Not every company that helps the world move forward does it from the top of a skyscraper or a bustling city. Some do it from the heart of the Midwest — where integrity, ingenuity, and hard work have always been the foundation for progress.
For more than 75 years, Thern has been quietly and consistently helping the world defy gravity. Founded in 1948 by Royal and Lucille Thern in Winona, Minnesota, this family-owned company has grown from a modest winch maker into a globally respected manufacturer of industrial lifting, pulling, and positioning solutions. And like CERTEX, Thern’s reputation has been built not just on their products, but on the principles that drive them.
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A Shared Commitment to Doing What’s Right
At their core, Thern and CERTEX share a philosophy that’s as straightforward as it is powerful: put people first and never compromise on safety or quality.
Thern’s core values — We Get Stuff Done. We Do the Right Thing. We Pursue Excellence. We Put Others First. — mirror the spirit that defines CERTEX branches across the country. Both companies know that success in the rigging industry isn’t just about equipment; it’s about trust, craftsmanship, and a dedication to helping others work safely and effectively.
Engineering That Solves Real Problems
At Thern, engineering isn’t a department — it’s their DNA. Over 40% of their business is custom-engineered, reflecting a belief that every challenge deserves a solution designed for it. Whether developing winches for NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, cranes for the world’s largest solar array, or the system that lowers the Times Square Ball every New Year’s Eve, Thern’s ingenuity has quietly powered some of the world’s most iconic projects.
It’s that same problem-solving mindset that makes them an ideal partner for CERTEX — working side by side to deliver reliable, purpose-built solutions that keep lifting operations safe and efficient, no matter the complexity.
Quality You Can Feel, Safety You Can Trust
Every Thern product is manufactured in the U.S.A. under ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring rigorous testing and performance validation before it carries the Thern name. From precision-cut gearsets to modular crane designs, quality is not a feature — it’s a promise.
Their commitment to safety and reliability echoes CERTEX’s own dedication to ensuring that every lift, every component, and every solution meets the highest standards of performance and protection.
Built on People, Powered by Purpose
Thern’s success story is about more than equipment — it’s about people. Many of their employees have been with the company for decades, a testament to a culture rooted in respect, humility, and care. By keeping production local, they support their community, reduce environmental impact, and maintain the kind of craftsmanship that only comes from pride in one’s work.
At CERTEX, we’re proud to partner with companies like Thern — partners who share our belief that lifting isn’t just a function, it’s a responsibility. Together, we’re helping industries move forward safely, reliably, and with integrity.
For more about Thern’s innovative lifting solutions, contact your local CERTEX branch.
Mirrorball photo by Gabriele Holtemann
