Barnhart Expands Southwest Crane Operations with Acquisition of Crane Service Inc. Branches
- Meagan Wood
- Apr 1, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 12
30 Second Takeaway
Barnhart Crane & Rigging has expanded its footprint in the U.S. Southwest by acquiring the El Paso, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico branches of Crane Service Inc. The move strengthens Barnhart’s crane, rigging, and transportation capabilities across Texas and New Mexico, adds approximately 45 skilled employees, and reinforces the company’s long-term growth strategy focused on safety, reliability, and regional service depth.
Barnhart has successfully acquired the assets and operations of two Crane Service Inc. branches, located in El Paso, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, from ML Holdings Co. The transaction includes equipment, personnel, and ongoing operations, but does not represent the purchase of Crane Service Inc. as a whole.
The acquisition establishes Barnhart’s second location in Texas, complementing its Houston operation, while the Albuquerque assets will be integrated into Barnhart’s existing Albuquerque branch acquired in 2024 through the purchase of Mountain States Crane.
The acquired operations provide:
Crane rental and operation services
Industrial machine moving
Heavy haul transportation
Rigging and specialized lifting solutions
Approximately 45 experienced employees will transition into Barnhart’s organization, ensuring continuity of service and preserving local expertise.
Industry Perspectives
Barnhart Regional Director Chase Reynolds highlighted the strategic value of the acquisition:
“Since its founding in 1960, Crane Service Inc. has built a strong reputation in crane, rigging, and transportation by prioritizing safety and exceeding customer expectations. These branches strengthen our ability to serve customers across the Southwest.”
Dave Matz, President of ML Holdings, emphasized the alignment between the companies:
“We knew Barnhart was the right home for these operations. Their reputation, culture, and commitment to people make them an ideal partner for our employees.”
Local leadership echoed optimism for the transition, with branch managers in El Paso and Albuquerque highlighting opportunities for growth, collaboration, and operational synergy under the Barnhart brand.The El Paso branch will complement Barnhart’s existing Houston branch, establishing it as the company's second location in Texas. Meanwhile, the Albuquerque branch will be integrated with Barnhart’s current Albuquerque location, which was acquired last August through the purchase of Mountain States Crane.
The new acquisitions encompass a range of services including crane service, industrial machine moving, transportation, and rigging, along with a workforce of approximately 45 employees.
A Solid Reputation
Chase Reynolds, Barnhart Regional Director, stated, “Since its inception in 1960, Crane Service Inc. has cultivated a robust reputation within the crane, rigging, and transportation sectors by emphasizing safety and consistently surpassing customer expectations. The company is widely acknowledged for its skilled and experienced operators and riggers, as well as its well-maintained and comprehensive fleet of equipment. The addition of these two branches enables us to extend our services further across the Southwest and enhances our existing operations.”
Dave Matz, President of ML Holdings, remarked, “When ML Holdings/Crane Service made the decision to transition our Albuquerque and El Paso crane branches, we knew Barnhart was the ideal choice. With a stellar reputation in the industry, we are confident that our employees will flourish in this new environment. Although we are saddened to see some of our team depart, we are eager to focus on our shift toward larger and more mobile assets dedicated to the energy sector.”
Isaac Holguin, El Paso branch manager, expressed, “As one chapter closes, another begins, offering new opportunities for growth. In El Paso, we are enthusiastic about embarking on this next phase in the crane industry alongside Barnhart Crane & Rigging Co. We remain committed to keeping cranes in motion as we navigate this new journey with Barnhart.”
Paul Raley, Albuquerque branch manager, conveyed, “Our team is genuinely excited to enter this new chapter as part of the Barnhart family! We are brimming with anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead and the remarkable synergy we expect to create together.”
ML Holdings specializes in acquiring and enhancing both private and family-owned businesses within the construction and infrastructure products and services sectors. The holding company initially acquired Crane Service Inc. in 2007. Crane Service Inc. continues to operate offices in Amarillo and Sweetwater, Texas, as well as in Denver.
About Barnhart Crane & Rigging
Barnhart Crane & Rigging Co. is a U.S.-based leader in engineered heavy lifting, crane rental, rigging, and specialized transportation, serving some of the most complex industrial and infrastructure projects in North America.
Founded in 1969, Barnhart differentiates itself through an engineering-first approach, combining a modern fleet with in-house lift engineering, transport planning, and project management expertise. The company operates hundreds of cranes including all-terrain, truck-mounted, crawler, and specialty lifting systems supported by a nationwide network of branches.
Barnhart is widely recognized for its work in:
Power generation and utilities
Petrochemical and refining
Renewable energy and heavy infrastructure
Industrial construction and plant relocations
With a strong safety culture, deep technical bench, and long-term customer partnerships, Barnhart continues to expand strategically through organic growth and targeted acquisitions.
🔗 Website: https://www.barnhartcrane.com
About Crane Service Inc.
Established in 1960, Crane Service Inc. has been a respected name in the U.S. crane, rigging, and transportation market for more than six decades. The company is known for:
Highly trained operators and riggers
A safety-driven operating culture
A diversified fleet supporting industrial and construction projects
While the El Paso and Albuquerque branches have transitioned to Barnhart, Crane Service Inc. continues operating its remaining locations, maintaining its legacy and service presence in other key markets.
🔗 Website: https://www.craneserviceinc.com
About ML Holdings Co.
ML Holdings Co., headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a private investment firm specializing in the acquisition and development of construction, infrastructure, and industrial service businesses. Since acquiring Crane Service Inc. in 2007, ML Holdings has focused on:
Operational growth
Strategic repositioning of assets
Long-term value creation within heavy industry sectors
The transition of select Crane Service Inc. branches aligns with ML Holdings’ strategy to focus on larger, mobile, and energy-focused assets.
🔗 Website: https://mlholdingsco.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What assets were included in Barnhart’s acquisition of Crane Service Inc. branches?
Barnhart acquired all operational assets of the El Paso, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico branches, including cranes, rigging equipment, transport vehicles, tooling, facilities, and ongoing service contracts. The transaction also included the full operational workforce, allowing uninterrupted service for existing customers.
Did Barnhart acquire Crane Service Inc. as a company?
No. This was a partial asset acquisition. Crane Service Inc. remains an independent company and continues to operate other locations, including Amarillo and Sweetwater, Texas, and Denver, Colorado.
Why are El Paso and Albuquerque strategic locations for Barnhart?
Both markets are critical hubs for:
Energy and utility infrastructure
Industrial manufacturing
Border-region logistics
Heavy civil and transportation projects
El Paso strengthens Barnhart’s Texas coverage alongside Houston, while Albuquerque enhances its New Mexico footprint, following Barnhart’s 2024 acquisition of Mountain States Crane.
How does this acquisition strengthen Barnhart’s crane capabilities?
The acquisition expands Barnhart’s access to:
Regional crane fleets suited for industrial and infrastructure lifts
Skilled operators and riggers with local project experience
Integrated crane, rigging, machine moving, and transport services
This allows Barnhart to deliver faster response times, broader equipment availability, and more efficient project execution across the Southwest.
What industries will benefit most from this expansion?
Key industries include:
Oil & gas and energy infrastructure
Power generation and transmission
Industrial plant maintenance and shutdowns
Transportation and heavy civil construction
Manufacturing and machine relocation
Will customers of Crane Service Inc. experience service disruptions?
No. By retaining the existing workforce and assets, Barnhart ensured continuity of operations, preserving customer relationships, project knowledge, and regional expertise.
How does this acquisition align with broader crane industry trends?
The deal reflects ongoing consolidation within the crane and heavy lifting sector, where national providers are expanding regionally to deliver integrated, engineered lifting solutions while maintaining strong local execution.
