Ascent Lifting Acquires United Rigging

August 10, 2026 - Ascent Lifting Inc. completed its acquisition of United Rigging Inc. on July 31, expanding the company’s rigging and lifting operations in Florida.

United Rigging, based in Jacksonville, Florida, was founded in 1980 and supplies rigging, lifting, and fall protection products to customers in the agriculture, construction, marine, manufacturing, mining, and data center markets. The company also provides crane rope installation and on-site wire rope spooling services.

Following the acquisition, United Rigging will combine with Ascent Lifting’s CERTEX USA branch in Jacksonville. The combination is expected to expand CERTEX’s service capabilities in northeast Florida.

DeWayne Mueller, United Rigging’s former owner, has been named operations manager, while Jan Mueller will serve as branch manager.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the United Rigging team to Ascent Lifting,” said Dee Schweigert, CEO of Ascent Lifting. “United Rigging has built a strong reputation for responsive, hands-on service across Florida’s agriculture, construction, marine, manufacturing, and mining markets. Combining their capabilities with our CERTEX branch in Jacksonville deepens our presence in the region and supports our mission to be the preferred partner in the U.S. rigging industry.”

DeWayne Mueller said the acquisition will allow the company to continue serving its existing customers as part of CERTEX.

“We’re excited to join the Ascent Lifting family,” said DeWayne Mueller. “For years, our team has focused on quality products and fast, dependable service for our customers. As part of CERTEX, we’ll be able to serve them even better while continuing the hands-on approach that has defined United Rigging.”

The acquisition marks Ascent Lifting’s sixth acquisition. The company operates 42 locations nationwide under the CERTEX USA brand and distributes and fabricates lifting and rigging products including wire rope, chain, synthetic slings and related hardware.

“We’re pleased to support Ascent Lifting’s continued expansion in Florida with the addition of United Rigging,” said Robert Jackson, managing director at Shorehill. “Their reputation for service and their long-standing customer base make them a natural complement to the CERTEX branch network.”

Shorehill Capital LLC is the private equity firm that owns Ascent Lifting. Terms of the United Rigging transaction were not disclosed. Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., and Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP served as legal advisors to Shorehill and Ascent Lifting.