Where Strength Meets Precision. Trusted Since 1942.
A Legacy of Strength
At Drafto, we’ve spent over 80 years building lifting and weighing solutions that transform how the world’s mills, foundries, and manufacturing facilities operate.
Our mission is simple:
“To deliver world-class lifting and weighing solutions that keep your operations running safely, efficiently, and profitably.”
A History Spanning Over 80 Years
Drafto has been supplying overhead material-handling equipment to the steel industry since 1942. For more than 80 years, we have been recognized as a provider of the highest quality, most rugged, and most dependable equipment, all while maintaining very competitive prices. We offer various designs and pricing options based on the required crane service, such as CMAA Class D, E, or F, as well as AISE heavy steel mill-duty designs, including coil grabs and coil grabs with weighing.
The company started in 1934 founded by Louis Skeel and W.J. Greenleaf, making metal stampings for various industries. The portable drafting table (shown in a 1947 ad) was introduced in the late 1930s (first by the 'Drafting Equipment Company of America’, later 'Drafto') and sold during WWII and after.
1942
In 1942, larger machining (gears, sheave wheels) began. Drafto also assembled fighter plane fuel pumps during this (wartime) period. The 1940s saw Drafto's business shift to the heavy-duty material-handling equipment we manufacture today. Through the years, our commitment to "Customer Satisfaction through Excellence" has remained unchanged.
1960
In 1960, John ("Jack") B. Krealing, Sr. gained control of Drafto and expanded the company’s product line with highly engineered and patented designs. Jack continued managing the company until his death in 1981. In 1982, Peter J. Wassmer, along with two other investors, purchased Drafto from the estate of John B. Krealing, Sr. Mr. Wassmer later acquired 100% of the company's common stock.
1983
In 1983 and 1984, Drafto designed and built coil lifters. These coil lifters were initially introduced into warehouses and later into steel mills. The first coil lifters were combined with a rotating hook block to enhance versatility. The coil lifter design was subsequently modified to include a rotator, reducing the vertical height to provide more headroom.
​The plan aimed to add value to the Drafto product line while also incorporating additional product protection and safety features. In the mid-1980s, Drafto developed the patented "Coil Guard” edge protection modules, which helped transform the industry’s approach to minimizing coil damage. Drafto also enhanced the product line with the “AutoLatch” patent, offering extra safety in hazardous operating environments, and continued innovation into the 1990s with the development of the wireless weigh system.
2014-Present
Peter J. Wassmer retired on April 30, 2014, and Bruce C. Wesley became the Chairman of the Board and CEO. Bruce led the ESOP operating company until it was purchased on June 14, 2025, by Stanley R. Celich. Stan owns 100% of the company and is serving as Chairman and CEO.​
His vision is to modernize the company and grow it into a material-handling powerhouse across the United States, with a “Made in America” mindset. Drafto will continue to build value through the company’s strong material-handling expertise and the outstanding durability of its product line, while addressing the safety and production needs of our customers. An example of innovation under the new ownership is the expansion of the reducer’s capacity and performance through a proprietary “Drafto-designed gearbox” that went into production in early 2026.
This advancement aligns with the modernization efforts focused on serving Drafto’s customers and the company’s mission to “Deliver world-class lifting and weighing solutions that keep operations running safely, efficiently, and profitably.”
Our Core Values
Quality Without Compromise
Engineering Excellence
Customer Focus
Safety First
Innovation Driven
Meet Our Leadership Team
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