Crane Cams could reopen under new management

A business team led by Wisconsin-based S&S Cycles and former Crane Cams CEO Lance Harris scooped up the majority of Crane Cams’ intellectual property at the company’s liquidation auction last week. The team spent $1.2 million to acquire 16 trademarks, three patents and the company name. According to reports from the Daytona Beach News-Journal, the goal is to get Crane Cams back up and running, though presumably at a new location.

"The goal is to get the whole thing up and running again under the name Crane Cams. We paid that much for the intellectual property because the name is good and consumers know the name," said Anders Stubkjaer, S&S Cycles chief operating and financial officer.

Performance industry icon Crane Cams has reopened under the new ownership of S&S Cycle, and is actively engaged in manufacturing and sales operations of its ignition and motorcycle lines. The company, founded by Harvey J. Crane in 1953, is newly housed in a facility at 1640 Mason Ave. in Daytona Beach, and a number of long-term Crane employees have joined the revitalized company.

S&S Cycle acquired Crane's intellectual properties, patents, trademarks, camshaft masters, inventory and some equipment in April 2009. S&S is best known for its broad line of components for V-Twin motorcycle applications. The 50-year-old company boasts extensive R&D and manufacturing capabilities, including a complete in-house 50-state Emissions Certification Lab.

Crane Product Manager Terry Johnson, a 12-year vet, said, "We have already ramped up production of the motorcycle valve train and ignition products, as well as the automotive ignition line. Many of the top NASCAR teams use Crane ignition products, so maintaining continuity for these customers is top priority."

Production of automotive valve train components may take longer. Chase Knight, who has over 40 years of Crane experience, has resumed his role as Valve Train Product Manager. According to Knight, "While we know the market is very hungry for our cam and valve train product lines, we want to make sure the parts we ship exceed the quality and performance expectations of our customers. At this point we can't put firm timeline as to when everything will be fully up to speed. We want to be sure to get this right!"

Many of the experienced techs who have helped racers over the years are back on the phones and can be reached toll-free at 1 866-388-5120.