on an as incurred basis in accordance with SFAS 
No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.”  $519,000 and $24,000 of these costs 
are related to the Solutions and Products segments, respectively. The completion of the sale of a previously closed 
facility  resulted  in  the  reversal  of  $410,000  of  restructuring  charges  within  the  Products  segment,  including 
$216,000 of gain on the sale of a non-operating property that had been written down in previous years.  The liability 
as  of  March  31,  2007  consisted  primarily  of  environmental  remediation  costs  which  were  accrued  in  accordance 
with SFAS No. 143.  

During  fiscal  2006,  the  Company  recorded  restructuring  costs  of  $1,609,000  related  to  environmental 
remediation  charges, inventory disposal costs, and  facility costs as a result of the continued  closure, merging  and 
reorganization of the Company.   $1,000,000 and $609,000 of these costs are related to the Products and Solutions 
segments,  respectively.   The  charges  primarily relate to  the cost of removal of certain  environmentally hazardous 
materials in accordance with SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” and FIN 47 ($600,000) 
and  inventory  disposal  related  to  the  rationalization  of  certain  product  families  within  our  mechanical  jacks  line 
($400,000).   In  addition,  we  have  accrued  additional  costs  of  maintenance  of  a  non-operating  facility  based  on 
anticipated sale date ($300,000).  The costs associated with the disposal of this facility were originally accrued as a 
result of the restructuring occurring prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for the Costs Associated 
with Exit or Disposal Activities.”    As of March 31, 2006, the liability primarily consisted of costs associated with 
the  preparation  and  maintenance  of  a  non-operating  facility  and  environmental  remediation  costs  which  were 
accrued in accordance with SFAS No. 143.  The Company had one facility that was completely closed and prepared 
for disposal.    

The following provides a reconciliation of the activity related to restructuring reserves:     

Reserve at March 31, 2005 ............................................................................

Fiscal 2006 restructuring charges ..................................................................
Cash payments ...............................................................................................
Reserve at March 31, 2006 ............................................................................
Fiscal 2007 restructuring charges ..................................................................
Cash payments ...............................................................................................
Restructuring charge reversal ........................................................................
Gain on sale of a non-operating facility.........................................................
Reserve at March 31, 2007 ............................................................................
Fiscal 2008 restructuring charges ..................................................................
Cash payments ...............................................................................................
Reserve at March 31, 2008 ............................................................................

$ 

$ 

Employee 
16  
358   
(315)   
59  
289   
(348)   
                 -   
                 -   
-  
448   
(448)   
-  

$ 

$ 

Facility 
$ 

Total
$ 

128  
1,251   
(645)   
734  
254   
(195)   
(410)   
216   
599  
731   
(1,272)   

$ 

$ 

144  
1,609  
(960)  
793 
543  
(543)  
(410)  
216  
599 
1,179  
(1,720)  

$ 

$ 

$ 

58  

$ 

58 

16.    Income Taxes    

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income 
tax  rate  to  income  from  continuing  operations  before  income  tax  expense.   The  sources  and  tax  effects  of  the 
difference were as follows:     

Expected tax at 35% ......................................................................................
State income taxes net of federal benefit .......................................................
Foreign taxes (less) greater than statutory provision .....................................
        Permanent items.............................................................................................
Valuation allowance ......................................................................................
Other ..............................................................................................................
Actual tax provision (benefit) ........................................................................

Year Ended March 31, 
2007
$  18,872  
910   
961   
171   
-   
(375)   

2008
$  20,836  
1,238   
(633)   
315   
2,029   
(1,046)   

$ 

$  22,739  

$  20,539  

2006

9,854  
705  
41 
370  
(44,237)  
2,321  
$  (30,946) 

F-27  

 
 
 
  
  
   
   
  
 
   
   
 
 
  
 
   
   
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)  

The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:    

Year Ended March 31, 
2007

2006

2008

Current income tax expense:       

United States Federal .............................................................................
$ 
State taxes ..............................................................................................
Foreign................................................................................................

$ 

853  
1,904   
5,357   

$ 

1,228  
1,401   
5,472   

856    
1,084    
4,082  

Deferred income tax expense (benefit):       

United States ..........................................................................................
Foreign................................................................................................

14,304   
321   
$  22,739  

13,831   
(1,393)   

$  20,539  

(37,099)    
131    
$  (30,946) 

The Company applies the liability method of accounting for income taxes as required by SFAS Statement No. 
109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions 
of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:      

March 31, 

2008

2007

Deferred tax assets:     

Federal net operating loss carryforwards..........................................................................
State and foreign net operating loss carryforwards...........................................................
Employee benefit plans................................................................................................
Asset reserves ...................................................................................................................
Insurance reserves.............................................................................................................
Accrued vacation and incentive costs ...............................................................................
Other ................................................................................................................................
Valuation allowance ................................................................................................

$ 

Gross deferred tax assets   

Deferred tax liabilities:   

$ 

-  
5,093   
6,729   
1,324   
8,219   
3,420   
7,112   
(4,093)   
27,804   

Inventory reserves.............................................................................................................
Property, plant, and equipment .........................................................................................
Gross deferred tax liabilities .........................................................................................
Net deferred tax assets ..............................................................................................

$ 

(2,289)   
(1,658)   
(3,947)   
23,857  

$ 

13,484   
2,064   
12,343   
1,711   
7,372   
2,131   
9,237   
(2,064)    
46,278 

(2,068)   
(2,407)    
(4,475) 
41,803 

The valuation allowance includes $3,029,000 and $0 related to net operating losses at our Univeyor business 
and  $1,064,000  and  $2,064,000  related  to  state  net  operating  losses  in  the  United  States  at  March  31,  2008  and 
2007, respectively.   The valuation allowance was established due to uncertainty of the Company's ability to utilize 
all  of  the  net  operating  loss  carry  forwards  before  they  expire.   The  Univeyor  valuation  allowance  is  for  net 
operating  losses  in  Denmark  which  have  an  indefinite  life.   The  state  net  operating  losses  have  expiration dates 
ranging from 2009 through 2023.  

Deferred income taxes are classified within the consolidated balance sheets based on the following breakdown:      

March 31, 

Net current deferred tax asset ...............................................................................................
Net non-current deferred tax asset ........................................................................................
Net non-current deferred tax liability ...................................................................................
Net deferred tax asset................................................................................................

2008
$  7,958  
17,570   
(1,671)   

$ 23,857  

2007
$  8,669  
34,460  
(1,326)    

$ 41,803 

The net current deferred tax asset and net non-current deferred tax liability are included in prepaid expenses 

and other non-current liabilities, respectively.   

F-28  

 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

Income  from  continuing  operations  before  income  tax  expense  (benefit)  includes  foreign  subsidiary  income  of 
$11,512,000, $10,067,000 and $13,034,000 for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Income 
from discontinued operations reported in the statement of income is net of tax of $300,000, $373,000 and $375,000 for 
the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had unrecognized 
deferred tax liabilities related to approximately $24,000,000 of cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.  
These earnings are considered to be permanently invested in operations outside the United States.  Determination of the 
amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability with respect to such earnings is not practicable.  

There were 70,725 and 136,511 shares of common stock issued through the exercise of non-qualified stock options 
or  through  the  disqualifying  disposition  of  incentive  stock  options  in  the  years  ended  March  31,  2008,  and  2007, 
respectively.  The  tax  benefit  to  the  Company  from  these  transactions,  which  is  credited  to  additional  paid-in  capital 
rather  than  recognized  as  a  reduction  of  income  tax  expense,  was  $482,000  and  $311,000  in  2008  and  2007, 
respectively.   This tax benefit has also been recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as an increase in deferred tax 
assets.    

On  April  1,  2007,  the  Company  adopted  the  provisions  of  Financial  Standards  Accounting  Board  ("FASB") 
Interpretation  ("FIN")  No.  48  “Accounting  for  Uncertainty  in  Income  Taxes,”  (“FIN  48”)  an  interpretation  of  FASB 
Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  ("SFAS")  No.  109.  FIN  48  clarifies  the  accounting  for  uncertainty  in 
income  taxes  recognized  under  SFAS  109.  FIN  48  prescribes  a  recognition  threshold  and  measurement  attribute  for 
financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also 
provides guidance on various related matters such as derecognition, interest and penalties, and disclosure.   

Upon  adoption  of  FIN  48,  the  Company  recorded  a  reduction  in  retained  earnings  for  the  cumulative  effect 
adjustment of $186,000 to its $2,600,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would favorably impact the effective 
tax  rate  if  recognized.  During  fiscal  2008,  the  balance of unrecognized  tax  benefits decreased  $153,000 as a result of 
foreign  currency  translation,  partially  offset  by  an  increase  related  to  certain  intercompany  transactions  that  have  not 
been audited by the various tax jurisdictions and a matter that arose during a state income tax audit.    

The Company had $133,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at March 31, 2008. The Company 
recognizes  interest  expense  or  penalties  related  to  uncertain  tax  positions  as  a  part  of  income  tax  expense  in  its 
consolidated statement of income. The Company is currently open to audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the years 
ending March 31, 2005 through 2008.   

Below is a summary of fiscal 2008 changes to the unrecognized tax benefit (excluding interest and penalties):   

Balance at April 1, 2007.......................................................................................................................
Additions based on upon tax positions related to prior years ...............................................................
Foreign currency translation.................................................................................................................
Balance at March 31, 2008...................................................................................................................

$  2,600  
76  
(229)  

$  2,447 

The  Company  does  not  anticipate  that  total  unrecognized  tax  benefits  will  change  significantly  due  to  the 

settlement of audits or the expiration of statutes of limitations prior to March 31, 2009.   

17.     Rental Expense and Lease Commitments    

Rental expense for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $5,746,000, $4,483,000, and $3,914,000, 
respectively. The following amounts represent future minimum payment commitments as of March 31, 2008 under non-
cancelable operating leases extending beyond one year:     

Year Ended March 31,
Real Property
1,988  
2009................................................................................................
$ 
1,531   
2010................................................................................................
1,215   
2011................................................................................................
556   
2012................................................................................................
  484   
2013................................................................................................

$ 

Vehicles/Equipment
3,130  
2,592   
2,049   
1,524   
1,048   

Total
$  5,118  
4,123  
3,264  
2,080  
1,532 

F-29  

 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

18.    Summary Financial Information    

The following information sets forth the condensed consolidating summary financial information of the parent 
and guarantors, which guarantee the 8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes, and the nonguarantors. The guarantors are 
wholly owned and the guarantees are full, unconditional, joint and several.     

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2008:     

As of March 31, 2008:      
Current assets:        

Cash ...................................................................................
$ 
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled    

revenues........................................................................
Inventories .........................................................................
Prepaid expenses ...............................................................
Total current assets.......................................................
Net property, plant, and equipment .............................................
Goodwill and other intangibles, net ............................................
Intercompany balances ................................................................
Other non-current assets ..............................................................
$ 

Total assets ................................................................

Current liabilities .........................................................................
$ 
Long-term debt, less current portion ...........................................
Other non-current liabilities ........................................................
Total liabilities..............................................................

Shareholders’ equity................................................................

42,714  
129,855   
12,312   
184,881   
199,856   

Total liabilities and shareholders’      

Parent  

Guarantors 

Non 
Guarantors  

Eliminations  

Consolidated 

31,800  

$ 

(341)  

$ 

44,535  

$ 

—  

$ 

75,994   

62,992    
35,375   
8,264   
138,431   
26,834   
89,008   
50,555   
79,909   
384,737  

—    
18,797   
1,025   
19,481   
11,916   
57,034   
(59,869)   
194,783   
223,345  

15,951  
2,815   
10,757   
29,523   
193,822   

43,917    
36,525   
8,243   
133,220   
19,664   
41,334   
(64,821)   
30,643   
160,040  

52,113  
3,381   
25,775   
81,269   
78,771   

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

—    
(2,365)   
—   
(2,365)   
—   
—   
74,135   
(249,857)    
(178,087)  

(1,119)  
—   
—   
(1,119)   
(176,968)   

$ 

$ 

106,909   
88,332   
17,532    

288,767 
58,414 
187,376 
— 

55,478    

590,035 

109,659 
136,051 

48,844    

294,554 
295,481    

equity ................................................................

$ 

384,737   

$ 

223,345   

$ 

160,040   

$ 

(178,087)   

$ 

590,035 

For the Year Ended March 31, 2008:      
Net sales.......................................................................................
$ 
Cost of products sold................................................................
Gross profit (loss) ........................................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses..............................
Restructuring charges .......................................................... ……………….
Impairment loss ................................................................... ……………….
Amortization of intangibles................................................. …………………….
Income (loss) from operations.....................................................
Interest and debt expense ............................................................
Other (income) and expense, net .................................................
Income from continuing operations  before   

302,676  
219,366   
83,310   
49,834   
836   
—   
112   
32,528   
9,918   
641   

income tax expense (benefit)..................................................
Income tax expense (benefit).......................................................
Income (loss) from continuous operations ................................
Income from discontinued operations .........................................
$ 
Net income (loss).........................................................................

21,969    
6,068   
15,901   
557   
16,458  

$ 

$ 

176,901  
129,575   
47,326   
18,043   
—   
—   
3   
29,280   
3,554   
(643)   

26,369    
11,080   
15,289   
—   
15,289  

$ 

$ 

185,157  
131,035   
54,122   
41,725   
343   
2,509   
—   
9,545   
1,157   
(3,010)   

11,398    
5,679   
5,719   
—   
5,719  

$ 

$ 

$ 

(41,400)  
(41,195)   
(205)   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(205)   
—   
—   

(205)    
(88)   
(117)   
—   
(117)  

$ 

623,334 
438,781 
184,553 
109,602 
1,179 
2,509 
115 
71,148 
14,629 
(3,012) 

59,531 
22,739 
36,792 
557 
37,349 

F-30 

 
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
      
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
    
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)     

Parent  

Guarantors 

Non 
Guarantors  

Eliminations  

Consolidated 

For the Year Ended March 31, 2008:      
Operating activities:      
$ 
Cash provided (used) by operating activities ................................
Investing activities:      
Sales of marketable securities, net ..............................................................
Capital expenditures ................................................................
Proceeds from sale of businesses and surplus real estate............................
Proceeds from discontinued operations (net of tax)................................
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities ................................
Financing activities:      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options ................................
Net borrowings under revolving line-of-credit  

—  

(7,228)   
—   
557   
(6,671)   

47,514  

1,416   

agreements .............................................................................................
Repayment of debt.......................................................................................
Deferred financing costs incurred ...............................................................
Other ................................................................................................
Net cash used by financing activities ..........................................................
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash ................................
Net change in cash and cash equivalents ................................
Cash and cash equivalents at  
     beginning of year................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year................................

—    
(29,898)   
(2)   
1,075   
(27,409) 
—   
13,434   

18,366    
31,800  

$ 

$ 

(1,483)  

$ 

13,558  

$ 

1  

$ 

59,590 

—  

(2,745)   
5,504  
—   
2,759   

—  

—    
(142)   
—  
—   
(142)   
(313)   
821   

(1,562)  
(3,093)    

—   
—  

(4,655)   

1   

18   
(1,029)  
—   
—   
(1,010)   
5,191 
13,084  

(1,162)    
(341)  

$ 

31,451  
44,535  

$ 

$ 

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

(1)   

—    
—   
—   
—   
(1)   
—   
—   

—    
—  

$ 

(1,562) 
(13,066) 
5,504 
557 
(8,567) 

1,416 

18 
(31,069) 
(2) 
1,075 
(28,562) 
4,878  
27,339 

48,655 
75,994 

As of and for the year ended March 31, 2007:  

As of March 31, 2007:      
Current assets:        

Cash ...................................................................................
$ 
Trade accounts receivable and unbilled    

revenues........................................................................
Inventories .........................................................................
Prepaid expenses ...............................................................
Total current assets.......................................................
Net property, plant, and equipment .............................................
Goodwill and other intangibles, net ............................................
Intercompany balances ................................................................
Other non-current assets ..............................................................
$ 

Total assets ................................................................

Current liabilities .........................................................................
$ 
Long-term debt, less current portion ...........................................
Other non-current liabilities ........................................................
Total liabilities..............................................................

Shareholders’ equity................................................................

36,388  
158,125   
27,646   
222,159   
175,786   

Total liabilities and shareholders’      

18,366  

$ 

(1,162)  

$ 

31,451  

$ 

—  

$ 

48,655   

64,849     
34,548   
6,237   
124,000   
24,662   
88,703   
66,971   
93,609   
397,945  

45    
17,175   
2,707   
18,765   
11,508   
57,037   
(77,385)   
194,922   
204,847  

15,376  
—   
11,143   
26,519   
178,328   

47,425    
27,616   
9,085   
115,577   
19,061   
40,163   
(63,602)   
29,647   
140,846  

48,120  
4,043   
24,622   
76,785   
64,061   

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

—    
(2,160)   
—   
(2,160)   
—   
—   
74,016   
(249,856)    
(178,000)  

(1,150)  
—   
—   
(1,150)   
(176,850)   

$ 

$ 

112,319   
77,179   
18,029    

256,182 
55,231 
185,903 
— 

68,322    

565,638 

98,734 
162,168 

63,411    

324,313 
241,325    

equity ................................................................

$ 

397,945   

$ 

204,847   

$ 

140,846   

$ 

(178,000)   

$ 

565,638 

F-31 

 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
 
   
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
      
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)     

 Parent   

Guarantors 

Non 
Guarantors  

Eliminations   

Consolidated 

For the Year Ended March 31, 2007:      
Net sales.......................................................................................
$ 
Cost of products sold................................................................
Gross profit ..................................................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses..............................
Restructuring charges .......................................................... ……………….
Amortization of intangibles................................................. …………………….
Income from operations...............................................................
Interest and debt expense ............................................................
Other (income) and expense, net .................................................
Income from continuing operations  before   

287,223  
210,020   
77,203   
42,503   
(137)   
109   
34,728   
12,154   
4,860   

income tax expense (benefit)..................................................
Income tax expense (benefit).......................................................
Income from continuous operations ............................................
Income from discontinued operations .........................................
$ 
Net income...................................................................................

17,714    
7,506   
10,208   
704   
10,912  

$ 

$ 

170,633  
127,691   
42,942   
17,490   
—   
3   
25,449   
3,948   
(913)   

22,414    
8,916   
13,498   
—   
13,498  

$ 

$ 

179,235  
134,985   
44,250   
35,835   
270   
71   
8,074   
328   
(5,841)   

13,587    
4,197   
9,390   
—   
9,390  

$ 

$ 

$ 

(47,243)  
(47,448)   
205   
—   
—   
—   
205   
—   
—   

205    
(80)   
285   
—   
285  

$ 

589,848 
425,248 
164,600 
95,828 
133 
183 
68,456 
16,430 
(1,894) 

53,920 
20,539 
33,381 
704 
34,085 

For the Year Ended March 31, 2007:      
Operating activities:      
$ 
Cash provided (used) by operating activities ................................
Investing activities:      
Sales of marketable securities, net ..............................................................
Capital expenditures ................................................................
Proceeds from sale of businesses and surplus real estate............................
Proceeds from discontinued operations (net of tax)................................
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities ................................
Financing activities:      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options ................................
Net borrowings under revolving line-of-credit  

—  

(6,319)   
1,906   
704   
(3,709)   

41,024  

2,601   

agreements .............................................................................................
(Repayment) borrowing of debt ................................................................
Deferred financing costs incurred ...............................................................
Dividends paid.............................................................................................
Other ................................................................................................
Net cash (used) provided by financing  

—    
(49,522)   
(449)   
— 
890   

activities................................................................................................

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash ................................
Net change in cash and cash equivalents ................................
Cash and cash equivalents at  
     beginning of year................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year................................

$ 

(46,480) 
—   
(9,165)   

$ 

925  

$ 

(1,667)  

$ 

5,213  

$ 

45,495 

—  

(1,099)   
2,970   
—   
1,871   

1,167  
(3,235)    
511   
—  

(1,557)   

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

1,167 
(10,653) 
5,387 
704 
(3,395) 

(15)  

13,489   

(13,474)   

2,601 

—    
—   
—  

(2,324)   
—   

(2,339)    
(158)   
299   

3,045   
3,558  
—   
(5,937)   
—   

14,155   
992 
11,923  

—    
—   
—   
8,261   
—   

(5,213)    

—   
—   

—    
—  

$ 

3,045 
(45,964) 
(449) 
— 
890 

(39,877) 
834  
3,057 

45,598 
48,655 

27,531    
18,366  

$ 

(1,461)    
(1,162)  

$ 

19,528  
31,451  

$ 

F-32 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
   
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
   
 
  
   
 
          
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)  

For the year ended March 31, 2006:    

Parent  

Guarantors 

Non 
Guarantors  

Eliminations  

Consolidated 

For the Year Ended March 31, 2006:      
Net sales.......................................................................................
$ 
Cost of products sold................................................................
Gross profit ..................................................................................
Selling, general and administrative expenses..............................
Restructuring charges .......................................................... ……………….
Amortization of intangibles................................................. …………………….
Income from operations...............................................................
Interest and debt expense ............................................................
Other (income) and expense, net .................................................
(Loss) income from continuing operations  before   

268,570  
200,639   
67,931   
40,811   
1,635   
179   
25,306   
19,558   
8,055   

income tax (benefit) expense..................................................
Income tax (benefit) expense.......................................................
Income from continuous operations ............................................
Income from discontinued operations .........................................
$ 
Net income...................................................................................

(2,307)    
(37,950)   
35,643   
696   
36,339  

$ 

$ 

$ 

152,181  
114,042   
38,139   
16,003   
—   
3   
22,133   
4,876   
20   

17,237    
2,912   
14,325   
—   
14,325  

$ 

163,787  
120,842   
42,945   
31,081   
(26)   
67   
11,823   
233   
(3,027)   

14,617    
4,263   
10,354   
—   
10,354  

$ 

$ 

$ 

(28,531)  
(27,138)   
(1,393)   
—   
—   
—   
(1,393)   
—   
—   

(1,393)    
(171)   
(1,222)   
—   
(1,222)  

$ 

556,007 
408,385 
147,622 
87,895 
1,609 
249 
57,869 
24,667 
5,048 

28,154 
(30,946) 
59,100 
696 
59,796 

26,358  

$ 

8,418   

$ 

11,587  

$ 

—  

$ 

46,363 

$ 

For the Year Ended March 31, 2006:      
Operating activities:      
Cash provided by operating activities .........................................................
Investing activities:      
Purchases of marketable securities, net.......................................................
Capital expenditures ................................................................
Proceeds from sale of businesses and surplus real estate............................
Proceeds from discontinued operations note receivable .............................
Net cash used by investing activities...........................................................
Financing activities:      
Proceeds from issuance of common stock ................................
Proceeds from exercise of stock options ................................
Net borrowings under revolving line-of-credit  

—  

(4,759)   
—   
857   
(3,902)   

56,619   
7,149   

agreements .............................................................................................
Repayment of debt.......................................................................................
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt ................................
Deferred financing costs incurred ...............................................................
Dividends paid.............................................................................................
Other ................................................................................................
Net cash provided (used) by financing  

240    
(204,832)   
136,000   
(2,877)   
9,067 
2,712   

activities................................................................................................

4,078 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash ................................
Net change in cash and cash equivalents ................................
Cash and cash equivalents at  
     beginning of year................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year................................

$ 

-   
26,534   

—  
(800)   
468   
—   
(332)   

—  
—  

—    
—   
—  
—  

(8,854)   
—   

(8,854)    

4   
(764)   

(888)  
(2,871)    
1,623   
—  

(2,136)   

—   
—   

1,121   
(335)  
—   
—   
(213)   
—   

573   
325 
10,349  

—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

—   
—   

—    
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   

—    
—   
—   

—    
—  

$ 

(888) 
(8,430) 
2,091 
857 
(6,370) 

56,619 
7,149 

1,361 
(205,167) 
136,000 
(2,877) 
— 
2,712 

(4,203) 
329  
36,119 

9,479 
45,598 

997    

(697)    

27,531  

$ 

(1,461)  

$ 

9,179  
19,528  

$ 

F-33 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
     
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
 
     
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

19.    Business Segment Information    

As a result of the way the Company manages the business, its reportable segments are strategic business units 
that  offer  products  with  different  characteristics.  The  most  defining  characteristic  is  the  extent  of  customized 
engineering required on a per-order basis. In addition, the segments serve different customer bases through differing 
methods  of  distribution.  The  Company  has  two  reportable  segments:  Products  and  Solutions.  The  Company’s 
Products segment sells hoists, industrial cranes, chain, attachments, and other material handling products principally 
to  third  party  distributors  through  diverse  distribution  channels,  and  to  a  lesser  extent  directly  to  end-users.  The 
Solutions  segment  sells  engineered  material  handling  systems  such  as  conveyors  and  lift  tables  primarily  to  end-
users  in  the  consumer  products,  manufacturing,  warehousing,  and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  the  steel,  construction, 
automotive, and other industrial markets. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in 
the  summary  of  significant  accounting  policies.  Intersegment  sales  are  not  significant.  The  Company  evaluates 
performance based on the operating earnings of the respective business units.   

Segment information as of and for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:     

Year Ended March 31, 2008 
Solutions
$        53,321
(7,239)
858
29,950
971

Products
$      570,013
78,387
7,958
560,085
12,095

Total
$     623,334
71,148
8,816
590,035
13,066

Year Ended March 31, 2007 
Solutions
$        62,759
(3,022)
858
38,978
254

Products
$      527,089
71,478
7,431
526,660
10,399

Total
$     589,848
68,456
8,289
565,638
10,653

Year Ended March 31, 2006 
Solutions
$        62,111
2,020
1,019
35,444
499

Products
$      493,896
55,849
7,805
530,600
7,931

Total
$     556,007
57,869
8,824
566,044
8,430

Sales to external customers...................................................................... 
Income (loss) from operations ................................................................. 
Depreciation and amortization................................................................. 
Total assets............................................................................................... 
Capital expenditures ................................................................................ 

Sales to external customers...................................................................... 
Income (loss) from operations ................................................................. 
Depreciation and amortization................................................................. 
Total assets............................................................................................... 
Capital expenditures ................................................................................ 

Sales to external customers...................................................................... 
Income from operations ........................................................................... 
Depreciation and amortization................................................................. 
Total assets............................................................................................... 
Capital expenditures ................................................................................ 

F-34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                     
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)  

Financial information relating to the Company’s operations by geographic area is as follows:      

Net sales:    
United States.............................................................................................................
Europe ......................................................................................................................
Canada ......................................................................................................................
Other ................................................................................................................
Total..........................................................................................................................

$  447,977  
136,051   
18,672   
20,634   
$  623,334  

$  424,696  
121,908   
26,757   
16,487   
$  589,848  

$  394,657 
112,868 
30,492 
17,990 
$  556,007 

Year Ended March 31, 
2007

2006

2008

Total assets:    
United States.............................................................................................................
Europe.......................................................................................................................
Canada ......................................................................................................................
Other .........................................................................................................................
Total..........................................................................................................................

$  399,462  
161,695   
15,464   
13,414   
$  590,035  

$  394,923  
143,712   
15,222   
11,781   
$  565,638  

$  411,199 
123,694 
20,444 
10,707 
$  566,044 

Year Ended March 31, 
2007

2006

2008

Long-lived assets:    
United States.............................................................................................................
Europe.......................................................................................................................
Canada ......................................................................................................................
Other .........................................................................................................................
Total..........................................................................................................................

$  184,792  
57,558   
-   
3,440   
$  245,790  

$  182,160  
55,444   
-   
3,530   
$  241,134  

$  184,448 
53,357 
1,869 
2,785 
$  242,459 

Year Ended March 31, 
2007

2006

2008

2006
$     258,082 
134,301 
61,967 
101,657 
$  556,007 

Sales by major product group are as follows:   

2008

Year Ended March 31, 
2007

Hoists ........................................................................................................................
Chain and forged attachments...................................................................................
Industrial cranes................................................................................................
Other .........................................................................................................................
Total..........................................................................................................................

$     321,778  
142,966   
63,327   
95,263   
$  623,334  

$     284,494  
134,850   
67,003   
103,501   
$  589,848  

F-35 

 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

20.     Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)   

The  Company’s  quarterly  reporting  periods,  with  the  exception  of  the  fourth  quarter,  end  on  the  Sunday 
closest  to  the  end  of  the  calendar  quarter.  The  interim fiscal  periods  presented  below  are  consistently  determined 
from year to year.  

Below is selected quarterly financial data for fiscal 2008 and 2007:    

Three Months Ended 

Net sales...................................................   $  148,110   $  
Gross profit ..............................................   
Income from operations ...........................   
Net income...............................................   $ 

43,888   
18,267   

9,520   $ 

July 1,    
2007

September 30, 
2007
151,410   $ 
46,038   
19,148   

March 31, 
2008

December 30, 
2007
155,196    $  168,618  
47,953  
14,571  

46,674    
19,162    

9,453   $ 

9,994   $ 

8,382      

Net income per share – basic ...................     $ 

0.51    $ 

0.51     $ 

0.53    $ 

0.45 

Net income per share – diluted ................     $ 

0.50    $ 

0.49     $ 

0.52    $ 

0.44 

Results  include  a  pre-tax  fixed  asset  impairment  charge  of  $2,509,000  in  the  quarter  ended  March  31, 2008 
and  pre-tax  losses  on  early  extinguishment  of  debt  of  $1,443,000,  $177,000  and  $174,000  for  the  quarters  ended 
September 30, 2007, December 30, 2007 and March 31, 2008 respectively.    

Three Months Ended 

Net sales...................................................   $  146,694   $  
Gross profit ..............................................   
Income from operations ...........................   
Net income...............................................   $ 

42,283   
17,780   

5,572   $ 

July 2,    
2006

October 1, 
2006
144,225   $ 
39,017   
16,104   

March 31, 
2007

December 31, 
2006
142,044    $  156,885  
44,677  
19,676  

38,623    
14,896    

8,314   $ 

9,126   $  11,073      

Net income per share – basic ...................     $ 

0.30    $ 

0.45     $ 

0.49    $ 

0.60 

Net income per share – diluted ................     $ 

0.29    $ 

0.44     $ 

0.48    $ 

0.58 

Results include pre-tax losses on early extinguishment of debt of $4,583,000, $359,000 and $246,000 for the 

quarters ended July 2, 2006, December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007 respectively.    

F-36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)   

21.    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss    

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:       

March 31, 

2008 

2007 

Net unrealized investment (loss) gain – net of tax.............................................   $ 
Adjustment to pension liability– net of tax........................................................   
Adjustment to other postretirement obligations – net of tax..............................   
Foreign currency translation adjustment............................................................   
Accumulated other comprehensive loss.............................................................   $ 

(740)   $ 

22 

(18,606)  
(14,514)   
(3,083)  
(3,248)   
15,761   
6,330  
(2,741)   $  (15,337) 

The  deferred  taxes  associated  with  the  items  included  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss  were 
$11,817,000 and $14,102,000 for 2008 and 2007, respectively.   As a result of the recording of a deferred tax asset 
valuation allowance in fiscal 2005, the Company recorded as an offsetting entry a $534,000 charge in the minimum 
pension liability component of other comprehensive income.  With the reversal of that valuation allowance in fiscal 
2006 the Company recorded the reversal of the valuation allowance as a reduction of income taxes in the statement 
of income.  This is in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” even though the 
valuation allowance was initially established by a charge against comprehensive income.   This amount will remain 
indefinitely as a component of minimum pension liability adjustment.  

The  activity  by  year  related  to  investments,  including  reclassification  adjustments  for  activity  included  in 

earnings is as follows (all items shown net of tax):     

Year Ended March 31, 
2007 

2006 

2008 

$ 
Net unrealized investment gain at beginning of year................................

22   $ 

Unrealized holdings (loss) gain arising during the period .............................
    Reclassification adjustments for (gain) included in earnings ........................
Net change in unrealized (loss) gain on investments................................
$ 
Net unrealized investment (loss) gain at end of year ................................

(674)
(88)
(762)
(740)

$ 

1,891   $ 
2,491   
(4,360)
(1,869)

22   $ 

1,233 
1,591  
(933)
658 
1,891 

F-37 

 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
   
   
 
 
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)  

22.     Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements   

In  September  2006,  the  FASB  issued  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  (SFAS)  No.  157,  “Fair 
Value  Measurements,”  (“SFAS  157”)  to  define  fair  value,  establish  a  framework  for  measuring  fair  value  in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expand disclosures about fair value measurements. 
SFAS 157 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued 
FSP FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.” This FSP (1) partially defers the effective date of 
SFAS  No.  157  for  one  year  for  certain  nonfinancial  assets  and  nonfinancial  liabilities  and  (2)  removes  certain 
leasing transactions from the scope of SFAS 157. The Company believes that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will 
not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.   

In  September  2006,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  158,  “Employers’  Accounting  for  Defined  Benefit Pension 
and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (“SFAS 158”). 
Among other items, SFAS 158 requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of an entity’s defined 
benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in the financial statements and requires recognition of the funded 
status  of  defined  benefit  postretirement  plans  in  other  comprehensive  income.  We  adopted  all  of  the  currently 
required provisions of SFAS 158 in fiscal 2007. This statement also requires an entity to measure a defined benefit 
postretirement plan’s assets and obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employers’ fiscal 
year. This requirement is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect 
the adoption of this requirement to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial 
Liabilities  —  Including  an  Amendment  of  FASB  Statement  No. 115”  (“SFAS  159”).  SFAS  159  allows  the 
irrevocable election of fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and 
liabilities  and  other  items  on  an  instrument-by-instrument  basis.  Changes  in  fair  value  would  be  reflected  in 
earnings as they occur. The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the 
opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently 
without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of the first 
fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company believes that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will not 
have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.  

the  FASB 

In  December 2007, 

issued  SFAS  No. 141 

(revised  2007)  “Business  Combinations” 
(“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets 
acquired  and  liabilities  assumed  in  the  transaction;  establishes  the  acquisition-date  fair  value  as  the  measurement 
objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose all of the information 
required  to  evaluate and  understand  the nature and financial effect of the business combination. This statement is 
effective  for  acquisition  dates  on  or  after  the  beginning  of  the  first  annual  reporting  period  beginning  after 
December 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will have on the 
Company’s consolidated financial statements.  

In  December  2007,  the  FASB  issued  SFAS  No.  160,  “Noncontrolling  Interests  in  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements--an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). This Statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting 
and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. 
SFAS 160 is effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company 
believes that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.    

F-38   

 
     
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION  

SCHEDULE II—Valuation and qualifying accounts 
March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 
Dollars in thousands    

Description 

Year ended March 31, 2008:        

Deducted from asset accounts:          
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Slow-moving and obsolete inventory
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

Total

Reserves on balance sheet:          

Additions       

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Period 

Charged to 
Costs and 
Expenses 

Charged 
to Other 
Accounts    

Deductions  

Balance at 
End of 
Period 

$  3,628  
8,843   
2,064
$  14,535

$ 

1,484  
1,746   
3,029
    $  6,259

$  —   
—    
—
$  —

$  853 
1,657 
1,000
$  3,510

(1)  
(2)   

$  4,259    
8,932   
4,093
$ 17,284

Accrued general and product liability costs

$ 21,078

$ 

2,201

$  —

$  2,508

(3)  

$ 20,771

Year ended March 31, 2007:         

Deducted from asset accounts:          
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Slow-moving and obsolete inventory
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

Total

Reserves on balance sheet:          

$  3,417  
7,635   
6,301
$  17,353

$ 

1,359  
2,754   
—
    $  4,113

$  —   

(240)  (4)   

—
$  (240)   

$  1,148 
1,306 
4,237
$  6,691

(1)  
(2)   

$  3,628    
8,843   
2,064
$ 14,535

Accrued general and product liability costs

$ 20,969

$ 

4,343

$  —

$  4,234

(3)  

$ 21,078

Year ended March 31, 2006:         

Deducted from asset accounts:          
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Slow-moving and obsolete inventory
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

Total

Reserves on balance sheet:          

$  3,015  
6,413   

50,538
$  59,966

$ 

1,628  
2,617   
(38,571)   
    $ (34,326)  

$  —   
—    
—
$  —

(1)  
(2)   

$  1,226  
1,395 
5,666
$  8,287

$  3,417    
7,635   
6,301
$ 17,353

Accrued general and product liability costs

$ 16,094

$ 

7,920

$  —

$  3,045

(3)  

$ 20,969

________
(1)  Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries 
(2)  Obsolete inventory disposals 
(3)  Insurance claims and expenses paid 
(4)  Reserves at date of disposal of subsidiary 

F-39 

 
 
  
   
   
   
   
    
    
     
  
 
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
         
  
   
   
  
   
    
    
     
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
         
  
   
   
   
    
    
     
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
         
 
   None.   

Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures   

As of March 31, 2008, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, 
including  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  of  the  effectiveness  of  the  design  and  operation  of  our 
disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Financial Officer, concluded  that our disclosure controls and  procedures were effective as of March 31, 2008.   There were no 
changes in our internal controls or in other factors during our fourth quarter ended March 31, 2008.   

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting  

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such 
term  is  defined  in  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(f)  and  15d-15(f).  Under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  our 
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness 
of  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  March  31,  2008  based  on  the  framework  in  Internal  Control--Integrated 
Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  Based  on  that 
evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2008.   

The  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  March  31,  2008  has  been  audited  by 

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.   

Our  management,  including  the  CEO  and  CFO,  does  not  expect  that  our  disclosure  controls  or  our  internal  control  over 
financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can 
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system 
must  reflect  the  fact  that  there  are  resource  constraints,  and  the  benefits  of  controls  must  be  considered  relative  to  their  costs. 
Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that 
misstatements due to  error or fraud  will not occur or that all control issues and  instances of fraud, if any, have been  detected. 
These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur 
because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two 
or  more  people,  or  by  management  override  of  the  controls.  The  design  of  any  system  of  controls  is  based  in  part  on  certain 
assumptions  about  the  likelihood  of future events, and  there can  be no  assurance that any design  will succeed  in  achieving  its 
stated  goals  under  all  potential  future  conditions.  Projections  of  any  evaluation  of  controls  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are 
subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of 
compliance with policies or procedures.     

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Columbus McKinnon Corporation  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

We have audited  Columbus McKinnon  Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2008, based on 
criteria  established  in  Internal  Control—Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the 
Treadway  Commission  (the  COSO  criteria).  Columbus  McKinnon  Corporation’s  management  is  responsible  for  maintaining 
effective  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  and  for  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.   

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and  perform  the  audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  effective  internal 
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal 
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating 

31 

  
   
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in 
the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.  

A  company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  the 
reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external purposes in  accordance with  generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 
of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and  that  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.   Also, 
projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become  inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.  

In  our  opinion,  Columbus  McKinnon  Corporation  maintained,  in  all  material  respects,  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting as of March 31, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
consolidated balance sheets of Columbus McKinnon Corporation as of March 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated 
statements  of  income,  shareholders’  equity,  and  cash  flows  for each  of the three years in  the period  ended  March  31, 2008  of 
Columbus McKinnon Corporation and our report dated May 29, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.          

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP    

Buffalo, New York 
May 29, 2008      

Item 9B. 

Other Information

None.    

Item 10. 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

PART III

The information regarding Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed 

with the Commission prior to July 29, 2008 and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.  

The  charters  of  our  Audit  Committee,  Compensation  and  Succession  Committee,  and  Governance  and  Nominating 
Committee are available on our website at www.cmworks.com and are available to any shareholder upon request to the Corporate 
Secretary. The information on the Company's website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of our employees, including our principal executive officer, principal 
financial  officer  and  principal  accounting  officer,  as  well  as  our  directors.   Our  code  of  ethics,  the  Columbus  McKinnon 
Corporation  Legal  Compliance  &  Business  Ethics  Manual,  is  available  on  our  website  at  www.cmworks.com.   We  intend  to 
disclose any amendment to, or waiver from, the code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial 
officer or principal accounting officer otherwise required to be disclosed under Item 10 of Form 8-K by posting such amendment 
or waiver, as applicable, on our website.  

32 

  
   
   
   
   The information regarding Executive Compensation will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission prior 

Executive Compensation

Item 11. 

to July 29, 2008 and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.  

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The  information  regarding  Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and  Management  and  regarding  equity 
compensation plan incorporation will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission prior to July 29, 2008 
and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.  

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information regarding Certain Relationships and Related Transactions will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed 

with the Commission prior to July 29, 2008 and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.  

Item 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information regarding Principal Accountant Fees and Services will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with the 

Commission prior to July 29, 2008 and upon the filing of such Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference herein.   

PART IV

Item 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(1)  Financial Statements:

The following consolidated financial statements of Columbus McKinnon Corporation are included in Item 8:   

Reference

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

Consolidated balance sheets - March 31, 2008 and 2007  

Consolidated statements of income – Years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006  

Page No.

F-2   

F-3   

F-4   

Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity - Years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006  

F-5  

Consolidated statements of cash flows – Years ended March 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006  

F-6  

Notes to consolidated financial statements  

F-7 to F-38     

(2) 

Financial Statement Schedule:

Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts                                               

Page No.

F-39  

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.      

33  

  
   
   
   
   
  
   
  
     
  
   
   Exhibit  Number    

(3) 

Exhibits:

Exhibit

3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the 

Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).  

3.2 Amended By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Company’s Current 

Report on Form 8-K dated May 17, 1999).  

4.1 Specimen common share certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration 

Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995.)  

4.2 First Amendment and Restatement of Rights Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1998, between Columbus 

McKinnon Corporation and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4.2  to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended 
June 29, 2003).  

4.3 Indenture, dated as of March 31, 1998,  among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, the guarantors named on 
the signature pages thereto and State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 9, 1998).  

4.4 Supplemental Indenture among LICO, Inc., Automatic Systems, Inc., LICO Steel, Inc., Columbus McKinnon 

Corporation, Yale Industrial Products, Inc., Mechanical Products, Inc., Minitec Corporation and State Street 
Bank and Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, dated March 31, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to 
the Company’s Current Report on form 8-K dated April 9, 1998).  

4.5 Second Supplemental Indenture among Abell-Howe Crane, Inc., LICO, Inc., Automatic Systems, Inc. LICO 
Steel, Inc., Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Yale Industrial Products Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust 
Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of February 12, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999).  

4.6 Third Supplemental Indenture among G.L. International, Inc., Gaffey, Inc., Handling Systems and Conveyors, 
Inc., Larco Material Handling Inc., Abell-Howe Crane, Inc., LICO, Inc., Automatic Systems, Inc., LICO Steel, 
Inc., Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Yale Industrial Products, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust 
Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of March 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999).  

4.7  Fourth Supplemental Indenture among Washington Equipment Company, G.L. International, Inc., Gaffey, Inc., 
Handling Systems and Conveyors, Inc., Larco Material Handling Inc., Abell-Howe Crane, Inc., Automatic 
Systems, Inc., LICO Steel, Inc., Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Yale Industrial Products, Inc. and State 
Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of November 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s quarterly report on form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 3, 1999).  

4.8  Fifth Supplemental Indenture among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Crane Equipment & Service, Inc., 

Automatic Systems, Inc., LICO Steel, Inc., Yale Industrial Products, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust 
Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of April 4, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002).  

4.9  Sixth Supplemental Indenture among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Audubon West, Inc., Crane 

Equipment & Service, Inc., LICO Steel, Inc., Yale Industrial Products, Inc., Audubon Europe S.a.r.l. and 
State Street Bank and Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of August 5, 2002 (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002).  

4.10 Seventh Supplemental Indenture among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Crane Equipment & Service, 
Inc., Yale Industrial Products, Inc., Audubon Europe S.a.r.l. and U.S. Bank National Trust Association, as 
trustee, dated as of August 30, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 2, 2005). 

34 

  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
4.11 Indenture, dated as of July 22, 2003, among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, the guarantors named on the 

signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 29, 2003).  

4.12 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 19, 2003, among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, the 
guarantors named on the signature pages thereto and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement 
No. 333-109730 on Form S-4/A dated November 7, 2003).  

4.13  Indenture among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Audubon Europe S.a.r.l., Crane Equipment & Service, 

Inc., Yale Industrial Products, Inc.. and U.S. Bank National Association., as trustee, dated as of September 2, 
2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-129142 on 
Form S-3 dated October 19, 2005).  

4.14  Registration Rights Agreement among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Audubon Europe S.a.r.l., Crane 

Equipment & Service, Inc., Yale Industrial Products, Inc., and Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, acting on 
behalf of itself and as Representative of the Initial Purchasers, dated as of September 2, 2005 (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-129142 on Form S-3 dated 
October 19, 2005).  

10.1  Agreement by and among Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Trust, Columbus 
McKinnon Corporation and Marine Midland Bank, dated November 2, 1995 (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).

#10.2  Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan Restatement Effective April 1, 1989 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form 
S-1 dated December 21, 1995).  

#10.3  Amendment No. 1 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 

and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated March 2, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the 
Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).  

#10.4  Amendment No. 2 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated 

October 17, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997).  

#10.5  Amendment No. 3 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated March 

27, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
fiscal year ended March 31, 1997).  

#10.6  Amendment No. 4 of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 

and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated September 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1996).  

#10.7  Amendment No. 5 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 
and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated August 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998).  

#10.8  Amendment No. 6 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 

and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated June 24, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998).  

#10.9  Amendment No. 7 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 

and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated April 30, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000).  

#10.10  Amendment No. 8 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 
and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated March 26, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the 

35  

  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002).  

#10.11  Amendment No. 9 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 
and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated March 27, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003).  

#10.12

Amendment No. 10 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 
and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated February 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004).  

#10.13  Amendment No. 11 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 
and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated December 19, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 28, 2003).  

#10.14  Amendment No. 12 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan as Amended 

and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated March 17, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005).  

#10.15  Columbus McKinnon Corporation Personal Retirement Account Plan Trust Agreement, dated April 1, 1987 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form 
S-1 dated December 21, 1995).  

#10.16  Amendment No. 1 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreement 
(formerly known as the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Personal Retirement Account Plan Trust 
Agreement) effective November 1, 1988 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company’s 
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).  

#10.17  Amendment and Restatement of Columbus McKinnon Corporation 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal 
year ended March 31, 1999).  

#10.18  Second Amendment to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended 
and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for 
the quarterly period ended September 29, 2002).  

#10.19  Columbus McKinnon Corporation Restricted Stock Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference 

to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 
1995).  

#10.20  Second Amendment to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated by 

reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended 
September 29, 2002).  

#10.21  Amendment and Restatement of Columbus McKinnon Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal 
year ended March 31, 1999).  

#10.22  Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan 1989 Restatement Effective January 1, 1998 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarterly period ended December 27, 1998).  

#10.23  Amendment No. 1 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated December 10, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999).  

#10.24  Amendment No. 2 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401 (k)] 
Plan, dated June 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000).  

36 

  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
#10.25  Amendment No. 3 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401 (k)] 

Plan, dated  March 26, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002).  

#10.26  Amendment No. 4 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated May 10, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 29, 2002).  

#10.27  Amendment No. 5 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated December 20, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 29, 2002).  

#10.28  Amendment No. 6 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated May 22, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003).  

#10.29  Amendment No. 7 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated April 14, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004).  

#10.30  Amendment No. 8 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated December 19, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 28, 2003).  

#10.31  Amendment No. 9 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated March 16, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004).  

#10.32  Amendment No. 10 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 
Plan, dated July 12, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 4, 2004).  

#10.33  Amendment No. 11 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated March 31, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005).  

#10.34  Amendment No. 12 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated December 27, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006).  

#10.35  Amendment No. 13 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated December 21, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Company’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March, 31, 2007).  

*#10.36  Amendment No. 14 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] 

Plan, dated December 21, 2007.  

#10.37  Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift 401(k) Plan Trust Agreement Restatement Effective August 9, 1994 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form 
S-1 dated December 21, 1995).   

#10.38  Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan Restatement Effective April 1, 1998 

(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the 
quarterly period ended December 27, 1998).  

#10.39  Amendment No. 1 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly 

Retirement Benefit Plan, dated December 10, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999).  

37 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
#10.40  Amendment No. 2 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly 

Retirement Benefit Plan, dated May 26, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999).  

#10.41  Amendment No. 3 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly 

Retirement Benefit Plan, dated March 26, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to the Company’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002).  

#10.42  Amendment No. 4 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly 
Retirement Benefit Plan, dated December 20, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 29, 2002).  

#10.43  Amendment No. 5 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly 
Retirement Benefit Plan, dated February 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004).  

#10.44  Amendment No. 6 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly 

Retirement Benefit Plan, dated March 17, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Company’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005).  

#10.45 Amendment No. 7 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly 

Retirement Benefit Plan, dated December 28, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006).  

#10.46  Amendment No. 8 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly 
Retirement Benefit Plan, dated December 28, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2006).  

*#10.47  Amendment No. 9 to the 1998 Plan Restatement of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly 

Retirement Benefit Plan, dated April 21, 2008.  

#10.48  Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan Trust Agreement Effective as of April 1, 
1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on 
Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995).  

#10.49  Form of Change in Control Agreement as entered into between Columbus McKinnon Corporation and each 
of Timothy T. Tevens, Derwin R. Gilbreath, Karen L. Howard, Joseph J. Owen, Richard A. Steinberg, and 
Timothy R. Harvey, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K for the fiscal year ended March, 31, 1998).  

#10.50  Employment agreement with Wolfgang Wegener dated December 31, 1996 (incorporated by reference to 
Exhibit 10.48 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March, 31, 2007).  

10.51  Intercreditor Agreement dated as of July 22, 2003 among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, the subsidiary 
guarantors as listed thereon, Fleet Capital Corporation, as Credit Agent, and U.S. Bank Trust National 
Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 29, 2003).  

10.52  Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2002 and 

amended and restated as of January 2, 2004, among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, as Borrower, Larco 
Industrial Services Ltd., Columbus McKinnon Limited, the Guarantors Named Herein, the Lenders Party 
Hereto From Time to Time, Fleet Capital Corporation, as Administrative Agent, Fleet National Bank, as 
Issuing Lender, Congress Financial Corporation (Central), Syndication Agent, Merrill Lynch Capital, a 
Division of Merrill Lynch Business Financial Services Inc., as Documentation Agent, and Fleet Securities, 
Inc., as Arranger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q for the quarterly period ended December 28, 2003).  

#10.53  Columbus McKinnon Corporation Corporate Management Variable Compensation Plan (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended 

38 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 3, 2004).  

#10.54  Columbus McKinnon Corporation 2006 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A 

to the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Columbus McKinnon 
Corporation held on July 31, 2006).  

#10.55  Columbus McKinnon Corporation Executive Management Variable Compensation Plan (incorporated by 

reference to Appendix B to the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of 
Columbus McKinnon Corporation held on July 31, 2006).  

10.56  First Amendment to that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of 
November 21, 2002 and amended and restated as of January 2, 2004, among Columbus McKinnon 
Corporation, as Borrower, Larco Industrial Services Ltd., Columbus McKinnon Limited, the Guarantors  
From Time to Time Party Thereto, the Lenders From Time to Time Party Thereto, Bank of America, N.A.  
as Administrative Agent for such Lenders and as Issuing Lender dated April 29, 2005 (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 29, 2005).  

10.57  Second amendment, dated as of August 5, 2005, to that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit and 
Security Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2002 and amended and restated as of January 2, 2004 (as 
amended by that certain First Amendment to that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security 
Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2005, and as further modified and supplemented and in effect from time to 
time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, a corporation organized under the 
laws of New York (the “Borrower”), Larco Industrial Services Ltd., a business corporation organized under 
the laws of the Province of Ontario, Columbus McKinnon Limited, a business corporation organized under  
the laws of Canada, the Guarantors from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party  
thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for such Lenders (the 
“Agent”) and as Issuing Lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q dated October 2, 2005).  

10.58  Third amendment, dated as of August 22, 2005, to that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit and 
Security Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2002 and amended and restated as of January 2, 2004 (as 
amended by that certain First Amendment to that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security 
Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2005, by that certain Second Amendment to that certain Second Amended 
and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2005, and as further modified and 
supplemented and in effect from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Columbus McKinnon 
Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of New York (the “Borrower”), Larco Industrial 
Services Ltd., a business corporation organized under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Columbus 
McKinnon Limited, a business corporation organized under the laws of Canada, the Guarantors from time to 
time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), Bank of 
America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for such Lenders (the “Agent”) and as Issuing Lender (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated October 2, 2005).  

10.59  Fourth amendment, dated as of October 17, 2005, to that certain Second Amended and Restated Credit and 
Security Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2002 and amended and restated as of January 2, 2004, and 
amended by that certain First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2005, and by that 
certain Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 5, 2005, and by that certain Third 
Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2005 (as further amended, supplemented or 
otherwise modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among Columbus McKinnon Corporation 
(the "Borrower"), Larco Industrial Services Ltd., Columbus McKinnon Limited, the Guarantors named 
therein, the lending institutions party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and 
Issuing Lender.  Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed 
thereto in the Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q dated October 2, 2005).  

10.60  Third Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2006 among Columbus 
McKinnon Corporation, as the Borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Issuing 
Lender, and Other Lenders Party Hereto, and Bank of America Securities LLC, as Arranger (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.53 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 
31, 2006). 

39 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.61  First amendment, dated as of January 8, 2007 to that certain Third Amended and Restated Credit and Security 
Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2006 among Columbus McKinnon Corporation, as the Borrower, Bank of 
America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Issuing Lender, and Other Lenders Party Hereto, and Bank of 
America Securities LLC, as Arranger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.59 to the Company’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March, 31, 2007).  

*21.1  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.  

*23.1  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  

*31.1  Certification of the principal executive officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 

1934, as amended.  

*31.2  Certification of the principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 

1934, as amended.  

*32.1  Certification of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) 
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted by pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  The information contained in this exhibit shall not be 
deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission nor incorporated by reference in any 
registration statement foiled by the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  

_________________  
*  Filed herewith  
#  Indicates a Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement      

40  

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly 

caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.   

SIGNATURES   

Date:  May 30, 2008    

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION    

By:  /S/  TIMOTHY T. TEVENS                               

      Timothy T. Tevens   

               President and Chief Executive Officer    

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  

Signature 

Title

    /S/    TIMOTHY T. TEVENS 
____________________________________ 
     Timothy T. Tevens   

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 
      (Principal Executive Officer)  

    /S/   KAREN L. HOWARD 
____________________________________ 
    Karen L. Howard   

Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal 
Accounting Officer)  

Date

May 30, 2008   

May 30, 2008    

    /S/   ERNEST R. VEREBELYI   
____________________________________ 
      Ernest R. Verebelyi   

Chairman of the Board of Directors   

May 30, 2008   

    /S/   RICHARD H. FLEMING 
____________________________________ 
    Richard H. Fleming   

Director   

    /S/   NICHOLAS T. PINCHUK 
____________________________________ 

Director   

Nicholas T. Pinchuk   

    /S/   WALLACE W. CREEK 
____________________________________ 
    Wallace W. Creek   

    /S/   LINDA A. GOODSPEED 
____________________________________ 
    Linda A. Goodspeed   

    /S/   STEPHEN RABINOWITZ 
____________________________________ 
    Stephen Rabinowitz   

Director   

Director   

Director   

May 30, 2008  

May 30, 2008  

May 30, 2008  

May 30, 2008  

May 30, 2008   

41 

  
                               
      
  
 
  
COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION   

SUBSIDIARIES 
(as of March 31, 2008)   

Exhibit 21.1  

CM Insurance Company, Inc. (US-NY) 
Columbus McKinnon de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) 
Columbus McKinnon de Uruguay, S.A. (Uruguay) 
Columbus McKinnon do Brazil Ltda. (Brazil) 
Columbus McKinnon de Panama S.A. (Panama) 
Crane Equipment & Service, Inc. (US-OK) 
Société d’Exploitation des Raccords Gautier (France) 
Univeyor A/S (Denmark)  

Univeyor Conveying Systems Ltd. (England) 

Yale Industrial Products, Inc. (US-DE)  

Egyptian-American Crane Co. (40% Joint Venture) (Egypt)   
Audubon Europe S.a.r.l. (Luxembourg) 

Columbus McKinnon Limited (Canada) 
Yale Industrial Products Ltd. (England) 
Yale Industrial Products GmbH (Germany)  
Asia Hoist Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong)     

Hangzhou LILA Lifting and Lashing Co. Ltd. (China)  
Yale Hangzhou Industrial Products Co. Ltd. (China)    

Columbus McKinnon Corporation Ltd. (England) 
Yale Levage (France) 
Columbus McKinnon Italia S.r.l. (Italy) 
Yale Elevación Ibérica S.L. (Spain) 
Yale Industrial Products Asia (Thailand) Co. Ltd. 
Yale Industrial Products B.V. (The Netherlands) 
Yale Industrial Products GmbH (Austria) 
Yale Industrial Products Pty. Ltd. (South Africa)  
Yale Lifting & Mining Products (Pty.) Ltd. (25% Financial Interest) (South Africa) 
Yale Industrial Products Kft. (Hungary)    

42 

  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

Exhibit 23.1  

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:  

(1)  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-8  No.   333-3212)    pertaining   to   the   Columbus  McKinnon  Corporation  1995  Incentive 
Stock  Option  Plan,  the  Columbus  McKinnon   Corporation  Non-Qualified   Stock  Option  Plan,  the  Columbus  McKinnon  
Corporation   Restricted   Stock Plan and the Columbus McKinnon   Corporation   Employee Stock Ownership Plan Restatement 
Effective April 1, 1989 of Columbus McKinnon Corporation,   

(2)  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-8  No.   333-81719)   pertaining   to  the   Options  assumed   by   Columbus   McKinnon  
Corporation   originally   granted   under   the GL International,   Inc.   1997 Stock Option Plan and the Larco   Industrial   Services 
Ltd.  1997 Stock Option Plan, and  

(3)  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-8  No.  333-137212)  pertaining  to  the  Columbus  McKinnon  Corporation  2006  Long  Term 
Incentive Plan  

of our reports dated May 29, 2008, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Columbus McKinnon 
Corporation, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Columbus McKinnon Corporation, included in 
the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended March 31, 2008.         

Buffalo, New York 
May 29, 2008   

43 

  
CERTIFICATION   

Exhibit 31.1  

I, Timothy T. Tevens, Chief Executive Officer, certify that:  

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Columbus McKinnon Corporation;  

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, 
not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report.  

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, 
the periods presented in this annual report;   

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:  

a.  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in 
which this annual report is being prepared;  

b.  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and   

c.  disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that 

occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an 
annual report) that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over 
financial reporting;  and   

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons 
performing the equivalent functions):   

d.  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 

reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize 
and report financial information; and  

e.  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 

the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.   

Date:  May 30, 2008        

  /S/ TIMOTHY T. TEVENS     
Timothy T. Tevens      
Chief Executive Officer       

44 

  
       
CERTIFICATION   

Exhibit 31.2  

I, Karen L. Howard, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:  

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Columbus McKinnon Corporation;  

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a 
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, 
not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report.  

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly 
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, 
the periods presented in this annual report;   

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:  

a.  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in 
which this annual report is being prepared;  

b.  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual 
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the 
period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and   

c.  disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that 

occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an 
annual report) that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over 
financial reporting;  and   

5. 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons 
performing the equivalent functions):   

d.  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 

reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize 
and report financial information; and  

e.  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 

the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.   

Date:  May 30, 2008                        

/S/ KAREN L. HOWARD 
Karen L. Howard      
Chief Financial Officer  

45 

  
      
CERTIFICATION    

Exhibit 32.1  

Each of the undersigned hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that the Annual Report of Columbus McKinnon Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for 
the year ended March 31, 2008, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 and that information contained in the such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material  respects,  the  
financial condition and result of operations of the Company.   

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be 

retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.   

Dated:  May 30, 2008     

/S/ TIMOTHY T. TEVENS 
Timothy T. Tevens 
Chief Executive Officer    

/S/ KAREN L. HOWARD 
Karen L. Howard 
Chief Financial Officer  

46 

  
 
  
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Company Profile

Columbus McKinnon Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCO) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of material 
handling products, systems and services which lift, secure, position and move material ergonomically, safely, 
precisely and efficiently. Headquartered in Amherst, New York, Columbus McKinnon’s major products include hoists, 
cranes, chain and forged attachments. The Company’s products serve a wide variety of commercial and industrial 
applications that require the safety and quality provided by Columbus McKinnon’s superior product design and 
engineering know-how.

Forward-looking information
The Columbus McKinnon annual report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 
of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning future revenue and earnings, involve known and unknown risks, 
uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from the results expressed or implied 
by such statements, including general economic and business conditions, conditions affecting the industries served by the Company and its 
subsidiaries, conditions affecting the Company’s customers and suppliers, competitor responses to the Company’s products and services, the 
overall market acceptance of such products and services and other factors disclosed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this report.

42˚ 58’ 42˝ N   78˚ 48’ 00˝ W 

AmHeRst, new YoRk  
Columbus McKinnon Corporation World Headquarters

140 John James Audubon Parkway
Amherst, New York  14228-1197
716-689-5400
cmworks.com