50 years of expertise
In the early 1970s, while Paul Villgren was working as an industrial technical sales representative specializing in mining supplies and equipment, he noticed a significant gap in the market while he was working in northern Ontario, where very few companies were focused on selling wire rope, chain, and rigging supplies and services. Motivated by this opportunity, Villgren founded Sling-Choker Manufacturing Ltd. in 1975 in Sudbury, Ont., a key mining area. Initially, Sling-Choker produced wire rope slings for the mining and construction industries, and chokers for the forestry sector. Soon, the company expanded to also manufacture nylon and chain slings.
Sling-Choker quickly gained a reputation as a comprehensive source for rigging supplies and solutions, and recognizing the need for more specialized industrial products, the inventory was expanded to include products for the mining and construction industries. As the company continued to grow, the rising demand from out-of-town customers necessitated additional locations. This growth has expanded the company to 14 manufacturing locations across Canada, with a product catalogue now exceeding over 320 pages. Today, Sling-Choker has strategically placed branches in Ontario, Québec, and Manitoba. Each branch boasts manufacturing capabilities and a dedicated sales team, allowing them to develop specialized product lines and expertise tailored to the local market needs while leveraging the group’s collective knowledge.
Sling-Choker primarily offers lifting, rigging, and inspection services as a traditional rigging shop. Each branch also focuses on products and services to serve their markets, from products for the cellular tower market, fall arrest repairs and servicing, safety and workplace training, and overhead crane installation and servicing. To better serve its customers, Sling-Choker has formed strategic partnerships with reputable industry brands like Bridon-Bekaert, Crosby, Columbus McKinnon, Apex Tools, Kito, Vulcan, Polydeck, Selene Plastic Bags, Rezplast, and more. These partnerships, along with the ability to produce custom slings, ensure Sling-Choker can meet any project’s needs.
“Crane rope designs have become more sophisticated, incorporating multi-strand, compacted, and plastic components, replacing the simpler 6×25 or 6×36 constructions,” explains Kane Butcher, general manager at Sling-Choker (Hamilton) Ltd. “We work with our manufacturers to match the right rope to the right application, demonstrating that operational cost savings can often be more economical than upfront costs.”
Despite the rise in online sales of rigging products, Sling-Choker sets itself apart with exceptional customer service, a wide range of expertise in various product lines, and an understanding that continued success requires investment in its employees.
Butcher emphasizes the importance of recognizing every team member’s value in contributing to Sling-Choker’s success.
“By working as a team, we can provide outstanding quality and service, and we greatly appreciate the positive feedback from our customers,” says Butcher.
Reflecting on nearly five decades of service, Butcher nostalgically recalls the early days of the company.
“Back then, companies had ample staff, allowing for strong customer relationships and loyalty. Today, with minimal staff and an influx of inconsistent imported products, multitasking is the norm,” he says. “While we offer global products, we select them based on quality and suitability.”
Sling-Choker holds the distinction of being the longest-serving member of the Web Sling and Tie Down Association (WSTDA) for 45 years. The company values its membership, appreciating WSTDA’s role in setting industry standards.
“The WSTDA brings together resources from all stakeholders to develop the standards we rely on as an industry,” says Butcher. “By adhering to these standards for raw materials, threads, and finished products, we ensure market safety.”
Looking ahead as Sling-Choker celebrates their 50th anniversary in 2025, they plan to continue their growth and adapt to evolving market conditions while sharing its quality and expertise with customers.
