The LEEA has completed its first on-site audits of prospective member companies based in China. H-Lift Industries Co. Ltd (Shanghai), General Lifting Engineering Co. Ltd (SKIP Lifting) (Zhangjaikou), Shanghai ABS Technical Inspection Co Ltd and Mak Kee International H.K.Ltd (Hong Kong) all successfully completed  the rigorous assessments, which were undertaken during a visit to China by one of the LEEA’s team of technical officers.

The ground-breaking audits reflect growing interest in LEEA membership from within the Chinese lifting industry. Regardless of its location, any company seeking full membership of the LEEA must first undergo the technical audit, which covers issues  such as the use of appropriately trained staff, availability of suitable and correctly calibrated test equipment, effective material control, traceability and identification procedures and issuing the correct documentation following manufacture, test or inspection. Companies remain subject to further periodic audits as long as they wish to remain part of the Association.

In recent years, an increasing number of companies based right across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australasia have demonstrated the ability to meet the LEEA’s strict entry conditions. The addition of H-Lift Industries, General Lifting Engineering (SKIP Lifting), Shanghai ABS Technical Inspection and Mak Kee International to a membership that already numbers over 650 will further extend the LEEA’s global presence. Established in 1944, the Association offers all these members a wide range of training, accreditation and technical support services, including the TEAM card registration and identity scheme for engineers that have passed its industry-recognised Diploma examination.

Welcoming the new members, Geoff Holden, chief executive of the LEEA, commented: “The visit of one of our officers to assess potential members in China marks another milestone in the development of both the LEEA and the global lifting industry. Right around the world there is growing recognition of the need for higher standards of professionalism, and more and more companies are turning to the LEEA to help them achieve this goal.”