The structure of your material handling project can starts with specifying what equipment is needed. Cranes, hoists, tooling, controls, tube lifters, and fall protection are some of the main pieces of equipment you may require. JRG will work with your team to evaluate exactly what is needed, and come up with a world-class solution.
Founded over 40 years ago in Houston, Texas, JRG Industries is a leading provider of engineered lifting solutions. Bridging the gap between manual lifting and full automation, we supply customized lift systems that enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity across various applications.
George Tienken, a driven entrepreneur with a background in the rail car industry, founded JRG Industries in 1982. Guided by a strong work ethic and a commitment to integrity, he built the company with a focus on providing innovative material handling solutions. Recognizing a gap in the market, he became the first vendor in Houston to introduce tube lifters to the manufacturing sector.
By forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders like UniMove and Demag, he revolutionized lifting technology in the region, offering businesses more efficient and ergonomic solutions. His approach to business was deeply rooted in trust, customer service, and forward-thinking innovation.
These principles not only defined JRG Industries but also established its reputation as a leader in industrial equipment solutions. His legacy continues to shape the company’s commitment to quality and excellence in material handling.
In 1985, George’s son Roger joined the business, inspired by his early exposure to manufacturing while traveling with his father throughout the Southeastern United States - including Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
This formative experience gave Roger a deep understanding of the industry and its regional dynamics. Roger is now the current owner and president, carrying forward the family tradition and steering the company’s ongoing success
In 1993, JRG Industries transitioned from Demag KBK rail systems to Gorbel’s workstation cranes, recognizing the benefits of their enclosed track design for smoother, more efficient material handling. This shift allowed JRG to offer customers a more ergonomic and adaptable lifting solution, strengthening its role as a trusted provider across Texas, Mexico, and the greater South West.
As JRG expanded its partnership with Gorbel, it introduced the G-Force intelligent lifting hoist, setting a new standard for precision and operator control. Alongside workstation cranes, JRG began supplying Gorbel’s jib cranes, gantry cranes, and Tether Track™ fall protection systems, further enhancing safety and efficiency in industries like aerospace, automotive, and food processing.
Today, JRG continues to deliver Gorbel’s advanced lifting solutions both regionally and nationally, helping businesses optimize their material handling operations with cutting-edge technology.
In 1995, JRG Industries partnered with AIMCO Manufacturing to expand its offerings beyond traditional lifting equipment, introducing custom specialty manipulators designed for complex material handling challenges.
AIMCO’s manipulators provided innovative solutions for lifting, rotating, and positioning loads that standard hoists and cranes couldn’t handle, allowing JRG to serve a wider range of industries with highly customized equipment.
With AIMCO’s advanced technology, JRG began supplying ergonomic lift assists, pneumatic manipulators, and custom end-effectors tailored to unique manufacturing applications. These solutions improved worker safety and efficiency in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy manufacturing.
Today, JRG continues to provide AIMCO’s specialty lifting systems, ensuring customers have access to precise, adaptable solutions for their most demanding material handling needs.
In 2002, JRG Industries launched its first website, marking a significant step toward expanding its reach beyond traditional sales channels. The website provided customers with easy access to product information, specifications, and contact details, making it simpler than ever to explore JRG’s lifting solutions.
This digital presence allowed JRG to connect with a broader audience, extending its sales beyond Texas to customers nationwide.
As the website evolved, JRG leveraged it to showcase key product lines, including Gorbel workstation cranes and AIMCO specialty manipulators, helping businesses find the right lifting solutions with greater convenience.
The move to online accessibility not only streamlined customer inquiries but also reinforced JRG’s commitment to innovation and service, ensuring clients could easily discover and integrate advanced material handling equipment into their operations.
Leveraging the strength of its legacy product lines and custom-engineered lift systems, the company launched a strategic initiative focused on collaboration and industry alignment.
By partnering with automation integrators, fabrication specialists, and general contractors, JRG Industries expanded its reach into new markets and sectors across the country.
This dealer-driven model enabled the company to support complex material handling projects across a wide range of industries, laying a strong foundation for long-term scalability and continued success.
The addition of James Abbo to the team marked a turning point in the company’s ability to design and develop engineered material handling systems in-house.
Bringing with him deep experience in manipulators, automation, and custom equipment design, James enhanced JRG’s capacity for innovation and solution development.
His background as a systems engineer at AIMCO Manufacturing, along with hands-on roles as a machinist and mechanical engineer, positioned him to bridge the gap between concept and execution—helping drive product development and technical leadership from within.
To strengthen its pneumatic offerings, JRG Industries added the JD Neuhaus product line—recognized worldwide for its reliable air-powered hoists. This addition filled a critical gap in the company’s catalog, providing customers with a robust non-electric lifting solution ideal for demanding environments such as corrosive or explosion-proof worksites.
JRG Industries also partnered with AIMCO Manufacturing to co-develop the JRG Lift—an innovative device that enables operators to control an air-powered chain hoist with just one hand above the hook. This solution enhances precision, safety, and ergonomics in high-performance lifting applications.
The latest version of the website was developed to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for customers. Featuring a blend of images, videos, and animations, the site offers a more engaging and interactive interface that emphasizes overall product offerings rather than intricate details.
It is fully responsive, seamlessly adapting to desktops, tablets, and mobile devices while preserving visual consistency across platforms. A key upgrade includes direct integration with a Request for Quote (RFQ) form, allowing customers to easily submit project details to the engineering team for faster response and support.
To enhance clarity and confidence in project planning, JRG has adopted 3D rendered animations as a key part of its concept presentation process. These animations often feature accurate models of the actual parts and equipment involved, offering customers a clear and detailed visualization of proposed solutions before fabrication begins.
This approach not only helps end users understand the scope of the project, but also aligns expectations with OEM partners by illustrating equipment function, fit, and flow. By leveraging advanced 3D software and emerging AI tools, JRG is delivering immersive, forward-looking presentations that bring conceptual ideas to life with precision and impact.
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HOUSTON, TX | 281-587-8000
