Southwest Industrial Rigging gets new owner and leadership team

Southwest Industrial Rigging, which was founded and operated more than 45 years ago by revered crane industry executive Harry Baker, (who died in 2024), has been acquired by Woody Weld, who will be chairman of the board.

Southwest Industrial Rigging is entering a new era with a new leadership team, but the company aspires to continue the legacy of Baker, who built a reputation for consistent safety, solid professionalism and the capability to take on any project from beginning to end, regardless of size or challenge,” the company said in a social media post.

Southwest Industrial Rigging announces its new ownership and leadership team. SOURCE: LinkedIn

“Based in Phoenix, Arizona, with branches in Tucson, Flagstaff and Farmington, New Mexico, the company continues to serve the Southwest with the same reliability customers expect.”

Continuing a leagacy

Cody Ward, recently named chief executive officer, will lead a team focused on growth and continuing Baker’s legacy, the company said.

“Acquiring Southwest Industrial Rigging is one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done – not jus as a business decision, but as a commitment to a legacy,” said Weld.

“Harry Baker was a dear friend, and what he built over nearly four decades, starting with just a single crane in Casa Grande, is nothing short of remarkable. His philosophy of ‘do it right the first time,’ his dedication to safety and his vision for what this industry could be are values we shared deeply and intend to honor every single day. Harry had a clear picture of where Southwest Industrial Rigging was headed, and we consider it a privilege, and a responsibility, to carry that vision forward. This isn’t just about growing a business. It’s about making sure everything Harry worked so hard to build continues to thrive.”

Cody Ward said the team at Southwest Industrial Rigging is looking forward to what it sees as a tremendous growth opportunity. “Our team is energized by the work ahead,” Ward said. “With the strong support and investment from our ownership, we are well-positioned to expand our capabilities and deliver exceptional service to our clients across the region.”

The new leadership team includes Weld, CFO Yuko Nagura, vice president of operations JB Buksa, vice president of sales Jason Kelly, vice president of business intelligence Joe McDermott, vice president of product support Manny Zamora and director of safety Tyler Dewey.