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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

[X] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997

[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934


For the transition period from to

Commission file number 0-27618

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York 16-0547600
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

140 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, N.Y. 14228-1197
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (716) 689-5400

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value NASDAQ National Market

Securities pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K (ss.229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will
not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K [ ].

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant as of May 31, 1997 was $185,471,640.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 31, 1997 was:
13,755,858 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders meeting to be held
August 18, 1997 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.







COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K
PART I
------

Item 1. Business.
- ------- ---------

Overview

The Company, established in 1875, designs, manufactures and distributes a
broad range of material handling, lifting and positioning products, which the
Company sells in an increasing number of domestic and international markets. The
Company's products are sold to distributors and end-users for various
applications in the general manufacturing, overhead crane, mining, construction,
transportation, entertainment, power generation, waste management, agriculture,
marine, logging and medical markets. The Company also sells to the consumer
market through hardware and farm equipment distributors, mass merchandisers and
rental outlets. In fiscal 1997, the Company's total sales were approximately
$359.4 million, of which commercial sales and consumer sales accounted for
approximately $332.7 million and $26.7 million, respectively.

Through innovative design and selective acquisitions, the Company has
expanded its product lines to include specialized hoists for the entertainment
industry, operator-controlled manipulators for a variety of manufacturing
applications, patient lifters sold to health care providers, scissor lift
tables, actuators, rotary unions and mechanical jacks. The Company believes that
the demand for its products has increased in recent years and will continue to
increase in the future as a result of trends in a broad array of industries that
have enabled the Company to expand into new product areas and markets.
These trends include:

Productivity enhancement. In recent years employers have responded to
competitive pressures by seeking to maximize productivity and efficiency. The
Company's hoists and other lifting and positioning products allow loads to be
lifted and placed quickly, precisely, with little effort, and with reduced
personnel requirements.

Safety regulations and concerns. Driven by federal and state workplace
safety regulations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act ("OSHA") and
the Americans with Disabilities Act and by the general competitive need to
reduce costs, such as health insurance premiums and workers' compensation
expenses and by insurance concerns, employers seek safer ways to lift and
position loads. The Company's lifting and positioning products enable these
tasks to be performed with reduced risk of personal injury.

Workforce diversity. The percentages of women, disabled and older persons
in the work force are continuing to grow, as are the number of workplace tasks
traditionally performed by men that are now performed by women. The Company's
products enable many workplace tasks to be performed safely, efficiently and
with less physical stress. The Company believes that increasing diversity in the
workforce will continue to increase demand for its products.

The Company believes that new competitors entering its various markets
would face a number of obstacles. The Company has a large installed base of its
products in place in a wide variety of settings, favorable brand name
recognition, an active service-after-sale network through which end-users



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purchase parts and service and an established network of distributors with many
of whom the Company has preferred supplier status.

The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in
1929. Its executive offices are located at 140 John James Audubon Parkway,
Amherst, New York 14228-1197, and its telephone number is (716) 689-5400.


Recent Acquisitions

Over the last ten years, the Company has acquired eight (8) operations:

o In 1989, the Company acquired Positech Corporation, a publicly-held
designer and manufacturer of manipulators. This acquisition expanded the
Company's product lines to include manipulators, which are designed to
safely lift, grab and position loads, and expanded its markets for hoists
and lifters.

o In February 1994, the Company purchased the assets of Durbin-Durco, Inc., a
manufacturer of load securement equipment and attachments. This acquisition
provided the Company with metal stamping capabilities and a broad range of
complementary products.

o In December 1994, the Company purchased the assets of the Conco division of
McGill Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of manipulators. This acquisition
enhanced the Company's existing product line of manipulators.

o In January 1995, the Company purchased certain assets of Cady Lifters,
Inc., a manufacturer of "below the hook" lifters. Cady had 30 years
experience in lifter technology. Cady pallet lifters, crane forks, steel
coil lifters and C-hooks are used to help move heavy loads.

o In October 1995, the Company purchased the remaining equity interest in
Endor, a Mexican manufacturer of hoists. The Company had been a 49% owner
of this company since 1979. This acquisition provides the Company with a
manufacturing presence in Mexico and greater access to the Mexican
marketplace for all of its products.

o In November 1995, the Company acquired Lift-Tech, which is engaged in the
manufacture and distribution of hoists and crane components, including wire
rope and air-powered hoists. Lift-Tech's products complemented the
Company's existing product lines, thereby enabling the Company to offer a
broad product line to the marketplace.

o In October 1996, the Company acquired the majority of the outstanding
common equity of Spreckels Industries, Inc. ("Spreckels") through a cash
tender offer. In January 1997, the Company acquired the remaining common
equity of Spreckels and effected a merger. Spreckels, which has
subsequently changed its name to Yale Industrial Products, Inc.("Yale"),
manufactures a variety of lifting and positioning products, including
hoists and scissor lifts; industrial components such as actuators, jacks
and rotary unions; and circuit protection devices. This acquisition further
complemented the Company's product line and also provided the Company with
international operations and distribution facilities in Europe, South
Africa and China.


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o In December 1996, the Company acquired Lister Bolt & Chain, Ltd.
("Lister"), which is engaged in the manufacture of cement kiln, anchor and
buoy chain and mining bolts. This transaction complemented the Company's
line of chain products and provided the Company with access to new markets,
particularly in the international marketplace.

Products and Services

The Company primarily designs, manufactures and distributes a broad range
of material handling, lifting and positioning products for various applications
in industry and for consumer use.

Hoists. The Company manufactures a variety of hand-operated hoists and
lever tools, air-powered hoists, electric chain hoists, and electric wire rope
hoists. Load capacities for the Company's hoist product lines range from less
than one ton to 30 tons. These products are sold under its Budgit, Chester,
Coffing, Cyclone, Little Mule, Lodestar, Meteor, Puller, Shaw-Box, Valustar,
Yale and other recognized trademarks. The Company's hoists are sold for use in a
variety of general industrial applications, as well as for use in the
entertainment, consumer, rental, health care and other emerging product markets.

The Company also offers a line of custom-designed, below-the-hook tooling.
Below-the-hook tooling is specialized lifting apparatus used in a variety of
lifting activities performed in conjunction with hoist and chain applications.
Lift-Tech's principal products, which include electric wire rope hoists,
air-powered hoists, and chain hoists, generally complement the Company's other
product offerings. The Company also supplies hoist trolleys, driven manually or
by electric motors, for the industrial, consumer and OEM markets.

Sales of hoists accounted for approximately 58% of the Company's revenues
in fiscal 1997.

Chain. The Company manufactures alloy chain for various industrial
applications. Federal regulations in the United States favor the use of alloy
chain, which the Company first developed, for overhead lifting applications
because of its strength and wear characteristics. A line of the Company's alloy
chain is sold under the Herc-Alloy brand name for use in overhead lifting,
pulling and restraining applications. The Company also sells specialized load
chain for use in hoists. Three grades and multiple sizes of carbon steel
welded-link chain are sold by the Company in the industrial and consumer markets
for various load securement and other non-overhead lifting applications. As a
result of the acquisition of Lister, the Company now also manufactures kiln
chain sold primarily to the cement and lime kiln manufacturing market and anchor
and buoy chain sold primarily to the United States and Canadian governments.

The Company also designs and manufactures its own chain making and chain
repair equipment.

Sales of chain represented approximately 15% of the Company's revenues in
fiscal 1997.

Forged Products. The Company manufactures a complete line of alloy and
carbon steel forgings, including hooks, shackles, hitch pins, master links and
loadbinders. These forgings are used in virtually all types of chain and wire
rope rigging applications in a variety of industries, including transportation,
mining, railroad, construction, marine, logging, petrochemical and agriculture.

The Company also manufactures carbon steel forged and stamped products,
such as loadbinders, hooks, shackles and other securement devices, for sale to
the industrial, consumer and logging


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markets through industrial distributors, hardware distributors, mass
merchandiser outlets and original equipment manufacturers.

Sales of forged products were approximately 15% of Company revenues in
fiscal 1997.

Industrial Components. The Company, through the Duff-Norton division of
Yale, designs and manufactures industrial components such as mechanical and
electromechanical actuators, mechanical jacks and rotary unions for sale
domestically and abroad. Actuators are linear motion devices used in a variety
of industries, including the paper, steel and aerospace industries. Mechanical
jacks are heavy duty lifting devices whose uses include the repair and
maintenance of railroad tracks, locomotives and industrial machinery. Rotary
unions are piping devices which introduce heating or cooling liquids into the
interiors of rotating drums in industrial processes in the paper, textiles,
rubber, plastics, printing and machine tool industries.

Sales of industrial components represented approximately 5% of the
Company's revenues in fiscal 1997.

Manipulators. The Company manufactures a line of sophisticated
operator-controlled manipulators. These products are articulated mechanical arms
with specialized end tooling designed to perform lifting, rotating, turning,
tilting, reaching and positioning tasks in a manufacturing process. Utilizing
various models and size configurations, the Company can offer custom-designed
hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric manipulators for a wide variety of
applications where the user requires multi-axial movement in a harsh or
repetitive environment. The Company also has the capability to manufacture more
sophisticated, semi-robotic manipulators for specialized, repetitive motion
applications and has manufactured simple pick and place robots.

Sales of manipulators represented approximately 2% of Company revenues in
fiscal 1997.

Scissor Lifts. The American Lifts division of Yale manufactures hydraulic
scissor lift tables and other engineered lifting products. These products
enhance workplace ergonomics and are sold primarily to customers in the
manufacturing, construction, general industrial and air cargo industries.

Sales of scissor lifts and engineered lifting products represented
approximately 2% of the Company's revenues in fiscal 1997.

Tire Shredders. The Company manufactures a line of tire shredders, capable
of reducing tires of up to 48 inch diameter to 2 inch or 1 inch square chips.
Tire shredding allows for a broad range of recovery and recycling functions,
including the use of granulated rubber from chips in pavement and in waste
management systems, and as fuel in boilers and cement kilns. Steel in belted
tires also can be recovered and recycled, further reducing waste from disposal
of worn tires. In addition, tire shredding reduces required landfill space. As
more uses are developed for tire chips and granulated rubber, the Company
believes that the market for its tire shredders will grow.

Sales of tire shredders accounted for approximately 2% of Company revenues
in fiscal 1997.

Circuit Protection Devices. The Mechanical Products division of Yale
develops circuit protection devices for various aerospace and commercial
applications. Circuit protection devices are sold to manufacturers of private,
commercial and military aircraft, as well as NASA. In addition, they are also
sold to original equipment manufacturers, electrical distributors


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and for use in medical equipment, motor vehicles and other electrical components
and equipment.

Sales of circuit protection devices represented approximately 2% of the
Company's revenues in fiscal 1997.


Sales and Marketing

The Company supports its commercial and consumer sales through independent
sales forces and through independent manufacturing agents worldwide, including
over 125 factory-trained salespersons who sell hoists, chain, forged products,
manipulators, lift-tables, rotary unions, actuators, jacks, circuit breakers and
related material handling accessories. Sales are supported through over 150
independent manufacturers representatives. Commercial and consumer sales are
further supported by over 140 Company-trained customer service correspondents
and sales application engineers.

The Company promotes its products by advertising in trade journals and by
participating in more than 50 trade shows each year throughout the United States
and abroad. Trade shows are central to promotion of the Company's products and,
in certain cases, for actual sale of the Company's products, particularly to
hardware distributors. Shows in which the Company participates range from global
events held in Hanover, Germany ("Hanover Fair"), Cologne, Germany ("Cologne
Show") and Chicago, Illinois ("International Machine Tool Show") to local
"markets" and "open houses" put on by individual hardware and industrial
distributors. The Company also attends specialty shows for the entertainment,
rental, safety, environmental recycling and health care markets, as well as
general purpose industrial and consumer hardware shows. In fiscal 1997 the
Company participated in trade shows in Canada, Mexico, Germany, England, Japan,
Singapore, Malaysia, Greece, South Africa, China and Peru, as well as in the
United States.

The Company's communication program encompasses advertisements in leading
trade journals as well as producing and distributing high quality information
catalogs. On-site distributors and end-user training programs are held worldwide
to promote and reinforce the attributes of the Company's products. The Company
has two Web sites on the Internet (http://www.cmworks.com and
http://www.Industry.net/cm).

The Company supports its product distribution by running cooperative
"pull-through" advertising in over 60 vertical trade magazines and directories
targeted to the theatrical, international, consumer, medical, tire shredder and
crane builder markets. The Company has separate ads for chain, hoists, forgings,
lifters, manipulators, lift tables, actuators, hydraulic jacks, tire shredders,
mobility systems and hardware programs.


Distribution and Markets

Commercial Distribution. In fiscal 1997, commercial sales of industrial
products totalled approximately $332.7 million or 93% of total sales. The
Company supports industrial products sales to distribution channels and
end-users with a direct sales force of approximately 125 salespersons worldwide.
Commercial distribution channels include industrial wholesale distributors,
rigging


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shops, crane builders, catalog distributors, material handling specialists,
entertainment equipment distributors, service-after-sale distributors and other
general and specialty distributors.

General Distribution Channels:

o Industrial distributors sell a variety of products for maintenance, repair,
operation and production ("MROP") applications through their own direct
sales force.

o Rigging shops are distributors who are experts in the rigging, lifting,
positioning and load securement areas of material handling. Most rigging
shops manufacture and distribute chain, wire rope and synthetic slings and
distribute off-the-shelf hoists and attachments, chain slings, and sell
off-the-shelf products.

o Crane builders design, build and install overhead crane and light-rail
systems for general industry and sell a wide variety of hoists and lifting
attachments.

Specialty Distribution Channels:

o Catalog distributors market a variety of maintenance, repair, operation and
production supplies and material handling products either exclusively
through catalogs, or through a combination of catalog sales and a field
sales force. The customer base of catalog distributors, which traditionally
included smaller industrial companies and consumers, has expanded to
include large industrial accounts and integrated suppliers.

o Material handling distributors design and assemble systems incorporating
hoists, overhead rail systems, trolleys, lift tables, manipulators, air
balancers, jib arms and other products.

o Entertainment equipment distributors design, supply and install a variety
of material handling equipment for concerts, theaters, ice shows, sports
arenas, convention centers and discos.

Service-After-Sale Distribution Channel:

o Service-after-sale distributors include over 150 repair parts distribution
centers, 13 chain repair service stations and over 300 hoist and other
product service and repair stations worldwide. This service network is
designed for easy parts and service access for the Company's large
installed base of hoists and related equipment.

Other Sales Channels:

o Original equipment manufacturers supply various component parts for
industrial manufacturers as well as private branding and packaging of
traditional Company products for material handling and lifting. Sales in
this area have grown with the addition of the Mechanical Products division
of Yale which manufactures industrial and commercial circuit breakers, and
with Duff-Norton division of Yale which manufactures rotary unions and
actuators.

o Government sales are sold direct by the Company and have expanded with the
acquisition of Lister which manufactures anchor, buoy and mooring chain for
the American and Canadian Navy and Coast Guard.


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Consumer Distribution. The Company's consumer sales, consisting primarily
of carbon steel chain and assemblies, forged attachments and hand-powered
hoists, were approximately $26.7 million or 7% of total sales in fiscal 1997.
Distribution of these products is primarily comprised of five channels: hardware
distribution (such as Servistar, Distribution America and Ace Hardware); one
step retailers (such as Menards and Canadian Tire); trucking and transportation
distributors (such as Trail Mobile and Fruehauf); farm hardware distributors
(such as Case and TSC); and the newly targeted rental sales distributors.


Customer Service and Training

The Company maintains well-trained customer service departments for all of
its sales divisions, and regularly schedules product and service training
schools for all customer service representatives and field sales forces. In
addition, training schools for distribution, service stations, and end-users are
held on a regular basis at most of the Company's facilities as well as in the
field. The Company has more than 300 service stations worldwide that provide
local and regional repair, warranty and general service work for distribution
and end-users. End-user trainees attending various training schools maintained
by the Company include General Motors, Dupont, 3M, GTE, Cummins Engines, General
Electric and many other large industrial manufacturers.

The Company also provides a variety of collateral material in video,
cassette, CD-ROM, slide and literature format addressing such relevant material
handling topics as the care, use and inspection of chains and hoists, and
overhead lifting and positioning safety.

The Company also sponsors seven separate advisory boards made up of
representatives of its primary distributors and service-after-sale network
members who are invited to participate in discussions focused on improving
products and service. These boards enable the Company and its primary
distributors to exchange product and market information relevant to industry
trends.


Competition

The markets in which the Company operates are highly competitive and the
Company faces competition from a number of different manufacturers in each of
its product areas and geographic markets, domestic and foreign. The Company
competes in the sale of hoists with Demag, Kito-Harrington, Ingersoll-Rand and
P&H; in chain and attachments with Cooper Tools, Peerless Chain Company and
American Chain and Cable Company; in forged products with the Crosby Group,
Chicago Hardware and Cooper Tools; and in actuators and rotary unions with
Deublin and Joyce-Dayton. The principal competitive factors affecting the market
for the Company's products include performance, functionality, price, brand
recognition, customer service and support and product availability. Some of the
Company's competitors have greater financial and other resources than the
Company.


Production

The Company emphasizes efficient, safe production in all of its
manufacturing operations. Seven of the Company's manufacturing facilities have
been certified as ISO 9000 qualified, and all


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of the others are preparing for qualification review. At several of its
facilities, the Company employs continuous flow manufacturing analytical
techniques to support manufacturing process improvements.


Employees

At May 31, 1997, the Company had 3,479 employees, 2,973 in the United
States, 237 in Canada, 118 in Mexico, 26 in China and 125 in Europe.
Approximately 1,225 of the Company's employees are represented under eleven
separate collective bargaining agreements which terminate at various times
between January 31, 1998 and June 1, 2001.

During the past five years, the only interruption or curtailment of the
Company's business due to labor dispute was a 29-day work stoppage at the
Cobourg, Ontario plant in fiscal 1994, and a five-day work stoppage at a Yale
plant in Charlotte, North Carolina in fiscal 1997. The Company believes that its
relationship with its employees is good. In support of this relationship, the
Company has maintained an Employee Stock Ownership Plan since 1988 and also uses
incentive-based compensation programs that are linked to the Company's
profitability.


Backlog

The Company's backlog of orders at March 31, 1997 was approximately $58.9
million. The Company's orders for standard products are generally shipped within
one week. Orders for products that are manufactured to customer's specifications
are generally shipped within four weeks. Accordingly, the Company does not
believe that the amount of its backlog orders is a reliable indication of its
future sales.


Environmental and Other Governmental Regulation

Like many manufacturing companies, the Company is subject to various
federal, state and local laws relating to the protection of the environment. To
address the requirements of such laws, the Company has adopted a corporate
environmental protection policy which provides that all facilities owned or
leased by the Company shall, and all employees of the Company have the duty to,
comply with all applicable environmental regulatory standards, and the Company
has initiated an environmental auditing program for its facilities to ensure
compliance with such regulatory standards. The Company has also established
managerial responsibilities and internal communication channels for dealing with
environmental compliance issues that may arise in the course of its business.
Because of the complexity and changing nature of environmental regulatory
standards, it is possible that situations will arise from time-to-time requiring
the Company to incur expenditures in order to ensure environmental regulatory
compliance. However, the Company is not aware of any environmental condition or
any operation at any of its facilities, either individually or in the aggregate,
which would cause expenditures that would result in a material adverse effect on
the Company's results of operations or financial condition and, accordingly, has
not budgeted any material capital expenditures for environmental compliance for
fiscal 1998.

Certain federal and state laws, sometimes referred to as Superfund laws,
require certain companies to remediate, or clean up, sites that are contaminated
by hazardous substances. This

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applies to sites owned or operated by a company, as well as certain off-site
areas for which a company may be jointly and severally liable with other
companies or persons. The required remedial activities are usually performed in
the context of administrative or judicial enforcement proceedings brought by
regulatory authorities. The Company is involved in one judicial environmental
enforcement proceeding regarding a site that it neither owns nor operates but
with regard to which it has been identified by a governmental authority as one
of several potentially responsible parties ("PRPs"). The Company has recently
been involved in seven administrative enforcement proceedings in connection with
the remediation of certain facilities, two of which it owns and operates and
five of which it neither owns nor operates but with regard to which it is one of
several identified PRPs. The Company has been and is cooperating with the
regulatory authorities in connection with these environmental proceedings. From
the perspective of the Company, with the exception of the three environmental
administrative proceedings discussed below, these matters have been, and are
expected to continue to be, minor matters not requiring substantial effort or
expenditure on the part of the Company.

The first environmental administrative proceeding is one in which the
Company has completed a site remediation project at its manufacturing facility
located in Tonawanda, New York ("Tonawanda Site") under a consent order with the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ("NYSDEC"). The presence
of certain contaminants in the soil and nearby stream sediments resulted in the
listing of the Tonawanda Site on NYSDEC's registry of inactive hazardous waste
disposal sites ("Registry"). The costs of the remediation of approximately $7.0
million have been paid in full by the Company, and NYSDEC has approved the final
engineering report and certification submitted by the Company's technical
consultant. The Tonawanda Site has officially been removed from the Registry as
of June 1996.

The second environmental administrative proceeding is one in which the
Company has been identified by NYSDEC, along with other companies, as a PRP at
the Frontier Chemical Site in Pendleton, New York ("Pendleton Site"), a site
listed on NYSDEC's Registry. From 1958 to 1977, the Pendleton Site had been
operated as a commercial waste treatment and disposal facility by Frontier
Chemical Waste Process, Inc. ("Frontier"). The Company sent waste pickle liquor
generated at its facility in Tonawanda, New York to the Pendleton Site during
the period from approximately 1969 to 1977, and the Company is participating
with other PRPs in conducting the remediation of the Pendleton site under a
consent order with NYSDEC. The approved remedial action plan consisted of
excavation, consolidation and encapsulation at the Pendleton Site of
contaminated sediments and soils, as well as pumping and, to the extent
necessary, treating impacted groundwater. As a result of a negotiated cost
allocation among the participating PRPs, the Company has paid its pro rata share
of the remediation costs and accrued its share of the ongoing operations and
maintenance costs. As of March 31, 1997, the Company has paid or accrued
approximately $1.1 million in remediation and ongoing operations and maintenance
costs associated with the Pendleton Site. The participating PRPs have identified
and commenced a cost recovery action against a number of other parties who sent
hazardous substances to the Pendleton site and who, in the view of participating
PRPs, should bear their pro rata shares of the site remediation costs. If any of
the currently nonparticipating parties identified by the participating PRPs pay
their pro rata shares of the remediation costs, then the Company's share of
total site remediation costs will decrease. The Company also believes that some
or all of its costs associated with the Pendleton Site may be covered by
policies of liability insurance purchased by the Company. All of the Company's
liability insurance carriers have been notified of this occurrence and, with
certain exceptions, all have denied coverage in connection with the Pendleton
Site. The Company is in the process of negotiating a settlement with one of its
insurance carriers for a portion of the past and anticipated future costs.


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However, there can be no assurance that any of the Company's past or present
insurers will pay any portion of the Company's pro rata share of the remediation
costs for the Pendleton Site.

The third environmental administrative proceeding involves Mechanical
Products, Inc., a subsidiary of Yale ("MPI"). In 1987, MPI discovered that
groundwater and certain soils at and near its Jackson, Michigan plant contained
certain organic chemical compounds in concentrations above those permitted by
applicable law. MPI conducted an extensive investigation of the site and entered
into an Administrative Order by Consent with the State of Michigan Department of
Natural Resources which provides for further investigation and the development
and implementation of a plan for remedial action. Since 1991, MPI has been
engaged in efforts to investigate and remediate the impacted areas. As of March
31, 1997, the Company has paid or accrued approximately $ 5.0 million in
remediation and ongoing operations and maintenance costs associated with this
site.

For all of the currently known environmental matters, the Company has
accrued a total of approximately $5.35 million as of March 31, 1997, which, in
the opinion of the Company's management, is sufficient to deal with such
matters. Further, the Company's management believes that the environmental
matters known to, or anticipated by, the Company should not, individually or in
the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company's cash flow,
results of operations or financial condition. However, there can be no assurance
that potential liabilities and expenditures associated with unknown
environmental matters, unanticipated events, or future compliance with
environmental laws and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company.

The Company's operations are also governed by many other laws and
regulations, including those relating to workplace safety and worker health,
principally OSHA and regulations thereunder. The Company believes that it is in
material compliance with these laws and regulations and does not believe that
future compliance with such laws and regulations will have a material adverse
effect on its cash flow, results of operations or financial condition.



Item 2. Properties.
- ------- -----------

The Company maintains its corporate headquarters in Amherst, New York
and conducts its principal manufacturing and distribution operations at the
following facilities:

Location Utilization Square Footage Owned or
Leased

United States:

Amherst, NY Headquarters 52,000(a) Leased(b)

Muskegon, MI Hoist manufacturing 500,000 Owned

Forrest City, AR Hoist manufacturing 257,000 Leased

Charlotte, NC Industrial component 250,000 Leased
manufacturing

Tonawanda, NY Patient lifter, 187,630(c) Owned
manipulator and forged
product manufacturing
and warehouse


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Wadesboro, NC Hoist manufacturing 180,000 Owned

Lexington, TN Chain manufacturing 153,230 Owned

Cedar Rapids, IA Forging 100,000 Owned

Reform, AL Stamping factory 99,760 Owned

Damascus, VA Hoist manufacturing 87,400 Owned

Abingdon, VA Hoist manufacturing 87,000 Owned

Chattanooga, TN Forging 77,000 Owned

Greensburg, IN Scissor lift 60,000 Owned
manufacturing

Jackson, MI Circuit device 53,000 Owned
manufacturing

Hollywood, MD Circuit device 53,000 Owned
manufacturing

Laurens, IA Manipulator 50,350 Owned
manufacturing

Lisbon, OH Hoist manufacturing 37,000 Owned

Chattanooga, TN Forging 33,000 Owned

Sarasota, FL Tire shredder 24,954 Owned
manufacturing

Blaine, WA Chain manufacturing 15,800 Owned

Romeoville, IL Chain warehouse 12,800 Leased

Ontario, CA Chain warehouse 12,600 Leased

Woodland, CA Hoist warehouse 10,000 Leased

Houston, TX Chain warehouse 7,800 Leased

Milwaukie, OR Warehouse 7,500 Leased

Atlanta, GA Chain warehouse 6,679 Leased

Edmonton, Alberta Distribution center 3,150 Leased

Seattle, WA Chain warehouse Space as needed Leased

International:

Cobourg, Ontario, Chain and hoist 125,016 Owned
Canada manufacturing

Santiago Hoist manufacturing 85,000 Owned
Tianguistenco,
Mexico D.F.

Richmond, British Chain manufacturing 56,000 Owned
Columbia, Canada

Velbert, Germany Hoist manufacturing 54,000 Leased

Hangzhou, China Textile strapping 20,000 Leased
manufacturing

Cambridge, Ontario, Warehouse 11,200 Leased
Canada


-12-



Rotterdam, Distribution center Space as needed Leased
Netherlands
================================================================================

- ----------

(a) Approximately 26,000 square feet of the building are sublet through
June 30, 1998.
(b) Title to the property is vested in the Town of Amherst Industrial
Development Agency pursuant to an Industrial Development Bond transaction.
The Company has the right and obligation to purchase the property at the
expiration of the lease term for $1.00.
(c) Approximately 15,000 square feet of this facility are subject to leases
which expire at various times through 1998.

The Company also leases a number of sales offices and minor warehouses
located throughout North America, Europe, Asia and South Africa.

The Company believes that its properties have been adequately maintained,
are in generally good condition and are suitable for the Company's business as
presently conducted. The Company believes its existing facilities provide
sufficient production capacity for its present needs and for its anticipated
needs in the foreseeable future. The Company also believes that upon the
expiration of its current leases, it either will be able to secure renewal terms
or enter into leases for alternative locations at market terms.


Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
- ------- ------------------

From time to time, the Company is named a defendant in legal actions
arising out of the normal course of business. The Company is not a party to any
pending legal proceeding the resolution of which the management of the Company
believes will have a material adverse effect on the Company's cash flow, results
of operations or financial condition or to any other pending legal proceedings
other than ordinary, routine litigation incidental to its business. The Company
maintains liability insurance against risks arising out of the normal course of
business.

On November 18, 1996, an action entitled Miliken & Company vs. Duff-Norton
Company, Inc. and Industrial Distribution Group, Inc. d/b/a Dixie Industrial
Supply Company was commenced in the Superior Court of Troup County, Georgia. In
its complaint in this action, the plaintiff alleges that a rotary union coupler
manufactured by a subsidiary of Yale failed, causing a fire resulting in alleged
damages to the plaintiff's carpet manufacturing facility and equipment in excess
of $500 million. This action has been turned over to the Company's insurer and
is in the early stages of discovery.

The Company has denied all of the material allegations contained in the
complaint and has asserted certain affirmative defenses. Based upon the advice
of its counsel, the Company believes it has meritorious defenses to the causes
of action specified in the complaint and intends to vigorously defend this
action.


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
- ------- ----------------------------------------------------

Not applicable.




-13-




PART II

Item 5. Market for the Company's Common Stock and Related Security Holder
- ------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Matters.
--------

The Company's Common Stock is listed on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System - National Market System
("NASDAQ") under the trading symbol "CMCO". The following table sets forth, for
the fiscal periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices per share of
the Company's Common Stock as reported by NASDAQ.


Fiscal 1997 Fiscal 1996
---------------- ----------------
Low High Low High
------ ------ ------ ------
1st Quarter 15-1/4 16-3/4 -- --
2nd Quarter 13-7/8 15-5/8 -- --
3rd Quarter 14-1/4 16-5/8 -- --
4th Quarter 15-1/4 18-3/8 15-1/8 16-5/8

As of March 31, 1997, there were 149 holders of record of the Company's
Common Stock. Over 2,000 additional shareholders hold shares of the Company's
Common Stock in "street name".

The Company declared total cash dividends on its common stock of $.27 per
share and $.236 per share in fiscal 1997 and 1996, respectively.





-14-



Item 6. Selected Financial Data
- ------- -----------------------

The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with
the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and the notes
thereto included elsewhere. Refer to the "Description of Business and Business
Acquisitions" note to the consolidated financial statements regarding the
unaudited pro forma information presented, which reflects the Yale, Lister and
Lift-Tech acquisitions and related borrowings, and also the initial public
offering as if they occurred on April 1, 1995, which is the beginning of fiscal
1996.

1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share data)
Income Statement Data:
Net sales $ 359,424 $ 209,837 $ 172,330 $ 142,313 $ 128,338
Gross profit 107,437 60,326 47,838 38,786 35,118
Unusual charges (a) - 672 1,598 2,055 26
Income from operations
before amortization 50,251 26,593 18,876 12,798 12,480
Income from operations 45,054 25,802 18,276 12,420 12,173
Interest and debt expense 11,930 5,292 2,352 2,126 2,464
Income before income
taxes, minority interest,
extraordinary charge,
and cumulative effect
of accounting change 34,292 21,644 16,396 10,665 9,975
Extraordinary charge
for early debt
extinguishment (3,198) - - - -
Cumulative effect of
accounting change - - - 1,001 -
Net income 15,154 12,987 10,504 7,029 6,272

Net income per common
share (b) 1.15 1.69 1.48 0.99 0.87
Cash dividend declared per
common share (b) $ 0.27 $ 0.24 $ 0.21 $ 0.18 $ 0.18


Pro Forma Income Statement Data:
Income before income taxes,
minority interest, and
extraordinary charge $31,133 $21,231
Net income 11,415 9,903
Net income per share, both
primary and fully diluted:
Income before extra-
ordinary charge 1.11 0.75
Net income $ 0.86 $ 0.75
Weighted average common

-15-


shares assumed
outstanding,
- primary 13,215 13,188
- fully diluted 13,216 13,188

March 31,
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
Current assets $204,371 $ 99,003 $ 63,649 $ 63,269 $ 58,231
Total assets 548,245 188,734 97,822 93,378 83,026
Current liabilities:
Notes payable to
banks and current
portion of long-
term debt 23,906 3,081 8,169 15,154 8,899
Other 64,091 31,464 23,374 22,969 18,944
---------------------------------------------------
87,997 34,545 31,543 38,123 27,843
Long-term debt 263,944 8,298 18,973 16,726 20,492
Shareholders' equity $150,156 $137,622 $ 40,850 $ 32,464 $ 27,131


(a) Unusual charges consist of $672, $1,598, $264, and $26 of environmental
remediation costs in 1996 through 1992, respectively, and also $1,791 of
goodwill write-off in 1994.

(b) Reflects a 17 to 1 stock split of the common stock effected on
February 15, 1996.


-16-



Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Results of Operations.
---------------------

Results of Operations
Fiscal Years Ended March 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
Sales growth during the periods was due primarily to the October 1996 Yale
acquisition and the November 1995 Lift-Tech acquisition as well as increased
volume in nearly all distribution channels. Sales in 1997 increased $149,587,000
or 71.3% over 1996, and sales in 1996 increased $37,507,000 or 21.8% over 1995.
The 1997 sales include $88.3 million in Yale sales and $81.5 million in
Lift-Tech sales; the 1996 sales include $29.6 million in Lift-Tech sales. In
addition, during this period the Company introduced list price increases of
approximately 4% between November and January of each year affecting many of its
hoist, chain and forged products sold in its domestic commercial markets. Sales
in the commercial and the consumer distribution channels were as follows, in
thousands of dollars and with percentage changes for each market group:

Fiscal years ended
------------------
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
(In thousands, except percentages)
Commercial sales
Domestic $ 267,426 $ 152,245 $ 126,388
International 65,302 31,995 19,736
------- ------- -------
332,728 184,240 146,124
Consumer sales
Domestic 24,022 23,282 24,136
International 2,674 2,315 2,070
------- ------ -------
26,696 25,597 26,206
------- ------ -------
Consolidated net sales $ 359,424 $ 209,837 $ 172,330
======= ======= =======

Change Change
1997 vs 1996 1996 vs 1995
------------ ------------
Amount % Amount %
--------- ----- -------- -----
Commercial sales
Domestic $ 115,181 75.7 $ 25,857 20.5
International 33,307 104.1 12,259 62.1
--------- --------
148,488 80.6 38,116 26.1
Consumer sales
Domestic 740 3.2 (854) (3.5)
International 359 15.5 245 11.8
--------- --------
1,099 4.3 (609) (2.3)
--------- --------
Consolidated net sales $ 149,587 71.3 $ 37,507 21.8
========= ========

The 75.7% growth in domestic commercial sales in 1997 resulted almost entirely
from the Yale and Lift-Tech acquisitions. The Company also experienced increased
sales volume primarily in the specialty distributors marketing channel, which
consists of catalog houses, entertainment product distributors and material
handling specialists. The 104.1% growth in international commercial sales in
1997 resulted almost entirely from the addition of the European operations of
Yale, and also from the Company's existing Canadian operations. Consumer sales
have been strongest in the Company's Canadian markets.

-17-


The 20.5% growth in domestic commercial sales during 1996 resulted almost
entirely from the acquisition of Lift-Tech. The 62.1% growth in international
commercial sales in 1996 included a 37.0% increase from operations other than
Lift-Tech. These increases resulted principally from increased demand in Canada
by industrial wholesale distributors, and in Europe, South America and Asia by
industrial wholesale distributors and entertainment equipment distributors
caused by improving economies in these regions. In addition, the Company also
believes that it increased its market share in many of these regions,
particularly in sales to general distributors in Canada and sales of hoists to
the European entertainment industry. The growth also included 10.5% due to
higher sales of tire shredders internationally. Exclusive of the tire shredders
and Lift-Tech, international commercial sales grew 26.5% in fiscal 1996.

The Company believes that the decrease in its domestic consumer sales in fiscal
1996 reflects reduced consumer activity in the U.S. economy, particularly in the
second and third quarters.

The Company's gross profit margin was approximately 29.9%, 28.7% and 27.8% for
1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. The increase in gross profit margin in each
of the periods resulted from the effects of the Company's cost control efforts
and the economies of scale resulting from increasing production levels. The 1997
improvement was offset by approximately $1.5 million of corporate-wide incentive
compensation.

Selling expenses increased to $32,550,000 in fiscal 1997 from $19,120,000 in
1996, and from $15,915,000 in 1995. The 1997 expenses were impacted by the
addition of Yale and the full year of Lift-Tech sales; the 1996 expenses were
impacted by the addition of Lift-Tech sales. However, it should be noted that as
a percentage of consolidated net sales, selling expenses were 9.1%, 9.1% and
9.2% in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Sales per employee increased
to $134,400 in 1997 from $113,200 in 1995.

General and administrative expenses increased to $24,636,000 in fiscal 1997 from
$13,941,000 in fiscal 1996, and from $11,449,000 in 1995. The 1997 expenses were
impacted by the addition of Yale and the full year of Lift-Tech activities; the
1996 expenses were impacted by the addition of Lift-Tech activities. As a
percentage of consolidated net sales, general and administrative expenses were
6.9%, 6.6% and 6.6% in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. In fiscal 1997,
these expenses included approximately $1,200,000 of corporate-wide incentive
compensation.

Amortization of intangibles increased $4,406,000 in fiscal 1997 to $5,197,000
due to the goodwill resulting from the Yale and Lift-Tech acquisitions; the
$191,000 increase in 1996 was also due to the partial year of goodwill
amortization resulting from the acquisition of Lift-Tech.

Environmental remediation costs were $672,000 in fiscal 1996 and $1,598,000 in
1995. The 1996 costs resulted primarily from the Pendleton, New York site
remediation, which is complete. The 1995 costs included approximately $1.4
million for the Tonawanda plant site remediation which has also been completed.

Interest and debt expense increased by $6,638,000 to $11,930,000 in fiscal 1997
from $5,292,000 in 1996 and by $2,940,000 from $2,352,000 in 1995. The fiscal
1997 and 1996 increases were due to the financing required to complete the Yale
and Lift-Tech acquisitions, respectively. The 1996 financing was repaid in full
with the proceeds from the Company's initial public offering. As a percentage of

-18-


consolidated net sales, interest and debt expense was 3.3%, 2.5% and 1.4% in
fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Interest and other income increased by $34,000 to $1,168,000 in fiscal 1997 from
$1,134,000 in 1996, and by $662,000 from $472,000 in fiscal 1995. The 1997
income reflects increases in the investment return on marketable securities held
for settlement of a portion of the Company's general and products liability
claims. The fiscal 1996 increase is primarily due to a $625,000 gain recognized
upon the sale of an uncontrolled foreign subsidiary.

Income taxes as a percentage of pre-tax accounting income were 45.5%, 40.0% and
35.9% in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The fiscal 1997 and 1996
percentages reflect the effect of non-deductible goodwill amortization resulting
from the Yale and Lift-Tech acquisitions. The lower rate in fiscal 1995 reflects
the use of all remaining net operating loss carryforwards by one of the
Company's subsidiaries.

The minority interest share of Yale earnings of $323,000 resulted from the fact
that the Company acquired 72% of the outstanding Yale shares on a fully diluted
basis in October 1996 and the remainder in January 1997.

The extraordinary charge for early debt extinguishment of $3,198,000 resulted
from the tender in December 1996 for 11.5% acquired Yale notes. The charge
consisted of redemption premiums, costs to exercise the tender offer, and
write-off of previously incurred deferred financing costs, and is net of
$2,133,000 of tax benefit.

As a result of the above, net income increased $2,167,000 or 16.7% in 1997 and
$2,483,000 or 23.6% in 1996. This is based on net income of $15,154,000,
$12,987,000 and $10,504,000 or 4.2%, 6.2% and 6.1% as a percentage of
consolidated net sales in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company believes that its cash on hand, cash flows, and borrowing capacity
under its revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund its ongoing
operations, budgeted capital expenditures, and business acquisitions for the
next twelve months.

In October 1996, primarily to finance the Yale acquisition, the Company
refinanced and modified its then existing credit facilities. The existing
revolving lines of credit were replaced with a $125 million revolving credit
facility bearing interest at varying Eurodollar rates based on LIBOR plus 250
basis points. The Company also obtained $125 million and $75 million term loans
bearing interest at varying Eurodollar rates based on LIBOR plus 250 and 300
basis points, respectively. These new credit facilities are secured by all
equipment, inventory, receivables, subsidiary stock (limited to 65% for foreign
subsidiaries) and intellectual property. To manage its exposure to interest rate
fluctuations, the Company has interest rate swaps and caps.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $28,886,000 in fiscal
1997 from $18,338,000 in 1996 and $15,529,000 in fiscal 1995. The $10,548,000
increase in net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 1997 resulted
primarily from depreciation and amortization of $6,057,000, deferred income
taxes of $3,920,000 and an extraordinary charge for early debt extinguishment of
$3,198,000. The $2,809,000 increase in net cash provided by operating activities
in fiscal 1996 resulted primarily from improved operating results of $2,483,000.
Operating assets net of liabilities increased $5,905,000 in fiscal 1997 compared
to a $1,027,000 increase in 1996 and $160,000 decrease in 1995.

-19-


Net cash used in investing activities increased to $222,382,000 in fiscal 1997
from $73,721,000 in 1996 and $8,083,000 in 1995. The $148,661,000 increase in
net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 1997 compared to fiscal 1996
includes $202,644,000 and $7,464,000 for the Yale and Lister acquisitions,
respectively. The $65,692,000 increase in net cash used in investing activities
in fiscal 1996 compared to fiscal 1995 was primarily due to the acquisition of
Lift-Tech for $62,950,000, acquisition of the remaining 51% interest in Endor,
and a $1,640,000 increase in capital expenditures.

Capital Expenditures
In addition to keeping its current equipment and plants properly maintained, the
Company is committed to replacing, enhancing, and upgrading its property, plant,
and equipment to reduce production costs, increase flexibility to respond
effectively to market fluctuations and changes, meet environmental requirements,
enhance safety, and promote ergonomically correct work stations. Consolidated
capital expenditures for fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $9,392,000, $6,988,000
and $5,348,000, respectively, excluding those capital assets acquired in
conjunction with business acquisitions.

Inflation and Other Market Conditions
The Company's costs are affected by inflation in the U.S. economy, and to a
lesser extent, in foreign economies including those of Europe, Canada, Mexico,
and the Pacific Rim. The Company does not believe that inflation has had a
material effect on results of operations over the periods presented because of
low inflation levels over the period and because the Company has generally been
able to pass on rising costs through price increases. However, in the future
there can be no assurance that the Company's business will not be affected by
inflation or that it will be able to pass on cost increases.

Seasonality and Quarterly Results
Lower than average orders and shipments during the December holiday period have
a slight effect on the Company. In addition, quarterly results may be materially
affected by the timing of large customer orders, by periods of high vacation
concentrations, and by acquisitions and the magnitude of acquisition costs.
Therefore, the operating results for any particular fiscal quarter are not
necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent fiscal quarter or for the
full fiscal year.

Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25) in accounting for its
employee stock options and has presented the disclosures required by FAS No. 123
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, there has been no impact
on the financial statements. In fiscal 1998, the Company will adopt FAS No. 128,
"Earnings per Share" which is not expected to have a material effect on the
financial statements.



-20-



Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
- ------- --------------------------------------------


INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Columbus McKinnon Corporation

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31, 1997:


Page No.
--------

Report of Independent Auditors.............................22

Consolidated Balance Sheets................................23

Consolidated Statements of Income..........................24

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity............25

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows......................27

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................28





-21-






Report of Independent Auditors



Board of Directors
Columbus McKinnon Corporation


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Columbus
McKinnon Corporation as of March 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended March 31, 1997. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial statements
and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Columbus McKinnon
Corporation at March 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
March 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered
in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly
in all material respects the information set forth therein.



/s/Ernst & Young LLP



Buffalo, New York
May 12, 1997










-22-




COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


March 31,
1997 1996
-------------------
(In thousands)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,907 $ 10,171
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for
doubtful accounts ($1,884 and $917 respectively) 74,446 38,741
Inventories 94,409 48,303
Net assets held for sale 14,971 -
Prepaid expenses 13,638 1,788
-------------------
Total current assets 206,371 99,003
Net property, plant, and equipment 63,942 30,909
Goodwill and other intangibles, net 250,062 42,951
Marketable securities 13,590 11,174
Deferred taxes on income 8,935 2,881
Other assets 5,345 1,816
-------------------
Total assets $ 548,245 $ 188,734
===================
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities:
Notes payable to banks $ 1,562 $ 1,635
Trade accounts payable 28,330 15,661
Accrued liabilities 35,761 15,803
Current portion of long-term debt 22,344 1,446
-------------------
Total current liabilities 87,997 34,545
Long-term debt, less current portion 263,944 8,298
Other non-current liabilities 46,148 8,269
-------------------
Total liabilities 398,089 51,112
-------------------
Shareholders' equity:
Class A voting common stock; 50,000,000 shares
authorized; 13,748,358 and 13,731,669 shares issued 137 137
Additional paid-in capital 95,254 94,283
Retained earnings 60,999 49,386
ESOP debt guarantee; 426,508 and 532,109 shares (4,201) (5,238)
Unearned restricted stock; 134,550 and 136,850 shares (821) (836)
Net unrealized investment gains 1,040 722
Minimum pension liability adjustment (541) (430)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (1,711) (402)
-------------------
Total shareholders' equity 150,156 137,622
-------------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 548,245 $ 188,734
===================
See accompanying notes.

-23-




COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


Year Ended March 31,
1997 1996 1995
------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share data)

Net sales $ 359,424 $ 209,837 $ 172,330
Cost of products sold 251,987 149,511 124,492
------------------------------------
Gross profit 107,437 60,326 47,838

Selling expenses 32,550 19,120 15,915
General and administrative expenses 24,636 13,941 11,449
Amortization of intangibles 5,197 791 600
Environmental remediation costs - 672 1,598
------------------------------------
62,383 34,524 29,562
------------------------------------
Income from operations 45,054 25,802 18,276

Interest and debt expense 11,930 5,292 2,352
Interest and other income 1,168 1,134 472
------------------------------------
Income before income taxes, minority
interest and extraordinary charge 34,292 21,644 16,396
Income tax expense 15,617 8,657 5,892
------------------------------------
Income before minority interest and
extraordinary charge 18,675 12,987 10,504
Minority interest (323) - -
------------------------------------
Income before extraordinary charge 18,352 12,987 10,504
Extraordinary charge for early debt
extinguishment (3,198) - -
------------------------------------
Net income $ 15,154 $ 12,987 $ 10,504
====================================

Earnings per share data, both
primary and fully diluted:
Income before extraordinary charge
for debt extinguishment $ 1.39 $ 1.69 $ 1.48
Extraordinary charge for debt
extinguishment (0.24) - -
------------------------------------
Net income $ 1.15 $ 1.69 $ 1.48
====================================
See accompanying notes.


-24-




COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except share and per share data)


Preferred Common Addi- Net Minimum Foreign
Stock at Stock tional ESOP Unearned Unrealized Pension Currency Treasury
Redemption ($.01 Paid-in Retained Debt Restricted Investment Liability Translation Stock
Value par value) Capital Earnings Guarantee Stock Gains Adjustment Adjustment At Cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at March 31, 1994 $ 100 $ 72 $ 5,662 $ 29,418 $ (893) $ (131) $ 156 $ (114) $(485) $ (1,321)
Earned 86,139 ESOP shares - - - - 614 - - - - -
Sale of 609,144 common
shares to ESOP - 6 5,995 - (6,000) - - - - -
Repurchase of 23,800 common
shares held by ESOP - - - - - - - - - (250)
Repurchase of 124,899
common shares - - - - - - - - - (1,310)
Restricted common stock
granted, 105,400 shares - - 219 - - (1,014) - - - 803
Earned portion of restricted
stock - - - - - 187 - - - -
Net income 1995 - - - 10,504 - - - - - -
Net unrealized gain on
investments - - - - - - 117 - - -
Change in minimum pension
liability adjustment - - - - - - - 52 - -
Change in foreign currency
translation adjustment - - - - - - - - (58) -
Preferred dividends declared
$100 per share - - - (10) - - - - - -
Common dividends declared
$0.21 per share - - - (1,469) - - - - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at March 31, 1995 100 78 11,876 38,443 (6,279) (958) 273 (62) (543) (2,078)
Earned 122,816 ESOP shares - - 222 - 1,041 - - - - -
Issued 108,375 common
shares for purchase of
affiliated company - - 319 - - - - - - 1,056
Repurchase of 24,582 common
shares held by ESOP - - - - - - - - - (312)
Restricted common stock
canceled, 17,000 shares - - 9 - - 45 - - - (127)
Restricted common stock
granted, 14,450 shares - - 44 - - (183) - - - 139
Earned portion of restricted
stock - - - - - 260 - - - -
Restricted stock market
value adjustment - - 45 - - - - - - -
Sold 850 common shares - - 3 - - - - - - 9
Exchanged 850 common shares
to retire preferred shares (100) - 2 - - - - - - 9
Canceled treasury shares - - (1,304) - - - - - - 1,304
Issued 6,037,500 common
shares under initial
public offering - 59 83,067 - - - - - - -
Net income 1996 - - - 12,987 - - - - - -
Net unrealized gain on
investments - - - - - - 449 - - -
Change in minimum pension
liability adjustment - - - - - - - (368) - -
Change in foreign currency
translation adjustment - - - - - - - - 141 -
Preferred dividends declared
$75 per share - - - (7) - - - - - -
Common dividends declared
$0.236 per share - - - (2,037) - - - - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at March 31, 1996 - 137 94,283 49,386 (5,238) (836) 722 (430) (402) -
==========================================================================================================

-25-



COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except share and per share data)


Preferred Common Addi- Net Minimum Foreign
Stock at Stock tional ESOP Unearned Unrealized Pension Currency Treasury
Redemption ($.01 Paid-in Retained Debt Restricted Investment Liability Translation Stock
Value par value) Capital Earnings Guarantee Stock Gains Adjustment Adjustment At Cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at March 31, 1996 - 137 94,283 49,386 (5,238) (836) 722 (430) (402) -
Earned 105,601 ESOP shares - - 665 - 1,037 - - - - -
Restricted common stock
granted, 19,800 shares;
net of 3,111 shares
canceled - - 289 - - (280) - - - -
Earned portion of restricted
stock - - 17 - - 295 - - - -
Net income 1997 - - - 15,154 - - - - - -
Net unrealized gain on
investments - - - - - - 318 - - -
Change in minimum pension
liability adjustment - - - - - - - (111) - -
Change in foreign currency
translation adjustment - - - - - - - - (1,309) -
Common dividends declared
$0.27 per share - - - (3,541) - - - - - -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at March 31, 1997 $ - $ 137 $ 95,254 $ 60,999 $ (4,201) $ (821) $ 1,040 $ (541) $ (1,711) $ -
==========================================================================================================
See accompanying notes.




-26-



COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


Year ended March 31,
1997 1996 1995
-----------------------------
(In thousands)
Operating activities:
Net income $ 15,154 $ 12,987 $ 10,504
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Extraordinary charge for early debt
extinguishment 3,198 - -
Minority interest 323 - -
Depreciation and amortization 11,285 5,228 3,285
Deferred income taxes 4,816 896 1,434
Other 15 254 146
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
net of effects from businesses purchased:
Trade accounts receivable (3,320) 567 (961)
Inventories (2,177) (2,365) 2,728
Prepaid expenses (1,721) 1,373 (173)
Other assets (949) 682 117
Trade accounts payable (586) (913) 298
Accrued and non-current liabilities 2,848 (371) (1,849)
------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 28,886 18,338 15,529
------------------------------
Investing activities:
Purchase of marketable securities, net (2,098) (1,806) (1,334)
Capital expenditures (9,392) (6,988) (5,348)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired (210,108) (64,927) (1,401)
Net assets held for sale (784) - -
------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (222,382) (73,721) (8,083)
------------------------------
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net - 83,126 -
Net (payments) borrowings under
revolving line-of-credit agreements 81,293 (2,956) (7,103)
Repayment of debt (78,528) (62,944) (3,635)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 200,000 50,000 6,000
Deferred financing costs incurred (10,000) (1,405) (21)
Dividends paid (4,390) (1,688) (1,348)
Repurchase of stock - (391) (1,553)
Reduction of ESOP debt guarantee (1,596) 1,041 614
------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities 186,779 64,783 (7,046)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (1,078) 384 (57)
------------------------------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (7,795) 9,784 343
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year 16,702 387 44
------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 8,907 $ 10,171 $ 387
==============================
Supplementary cash flows data:
Interest paid $ 8,683 $ 5,256 $ 2,439
Income taxes paid $ 14,993 $ 5,555 $ 7,587

See accompanying notes.
-27-



COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Description of Business and Business Acquisitions

Columbus McKinnon Corporation (the Company) manufacturers and sells hoists,
chain, forgings, operator-controlled manipulators, scissor lifts, mechanical
jacks, rotating joints, actuators, circuit protection devices and tire shredders
primarily within the material handling industry. Approximately 78% of sales are
to customers in the United States.

On October 17, 1996, through a tender offer, the Company acquired approximately
72% of the outstanding stock (on a fully diluted basis) of Spreckels Industries,
Inc., now known as Yale Industrial Products, Inc. ("Yale"), a manufacturer of a
wide range of industrial products, including hoists, scissor lifts, mechanical
jacks, rotating joints, actuators and circuit protection devices. On January 3,
1997 the Company acquired the remaining outstanding shares, effected a merger,
and has accounted for the acquisition as a purchase. The total cost of the
acquisition was approximately $270 million, consisting of $200 million of cash
and $70 million of acquired Yale debt.

The consolidated statement of income and the consolidated statement of cash
flows for the year ended March 31, 1997 include Yale activity since its October
17 acquisition by the Company. The minority interest share of Yale's earnings
since acquisition through January 3, 1997 has been appropriately segregated from
consolidated net income.

Included with the Yale acquired assets were real estate properties and equipment
retained from Yale's April 19, 1996 sale of two of its subsidiaries in unrelated
businesses. These assets held for sale are expected to be sold in fiscal 1998
and have been recorded at their estimated realizable values net of disposal
costs, separately reflected on the consolidated balance sheet and amounting to
$14,971,000 as of March 31, 1997.

On December 19, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of
Lister Bolt & Chain Ltd. and of Lister Chain & Forge, Inc. (together known as
"Lister"), a chain and forgings manufacturer, and has accounted for the
acquisition as a purchase. The total cost of the acquisition was approximately
$7 million of cash, which was financed by the Company's revolving debt facility.
The consolidated statement of income and the consolidated statement of cash
flows for the year ended March 31, 1997 include Lister activity since its
December 19 acquisition by the Company.









-28-





COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1. Description of Business and Business Acquisitions (continued)

On November 1, 1995, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of LTI
Holdings, Inc., parent company of Lift-Tech International, Inc. ("Lift-Tech"), a
hoist manufacturer, and has accounted for the acquisition as a purchase. The
total cost of the acquisition was approximately $63 million, consisting of $43
million in cash and $20 million for the refinancing of Lift-Tech bank debt.

The consolidated statement of income and consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended March 31, 1996 include Lift-Tech activity since its November
1, 1995 acquisition by the Company.

The following table presents pro forma summary information, which is not covered
by the report of independent auditors, for the years ended March 31, 1997 and
1996, as if the Yale, Lister and Lift-Tech acquisitions and related borrowings,
and also the initial public offering had occurred as of April 1, 1995 which is
the beginning of fiscal 1996. The pro forma net income for the year ended March
31, 1996, as if the Yale, Lister and Lift-Tech acquisitions and related
borrowings (but not the initial public offering) occurred as of April 1, 1995,
is $5,280,000. The pro forma information is provided for informational purposes
only. It is based on historical information and does not necessarily reflect the
actual results that would have occurred nor is it necessarily indicative of
future results of operations of the combined enterprise:

Year Ended March 31,
1997 1996
--------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share data)

Pro forma:
Net sales $ 470,325 $ 449,309
Income from operations 54,862 46,188
Income before extraordinary charge 14,613 9,903
Net income 11,415 9,903

Earnings per share, both
primary and fully diluted:
Income before extraordinary charge 1.11 0.75
Extraordinary charge (0.25) -
Net income 0.86 0.75


-29-





COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2. Accounting Principles and Practices

Consolidation

These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its domestic and foreign subsidiaries; all significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.

Foreign Currency Translations

The Company translates foreign currency financial statements as described in
Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 52. Under this method, all items of
income and expense are translated at average exchange rates for the year. All
assets and liabilities are translated at the year-end exchange rate. Gains or
losses on translations are accumulated in the shareholders' equity section of
the balance sheet.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.
Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition and Concentration of Credit Risk

Sales are recorded when products are shipped to a customer. The Company performs
ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition, but generally
does not require collateral to support customer receivables. The Company
established an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding
the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends and other factors.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers as cash equivalents all highly liquid investments with an
original maturity of three months or less.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Costs of approximately
60% of inventories have been determined using the LIFO (last-in, first-out)
method. Costs of other inventories have been determined using the FIFO
(first-in, first-out) method. FIFO cost approximates replacement cost.

-30-





COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2. Accounting Principles and Practices (continued)

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated principally
using the straight-line method over their respective estimated useful lives
(buildings and building equipment - 15 to 40 years; machinery and equipment - 3
to 18 years). When depreciable assets are retired, or otherwise disposed of, the
cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any
resulting gain or loss is reflected in operating results.

Goodwill

It is the Company's policy to account for goodwill and other intangible assets
at the lower of amortized cost, or fair value if indicators of impairment exist.

As a result of the Lift-Tech, Yale and Lister acquisitions, the Company recorded
approximately $42 million, $200 million and $2 million of goodwill,
respectively, which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over twenty five
years. At March 31, 1997 and 1996 accumulated amortization was $5,644,000 and
$689,000, respectively.

Marketable Securities

All of the Company's investments, which consist of equity securities and
corporate and governmental obligations, have been classified as
available-for-sale securities and are therefore recorded at their fair values
with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in a separate
component of shareholders' equity. Estimated fair value is based on published
trading values at the balance sheet dates. The amortized cost of debt securities
is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity.
The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method.
Interest and dividend income are included in interest and other income on the
consolidated statements of income.

The marketable securities are carried as long-term assets since they are
retained for the settlement of a portion of the Company's general liability and
products liability insurance claims filed through CM Insurance Company, Inc., a
wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary.


-31-





COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


2. Accounting Principles and Practices (continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of interest rate swap and cap agreements is the amount that the
Company would receive or pay to terminate the agreements, based on quoted market
prices and considering current interest rates and remaining maturities.

Research and Development

Research and development costs as defined in FAS No. 2, for the years ended
March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $1,283,000, $662,000 and $491,000,
respectively.


3. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:
March 31,
1997 1996
---------------------------
(In thousands)
At cost - FIFO basis:
Raw materials $ 35,815 $ 24,596
Work-in-process 17,206 11,533
Finished goods 44,344 15,180
---------------------------
97,365 51,309
LIFO cost less than FIFO cost (2,956) (3,006)
---------------------------
Net inventories $ 94,409 $ 48,303
===========================


4. Marketable Securities

Marketable securities are retained for the settlement of a portion of the
Company's general liability and products liability insurance claims filed
through CM Insurance Company, Inc. (see Notes 2 and 12). The following is a
summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 1997:







-32-




COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


4. Marketable Securities (continued)


Cost Gross Gross Estimated
Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Gains Losses Value
-----------------------------------------------

(In thousands)

Government securities $ 9,039 $ 74 $ 75 $ 9,038

U. S. corporate securities 738 7 3 742
-----------------------------------------------
Total debt securities 9,777 81 78 9,780

Equity securities 2,213 1,600 3 3,810
-----------------------------------------------
$11,990 $1,681 $ 81 $13,590
===============================================

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities at March 31, 1996:

Cost Gross Gross Estimated
Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Gains Losses Value
-----------------------------------------------
(In thousands)

Government securities $ 7,346 $ 104 $ 54 $ 7,396

U. S. corporate securities 100 10 - 110
-----------------------------------------------

Total debt securities 7,446 114 54 7,506

Equity securities 2,617 1,059 8 3,668
-----------------------------------------------
$10,063 $1,173 $ 62 $11,174
===============================================

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt and equity securities at
March 31, 1997, by contractual maturity, are shown below:
Estimated
Fair
Cost Value
-----------------------------------
(In thousands)

Due in one year or less $ 1,358 $ 1,352
Due after one year through three years 1,705 1,693
Due after three years 6,714 6,735
-----------------------------------
9,777 9,780
Equity securities 2,213 3,810
-----------------------------------
$ 11,990 $ 13,590
===================================



-33-




COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


4. Marketable Securities (continued)

Net unrealized gains included in the balance sheet amounted to $1,600,000 and
$1,111,000 at March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The amounts, net of related
income taxes of $560,000 and $389,000 at March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively,
are reflected as a separate component of equity.


5. Property, Plant, and Equipment

Consolidated property, plant, and equipment of the Company consisted of the
following:

March 31,
1997 1996
-----------------------
(In thousands)

Land and land improvements $ 2,892 $ 1,740
Buildings 14,986 7,834
Machinery, equipment, and leasehold improvements 65,431 34,767
Construction in progress 3,003 2,224
-----------------------
86,312 46,565
Less accumulated depreciation 22,370 15,656
-----------------------
Net property, plant, and equipment $ 63,942 $ 30,909
=======================

6. Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities

Consolidated accrued liabilities of the Company included the following:

March 31,
1997 1996
-----------------------
(In thousands)

Accrued payroll $ 12,298 $ 5,487
Accrued pension cost 5,583 3,088
Accrued interest 3,211 149
Income taxes payable 2,875 2,061
Other accrued liabilities 11,794 5,018
-----------------------
$ 35,761 $ 15,803
=======================


-34-




COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


6. Accrued Liabilities and Other Non-current Liabilities (continued)

Consolidated other non-current liabilities of the Company included the
following:

March 31,
1997 1996
----------------------
(In thousands)

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 17,057 $ -
Accrued general and product liability costs 11,874 7,110
Other non-current liabilities 17,217 1,159
----------------------
$ 46,148 $ 8,269
======================

7. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt

Consolidated notes payable and long-term debt payable to banks (except as noted)
of the Company consisted of the following:

March 31,
1997 1996
-----------------------
(In thousands)
Term Loan A payable in quarterly installments
of $5,000,000 through March 1998, $6,250,000
through March 1999, $6,875,000 through
March 2001 and $10,000,000 through September 2001
plus interest payable at varying Eurodollar rates
based on LIBOR plus 250 basis points
(8.12% at March 31, 1997). $ 120,000 $ -

Term Loan B payable in quarterly installments of
$250,000 through March 2001, $187,500 through
March 2002, $8,750,000 through March 2003, and
$17,500,000 through September 2003 plus interest
payable at varying Eurodollar rates based on LIBOR
plus 300 basis points (8.62% at March 31, 1997). 74,750 -


-35-




COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


7. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (continued)

March 31,
1997 1996
---------------------------
(In thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility with availability up to
$125 million, due October 17, 1999 with interest
payable at varying Eurodollar rates based on LIBOR
plus 250 basis points. $ 83,000 $ -

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds payable
annually at $625,000 through 1999, $620,000
thereafter through 2001, $315,000 in 2002, and
$52,000 in 2003 in quarterly sinking fund
installments plus interest payable at varying
effective rates (3.81% and 3.78% at
March 31, 1997 and 1996). 2,857 3,482

Employee Stock Ownership Plan term loans payable
in quarterly installments of $148,000 plus an
annual minimum of $23,000 through July 1999 and
$3,156,000 in October 1999 plus interest payable
at prime plus 1% or a Eurodollar rate plus 250
basis points (8.06% and 9.25% at March 31, 1997
and 1996). 4,682 5,591

Other 999 671
-------------------------
Total 286,288 9,744
Less current portion 22,344 1,446
-------------------------
$ 263,944 $ 8,298
=========================

The Term Loan A, Term Loan B, and Revolving Credit Facility are secured by all
equipment, inventory, receivables, subsidiary stock (limited to 65% for foreign
subsidiaries) and intellectual property. The corresponding credit agreement
places certain debt covenant restrictions on the Company including, but not
limited to, maximum cash dividends of $5.5 million in fiscal 1998 and $6 million
thereafter.


-36-



COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


7. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt (continued)

To manage its exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the Company has interest
rate swaps with a notional amount of $22 million through January 2, 1999 and
$3.5 million from January 2, 1999 through July 2, 2000, both based on LIBOR at
5.9025%. In order to comply with its credit agreements, the Company also has
LIBOR-based interest rate caps on $40 million of debt through December 16, 1998
and on an additional $49.5 million of debt through December 16, 1999 at 9% and
10%, respectively. Net payments or receipts under the swap and cap agreements
are recorded as adjustments to interest expense. The carrying amount of the
Company's debt instruments approximates the fair values.

The Industrial Development Revenue Bonds are held by institutional investors and
are guaranteed by a bank letter of credit (IDRB letter of credit). The Employee
Stock Ownership Plan term loans (ESOP loans) are guaranteed by the Company and
are collateralized by an equivalent number of shares of Company common stock.
The IDRB letter of credit and the ESOP loans are not further collateralized.

The principal payments expected to be made as of March 31, 1997 on the above
long-term debt, for the next five annual periods subsequent thereto, are as
follows (dollars in thousands):

1998 $ 22,344
1999 27,418
2000 115,640
2001 29,178
2002 21,656

In December 1996, the Company tendered to purchase the outstanding Yale Senior
Secured Notes at a premium and redeemed $69,480,000 of the $70,000,000 face
value which was outstanding. The Company recorded an extraordinary charge of
$5,331,000 ($3,198,000 net of taxes), consisting of redemption premiums, costs
to exercise the tender offer, and write-off of deferred financing costs related
to early retirement of debt. The debt extinguishment was funded by the Company's
revolving credit facility.

As of March 31, 1997, the Company had letters of credit outstanding of $6.4
million, including those issued as security for the IDRBs as referred to above.



-37-




COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


8. Retirement Plans

Most domestic employees of the Company, excluding Lift-Tech and Lister union
employees, are covered under defined benefit retirement plans and most domestic
non-union employees, excluding Yale and Lister employees, are included in an
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (See Note 9). Benefits under the plans vary, based
on formulas applied to career earnings, compensation for a period immediately
prior to retirement, compensation at the date benefits are earned, or
pre-established benefit rates.

The Company's funding policy with respect to the plans is to contribute annually
at least the minimum amount required by the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974 (ERISA).

At March 31, 1997, six of the Yale plans had market values of plan assets in
excess of the accumulated benefits of those respective plans; the Company's
remaining plans had accumulated benefits in excess of plan assets. At March 31,
1996, all of the Company's plans had accumulated benefits in excess of plan
assets. The following table sets forth the plans' funded status and amounts
recognized in the Company's balance sheets:

March 31,
1997 1997 1996
------------------------ -----------
Plans with Plans with Plans with
Assets in Accumulated Accumulated
Excess of Benefits in Benefits in
Accumulated Excess of Excess of
Benefits Assets Assets
----------- ---------- -----------
(In thousands)
Actuarial present value of obligations:
Accumulated benefit obligation, vested $ (24,551) $ (26,825) $ (12,646)
Accumulated benefit obligation,
non-vested (1,190) (766) (574)
-------------------------------------
Accumulated benefit obligation $ (25,741) $ (27,591) $ (13,220)
=====================================

Projected benefit obligation $ (32,150) $ (30,172) $ (14,913)
Plan assets at fair value 30,861 23,986 11,226
-------------------------------------
Plan assets less than
projected benefit obligation (1,289) (6,186) (3,687)
Unrecognized transition assets - (142) (170)
Unrecognized net loss from past
experience different from that
assumed 958 1,356 1,502
Unrecognized prior service cost 300 1,286 932
Adjustment required to recognize
additional minimum liability - (1,772) (1,683)
-------------------------------------
(31) (5,458) (3,106)
Income tax effect of
accrued pension cost - (94) 18
-------------------------------------
Accrued pension cost included in
accrued liabilities $ (31) $ (5,552) $ (3,088)
=====================================

-38-


COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


8. Retirement Plans (continued)

Net periodic pension cost included the following components:

Year Ended March 31,
1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------------
(In thousands)
Service costs-benefits earned during
the period $ 2,354 $ 1,129 $ 1,078
Interest cost on projected benefit
obligation 2,744 1,011 831
Actual return on plan assets (2,966) (1,439) (653)
Net amortization 475 759 125
Income tax effect of accrued
pension costs (192) (175) (166)
--------------------------------------
Net periodic pension cost $ 2,415 $ 1,285 $ 1,215
======================================

The weighted-average discount rate used in determining the actuarial present
value of the projected benefit obligation of all of the defined benefit plans
was 8 percent for the years ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 and 8.5 percent for
the year ended March 31, 1995. Plan assets consist of equities, corporate and
government securities, and fixed income annuity contracts. The weighted-average
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in determining the
expected return on plan assets included in net periodic pension cost was 8.875
percent. Future average compensation increases are assumed to be 5.25 percent
per year.

9. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Beginning April 1, 1994, the Company prospectively adopted the provisions of
AICPA Statement of Position 93-6, "Employers' Accounting for Employee Stock
Ownership Plans." SOP 93-6 requires that compensation expense for ESOP shares
acquired after 1992 and not committed to be released before April 1, 1994
(609,144 shares, referred to as the "New ESOP shares"), be measured based on the
fair value of those shares when committed to be released to employees, rather
than based on their original cost. Also, dividends on those New ESOP shares that
have not been allocated or committed to be released to ESOP participants are not
reflected as a reduction of retained earnings. Rather, since those dividends are
used for debt service, a charge to compensation expense is recorded. As a result
of such changes, net income in the year ended March 31, 1995 has been reduced by
$36,000. In addition, under the SOP the average number of ESOP shares considered
outstanding for earnings per share purposes in fiscal 1995 was 258,638 lower
because unallocated New ESOP shares are excluded from the calculation. The
combination of these two factors caused a net increase in earnings per share of
$0.05 in 1995. These new rules have not been applied to the ESOP shares issued
prior to 1993, referred to as the "Old ESOP shares".

-39-


COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


9. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) (continued)

The obligation of the ESOP to repay borrowings incurred previously to purchase
shares of the Company's common stock is guaranteed by the Company; the unpaid
balance of such borrowings, therefore, has been reflected in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet as a liability. An amount equivalent to the cost of
the collateralized common stock and representing deferred employee benefits has
been recorded as a deduction from shareholders' equity.

Substantially all of the Company's domestic non-union employees, excluding Yale
and Lister employees, are participants in the ESOP. Contributions to the plan
result from the release of collateralized shares as debt service payments are
made. Compensation expense amounting to $1,704,000, $1,120,000 and $487,000 in
fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, is recorded based on the guarantee
release of the New ESOP shares at their fair market value. Dividends on
allocated New ESOP shares are recorded as a reduction of retained earnings and
are applied toward debt service.

At March 31, 1997, 618,071 and 180,457 of Old ESOP shares and New ESOP shares,
respectively, and at March 31, 1996, 641,818 and 77,035 of Old ESOP shares and
New ESOP shares, respectively, were allocated or available to be allocated to
participants' accounts. At March 31, 1997, 426,508 of New ESOP shares and at
March 31, 1996, 532,109 of New ESOP shares were pledged as collateral to
guarantee the ESOP term loans.

The fair market value of unearned ESOP shares at March 31, 1997 amounted to
$7,570,000.

Regarding the debt associated with the Old ESOP shares, $14,000 and $46,000 of
interest was incurred during fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. Associated with
that same debt, ESOP contributions amounted to $406,000 and $487,000, which
included $117,000 and $127,000 of dividends which were used for debt service for
fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively.


10. Postretirement Benefit Obligation

The Company sponsors defined benefit postretirement health care plans that
provide medical and life insurance coverage to Yale domestic retirees and their
dependents. The Company pays the majority of the medical costs for retirees and
their spouses who are under age 65. For retirees and dependents of retirees who
retired prior to January 1, 1989, and are age 65 or over, the Company
contributes 100% toward the American Association of Retired Persons ("AARP")
premium frozen at the 1992 level. For retirees and dependents of retirees who
retired after January 1, 1989, the Company contributes $35 per month toward the
AARP premium. The life insurance plan is noncontributory.


-40-


COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


10. Postretirement Benefit Obligation (continued)

The Company's postretirement health benefit plans are not funded. In accordance
with FAS No. 106 "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
Pensions," the following table sets forth the plans' combined accumulated
postretirement health benefit obligation recognized in the Company's March 31,
1997 balance sheet (in thousands):

Current retirees $ 10,211
Employees eligible to retire 2,159
Active employees not eligible to retire 4,687
---------
Total accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation, included in other
non-current liabilities $ 17,057
=========

Net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following components for
the year ended March 31, 1997, since the October 17, 1996 Yale acquisition (in
thousands):

Service cost - benefits attributed to
service during the period $ 187
Interest cost 609
---------
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 796
=========

For measurement purposes, a 7.5% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost
of postretirement medical benefits was assumed at the beginning of the period;
the rate was assumed to decrease 0.5% per year to 5.5% by 2000. A 1% increase in
this annual trend rate would have increased the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation at March 31, 1997 by $1,009,000 with a corresponding increase
in the 1997 postretirement benefit expense of $57,000. The discount rate used in
determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 8.0% for 1997.








-41-




COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


11. Common Stock, Earnings per Share and Stock Plans

Common Stock

Effective February 22, 1996, the Company issued 6,037,500 shares of its common
stock at $15.00 per share in an initial public offering. Proceeds from the
offering, net of commissions and other related expenses totaling approximately
$7.5 million, were approximately $83.1 million. The proceeds were primarily used
to reduce the Company's outstanding indebtedness, a significant portion of which
arose from the Lift-Tech acquisition.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per share were based on the following:

Year Ended March 31,
1997 1996 1995
-------------------------------------

Weighted-average common stock
outstanding 13,210,001 7,662,310 7,089,240
Common stock equivalents-primary 5,200 - -
Common stock equivalents-fully
diluted 5,634 - -

The weighted-average common stock outstanding shown above is net of unallocated
New ESOP shares (see Note 9).

Beginning December 31, 1997, the Company will be required to comply with FAS No.
128, "Earnings per Share," which is not expected to have a material effect on
the Company's financial statements.

Stock Plans

The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25) in accounting for its
employee stock options because, as discussed below, the alternative fair value
accounting provided for under FAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," requires use of option valuation models that were not developed
for use in valuing employee stock options. Under APB 25, because the exercise
price of the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the
underlying stock on the grant date, no compensation expense is recognized.


-42-




COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


11. Common Stock, Earnings per Share and Stock Plans (continued)

Stock Plans (continued)

The Company maintains two stock option plans, a Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan
("Non-Qualified Plan") and an Incentive Stock Option Plan ("Incentive Plan"). At
March 31, 1997, 250,000 shares and 1,050,000 shares were reserved for grant
under the Non-Qualified Plan and Incentive Plan, respectively. Under the
Non-Qualified Plan, options may be granted to officers and other key employees
of the Company as well as to non-employee directors and advisors. The Company
has not granted any options under the Non-Qualified Plan. Options granted under
the Incentive Plan become exercisable over a four-year period at the rate of 25%
per year commencing one year from the date of grant at an exercise price of not
less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of
grant. Any option granted under this plan may be exercised not earlier than one
year and not later than ten years from the date such option is granted. During
1997, the Company granted 200,000 options at an exercise price of $15.50 per
share which was the market value on the grant date, representing the only
options outstanding at March 31, 1997. Those options become exercisable January
1, 1998 and expire January 1, 2007.

Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by
FAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had accounted for its
employee stock options under the fair value method of that Statement. The fair
value for those options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for fiscal
1997: risk-free interest rate of 5.5%, dividend yield of 1.8%, volatility factor
of the expected market price of the Company's common stock of .245, and a
weighted-average expected life of the option of 4 years.

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the
fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because
the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective
input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.



-43-




COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


11. Common Stock, Earnings per Share and Stock Plans (continued)

Stock Plans (continued)

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's pro
forma information for the year ended March 31, 1997 follows (in thousands,
except for earnings per share data):

Pro forma net income $ 15,127

Pro forma earnings per share, both
primary and fully diluted 1.14

The Company maintains a Restricted Stock Plan, under which the Company has
reserved 80,200 shares at March 31, 1997. During fiscal 1997, 19,800 shares were
issued under the Restricted Stock Plan at a purchase price of $0.01 - $1.00 per
share. The weighted-average grant-date market value of those shares granted was
$14.74. Grantees who remain continuously employed with the Company become vested
in their shares five years after the date of the grant.





-44-



COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. Loss Contingencies

General and Product Liability - $8,262,000 of the accrued general and product
liability costs which are included in other non-current liabilities at March 31,
1997 ($7,110,000 at March 31, 1996) are the actuarial present value of estimated
reserves based on an amount determined from loss reports and individual cases
filed with the Company and an amount, based on past experience, for losses
incurred but not reported. The accrual in these consolidated financial
statements was determined by applying a discount factor based on interest rates
customarily used in the insurance industry, of 6.63% to 8.42%, to the
undiscounted reserves of $11,154,000 and $9,373,000 at March 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. This liability is funded by investments in marketable securities
(see Notes 2 and 4).

Yale is self-insured for product liability claims up to a maximum of $500,000
per occurrence and maintains product liability insurance with a $100 million cap
per occurrence. The Company has been advised that a customer has alleged that
one of Yale's products was the cause of a fire which occurred in January 1995 at
a manufacturing facility, resulting in losses in excess of Yale's policy limits.
A formal complaint has been filed seeking damages in excess of $500 million.
However, it is the opinion of management that there was no manufacturing defect
and that the claim will in all likelihood be settled within the Company's policy
limits.

13. Income Taxes

The following is a reconciliation of the difference between the effective tax
rate and the statutory federal tax rate:
Year Ended March 31,
1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------
(In thousands)

Computed statutory provision $ 12,002 $ 7,575 $ 5,639
State income taxes net of federal benefit 1,700 743 561
Nondeductible goodwill amortization 1,961 - -
Other (46) 339 (308)
--------------------------------
Actual tax provision $ 15,617 $ 8,657 $ 5,892
================================

The provision for income tax expense consisted of the following:

Year Ended March 31,
1997 1996 1995
-------------------------------
(In thousands)
Current income tax expense:
Federal taxes $ 8,399 $ 6,336 $ 3,801
State taxes 1,124 975 657
Foreign 1,278 450 -
Deferred income tax expense:
Domestic 4,736 627 977
Foreign 80 269 457
--------------------------------
$ 15,617 $ 8,657 $ 5,892
================================

-45-


COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


13. Income Taxes (continued)

The Company applies the liability method of accounting for income taxes as
required by FAS Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."

The gross composition of the net current deferred tax asset (liability) is as
follows:

March 31,
1997 1996
-----------------------
(In thousands)

Inventory $ (5,177) $ (2,721)
Bad debt allowance 440 449
Accrued vacation and incentive costs 2,157 997
Other 3,122 931
-----------------------
Net current deferred tax asset (liability) $ 542 $ (344)
=======================

The gross composition of the net non-current deferred tax asset is as follows:

March 31,
1997 1996
-----------------------
(In thousands)

Insurance reserves $ 11,711 $ 2,804
Property, plant, and equipment (8,010) (1,687)
Other 5,234 1,764
-----------------------
Net non-current deferred tax asset $ 8,935 $ 2,881
=======================

Income before income taxes, minority interest and extraordinary charge includes
foreign subsidiary net income of $3,650,000, $1,188,000 and $1,162,000 for the
years ended March 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 respectively. United States income
taxes have not been provided on unremitted earnings of the Company's foreign
subsidiaries as such earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested.






-46-



COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


14. Rental Expense and Lease Commitments

Rental expense for the years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $2,805,000,
$1,668,000 and $1,535,000, respectively. The following amounts represent future
minimum payment commitments as of March 31, 1997 under non-cancelable operating
leases extending beyond one year (in thousands):

Year ended Vehicles and
March 31, Real Property Equipment Total
- ----------- ------------- ------------ ----------
1998 $ 1,514 $ 1,534 $ 3,048
1999 1,545 1,358 2,903
2000 1,477 994 2,471
2001 1,430 737 2,167
2002 1,417 278 1,695



15. Foreign Operations

United Elimin- Consoli-
States Canada Europe Mexico ations dated
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)

Year ended March 31, 1997
Sales to unaffiliated
customers $ 313,705 $ 27,951 $ 14,146 $ 3,622 $ - $ 359,424
Transfers between
geographic areas 10,411 547 - - (10,958) -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net sales $ 324,116 $ 28,498 $ 14,146 $ 3,622 $ (10,958) $ 359,424
==========================================================================

Income from operations $ 41,190 $ 1,955 $ 1,548 $ 361 $ - $ 45,054
Net income 13,073 1,129 730 222 - 15,154
Identifiable and total assets 457,501 26,191 61,696 2,857 - 548,245
Total liabilities 382,762 4,600 9,949 778 - 398,089

Year ended March 31, 1996
Sales to unaffiliated
customers $ 191,178 $ 18,659 $ - $ - $ - $ 209,837
Transfers between
geographic areas 5,453 1,278 - - (6,731) -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net sales $ 196,631 $ 19,937 $ - $ - $ (6,731) $ 209,837
==========================================================================

Income from operations $ 24,451 $ 1,351 $ - $ - $ - $ 25,802
Net income 12,489 498 - - - 12,987
Identifiable and total assets 177,055 11,679 - - - 188,734
Total liabilities 47,233 3,879 - - - 51,112


-47-



COLUMBUS MCKINNON CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



15. Foreign Operations (continued)

United Elimin- Consoli-
States Canada Europe Mexico ations dated
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)

Year ended March 31, 1995
Sales to unaffiliated
customers $ 158,906 $ 13,424 $ - $ - $ - $ 172,330
Transfers between
geographic areas 3,853 3,327 - - (7,180) -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total net sales $ 162,759 $ 16,751 $ - $ - $ (7,180) $ 172,330
============================================================================

Income from operations $ 16,942 $ 1,334 $ - $ - $ - $ 18,276
Net income 9,799 705 - - - 10,504
Identifiable and total assets 88,227 9,595 - - - 97,822
Total liabilities 52,979 3,993 - - - 56,972



U.S. operations' sales to unaffiliated customers include $23,075,000,
$15,074,000 and $8,464,000 for the years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, for export. Transfers between geographic areas are recorded at
amounts generally above cost and in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the respective governing tax authorities.



-48-






Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts
March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
Dollars in thousands

Additions
-----------------------
Charged to
Balance at Charged to Other Balance at
Beginning of Costs and Accounts - Deductions - End of
Description Period Expenses Describe Describe period
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Year ended March 31, 1997:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 917 $ 905 $ 1,189 (4) $ 1,127 (1) $ 1,884
Slow-moving and obsolete inventory 2,467 325 1,770 (4) 1,206 (2) 3,356
Reserve against non-current receivable 600 600
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 3,984 $ 1,230 $ 2,959 $ 2,333 $ 5,840
====================================================================================================================

Reserves on balance sheet:
Accrued general & product liability costs $ 7,110 $ 1,775 $ 3,806 (4) $ 718 (3) $ 11,973
====================================================================================================================

Year ended March 31, 1996:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 537 $ 358 $ 289 (4) $ 267 (1) $ 917
Slow-moving obsolete inventory 1,815 487 370 (4) 205 (2) 2,467
Reserve against non-current receivable 0 600 600
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 2,352 $ 1,445 $ 659 $ 472 $ 3,984
====================================================================================================================

Reserves on balance sheet:
Accrued general & product liability costs $ 5,758 $ 1,555 $ 203 (3) $ 7,110
====================================================================================================================
Year ended March 31, 1995:
Deducted from asset accounts:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 495 $ 511 $ 469 (1) $ 537
Slow-moving and obsolete inventory 1,603 946 734 (2) 1,815
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 2,098 $ 1,457 $ 1,203 $ 2,352
====================================================================================================================

Reserves on balance sheet:
Accrued general & product liability costs $ 4,833 $ 1,210 $ 285 (3) $ 5,758
====================================================================================================================


(1) Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries
(2) Obsolete inventory disposals
(3) Insurance claims and expenses paid
(4) Reserves at date of acquisition of subsidiaries




-49




Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
- ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Disclosure.
---------------------

None.



PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
- -------- ---------------------------------------------------

The information regarding Directors and Executive Officers of the
Registrant will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission
prior to July 29, 1997.


Item 11. Executive Compensation
- -------- ----------------------

The information regarding Executive Compensation will be included in a
Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission prior to July 29, 1997.


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
- -------- --------------------------------------------------------------

The information regarding Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with the
Commission prior to July 29, 1997.


Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
- -------- ----------------------------------------------

The information regarding Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
will be included in a Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission prior to
July 29, 1997.



-50-





PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
- -------- -----------------------------------------------------------------

(a)(1) Financial Statements:
---------------------

The following consolidated financial statements of Columbus McKinnon
Corporation are included in Item 8:

Reference Page No.
--------- --------

Report of Independent Auditors 22

Consolidated balance sheets - March 31, 1997
and 1996 23

Consolidated statements of income - Years
ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 24

Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity
Years ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 25

Consolidated statements of cash flows - Years
ended March 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 27

Notes to consolidated financial statements 28


(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedule: Page No.
----------------------------- --------

Report of Independent Auditors 22

Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts 49

All other schedules for which provision is made in the
applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and
Exchange Commission are not required under the related
instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been
omitted.


-51-



(a)(3) Exhibits:

Exhibit
Number
- -------

2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated August 24, 1996 among Columbus
McKinnon Corporation, L Acquisition Corporation and Spreckels
Industries, Inc. (known as Yale International, Inc.) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (c)(1) to the Company's Tender Offer Statement on
Schedule 14D-1 dated August 30, 1996.)

2.2 Offer to Purchase by L Acquisition Corporation dated August 30, 1997,
as revised (incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(1) to the
Company's Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 14D-1 dated August 30,
1997, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated September 18, 1996, Amendment
No. 2 dated September 27, 1996, Amendment No. 3 dated October 4, 1996,
Amendment No. 4 dated October 9, 1996 Amendment No. 5 dated October 13,
1996 and Amendment No. 6 dated October 17, 1996.)

3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

3.2 Amended By-Laws of the Registrant. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on
Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

4.1 Specimen Common Share Certificate. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on
Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

10.1 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Columbus McKinnon Corporation and
all of the shareholders of LTI Holdings, Inc., dated as of November 1,
1995. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.2 Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement by and among Fleet Bank of New
York, Columbus McKinnon Corporation and Kenneth G. McCreadie, Peter A.
Grant and Robert L. Montgomery, Jr., as Trustees under the Columbus
McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreement, dated
March 31, 1993. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated
December 21, 1995)

10.3 Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement, dated
March 31, 1993, by and among Fleet Bank of New York, Columbus McKinnon
Corporation and Kenneth G. McCreadie, Peter A. Grant and Robert L.
Montgomery, Jr. as trustees under the Columbus McKinnon Corporation
Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreement, dated October 27, 1994.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995)


-52-




10.4 Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement by and
among Fleet Bank, Columbus McKinnon Corporation and Kenneth G.
McCreadie, Peter A. Grant and Robert L. Montgomery, Jr. under the
Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreement,
dated November 2, 1995. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to
the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated
December 21, 1995)

10.5 Loan Agreement by and among Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee
Stock Ownership Trust, Columbus McKinnon Corporation and Marine Midland
Bank, dated October 27, 1994. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.5 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1
dated December 21, 1995)

10.6 Agreement by and among Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock
Ownership Trust, Columbus McKinnon Corporation and Marine Midland Bank,
dated November 2, 1995. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated
December 21, 1995)

10.7 Credit Agreement between Marine Midland Bank, N.A. and Columbus
McKinnon Corporation, dated March 31, 1993. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on
Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

10.8 Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated March 31, 1993, between
Marine Midland Bank, as successor by conversion from Marine Midland
Bank, N.A. and Columbus McKinnon Corporation, dated January 26, 1994.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.9 Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement, dated March 31, 1993, between
Marine Midland Bank as successor by conversion from Marine Midland
Bank, N.A. and Columbus McKinnon Corporation, dated October 27, 1994.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.10 Agreement between Columbus McKinnon Corporation and Marine Midland
Bank, dated November 2, 1995. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.10 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1
dated December 21, 1995)

10.11 Series Loan Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1993, between City of
Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Columbus McKinnon Corporation. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

10.12 Series Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement between Marine Midland
Bank, N.A. and Columbus McKinnon Corporation, dated as of November 1,
1993. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995)


-53-




10.13 Series Lease, dated as of November 1, 1993, between Issuer as Lessor:
Town of Amherst Industrial Development Agency and Company as Lessee:
Columbus McKinnon Corporation. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.13 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1
dated December 21, 1995)

10.14 Series Letter of Credit Reimbursement Agreement between Marine Midland
Bank, N.A. and Columbus McKinnon Corporation, dated as of November 1,
1993. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.15 Agreement between Columbus McKinnon Corporation and Marine Midland
Bank, dated November 2, 1995. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.15 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1
dated December 21, 1995)

10.16 Credit Agreement, dated as of November 2, 1995, by and among Fleet
Bank, Marine Midland Bank, Fleet Bank, as Administrative Agent, Marine
Midland Bank, as Collateral Agent, and Columbus McKinnon Corporation.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.17 Lease Agreement between Warehouse Associates of Texas, as lessor, and
Columbus McKinnon Corporation, as lessee, dated February 8, 1994.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.18 Real Estate Lease between C.M. Realty Company, as lessor, and Columbus
McKinnon Corporation, as lessee, dated April 5, 1993. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

10.19 Lease between Grub & Ellis Industrial Properties Fund II as lessor, and
Columbus McKinnon Corporation, as lessee, dated June 19, 1992.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.20 Second Amendment to Lease by and between Adaya Asset Archibald, L.P.
(as transferee of Crow-Eaves-Ontario #1 Limited Partnership), as
Landlord, and Columbus McKinnon, as Tenant, dated October 27, 1994;
Amendment to Lease Agreement by and between Crow-Eaves-Ontario #1
Limited Partnership, dated October 1, 1989; Lease Agreement by and
between Crow-Eaves-Ontario Limited Partnership and Columbus McKinnon
Corporation. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33- 80687 on Form S-1 dated
December 21, 1995)

10.21 Lease dated September 10, 1986 between Lift-Tech International Cranes &
Hoists, Inc. as lessee and 638037 Ontario Limited, as lessor as
assigned to Lift-Tech International Cranes & Hoists Ltd. by Assignment
of Lease dated April 1, 1991. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.21 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1
dated December 21, 1995)



-54-


10.22 Lease between Atlanta Structures L.P., as lessor and Lift-Tech
International, Inc., as lessee, dated September 1, 1995. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

10.23* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan Restatement
Effective April 1, 1989. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to
the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated
December 21, 1995)

10.24* Amendment No. 1 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock
Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated March
2, 1995. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S- 1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.25* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Personal Retirement Account Plan Trust
Agreement, dated April 1, 1987. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.25 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1
dated December 21, 1995)

10.26* Amendment No. 1 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock
Ownership Trust Agreement (formerly known as the Columbus McKinnon
Corporation Personal Retirement Account Plan Trust Agreement) effective
November 1, 1988. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated
December 21, 1995)

10.27* Columbus McKinnon Corporation 1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S- 1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.28* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Restricted Stock Plan. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company's Registration Statement No.
33-80687 on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

10.29* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S- 1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.30* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k) Plan] 1989 Restatement
Effective January 1, 1989. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30
to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated
December 21, 1995)

10.31* Amendment No. 1 to Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan
1989 Restatement Effective January 1, 1989. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687
on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

10.32* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)] Plan Trust Agreement
Restatement Effective August 9, 1994. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.32 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on
Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)


-55-



10.33* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan Tax
Reform Restatement Effective April 1, 1989. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.33 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687
on Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

10.34* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement Benefit Plan Trust
Agreement effective as of April 1, 1987. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.34 to the Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on
Form S-1 dated December 21, 1995)

10.35* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Executive Incentive Compensation Plan -
Fiscal 1996. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the
Company's Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S-1 dated
December 21, 1995)

10.36* Columbus McKinnon Corporation Description of Corporate Incentive Plan.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company's
Registration Statement No. 33-80687 on Form S- 1 dated December 21,
1995)

10.37* Amendment No. 1 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Monthly Retirement
Benefit Plan, dated March 27, 1996.

10.38* Amendment No. 2 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock
Ownership Plan, dated October 17, 1995.

10.39* Amendment No. 3 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock
Ownership Plan, dated March 27, 1996.(E-10.39)

10.40* Amendment No. 2 to the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Thrift [401(k)]
Plan, dated March 27, 1996.(E-10.40)

10.41* Amendment No. 4 of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock
Ownership Plan as Amended and Restated as of April 1, 1989, dated
September 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's quarterly report on form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
September 30, 1996.)

10.42 Credit Agreement dated as of August 5, 1996 by and among Fleet Bank,
Marine Midland Bank, Fleet Bank, as Administrative Agent and Columbus
McKinnon Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
June 30, 1996.)

11.1** Columbus McKinnon Computation of Earnings per Share.

21.1** Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

23.1** Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.


-56-




99.1** Form 11-K Columbus McKinnon Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Annual Report for the year ended March 31, 1997.

- --------------
* Indicates a management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
** Filed herewith

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

On January 9, 1997, the Company filed a current Report on form 8-K
dated January 9, 1997 announcing the completion of its acquisition of
Spreckels Industries, Inc. through a subsidiary merger.



-57-





SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

COLUMBUS McKINNON CORPORATION

Dated: June 27, 1997 By: /s/ Herbert P. Ladds, Jr.
Herbert P. Ladds, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----

/s/ Herbert P. Ladds, Jr. President, Chief Executive June 27, 1997
Herbert P. Ladds, Jr. Officer and Director



/s/ Robert L. Montgomery, Jr. Executive Vice President, June 27, 1997
Robert L. Montgomery, Jr. Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Accounting Officer
and Director



/s/ Edward W. Duffy Chairman of the Board of June 27, 1997
Edward W. Duffy Directors



/s/ Randolph A. Marks Director June 27, 1997
Randolph A. Marks



/s/ L. David Black Director June 27, 1997
L. David Black



-58-