About FIRST™ Sling Technology
FIRST™ Sling Technology is an Oklahoma Limited Liability Company founded on the basis that sling manufacturers share common challenges. The company’s resources are used to research, develop and provide special products that meet the needs of the sling user. The products are offered through select slingmakers with the collective ability to supply various industries efficiently.
The first available product is an identification system for synthetic flat web and round slings. Current ANSI/ASME B30.9-2003 Standards require that minimal identification requirements – name of manufacturer; manufacturer’s code or stock number; rated loads and the type of material – should be maintained by the user so as to be legible during the life of the sling. Missing or illegible sling identification is criteria for removal from service or discontinued use of a sling.
Manager/Member of FIRST™ Sling Technology
Linda Summars is a second generation slingmaker, working in the industry for the past 30 years. In 1975 she went to work for her father, Lanell Cox, in the “family shop”, United Rigging & Wire Rope Inc. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Like most rigging families, much pride was taken in offering their customers the highest of standards in quality and service and in meeting the challenges of every day lifting needs.
After her father’s passing in 1981, she and the family continued to operate the growing business, spurred by the boom in the oil fields. This presented opportunities for on hand experience in a wide range of sling manufacturing areas – production, sales, technical and management included. United Rigging expanded in 1983, opening a branch in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In 1990, Bridon plc acquired United Rigging’s Oklahoma operations. Summars stayed on as General Manager, opening a third branch in Denver, Colorado, and remained through FKI’s acquisition of Bridon and until her resignation in 1999.
Shortly afterwards she was employed to establish and manage a manufacturing facility for F&M Mafco. She served as Management Representative, documenting a Quality Management System, which received a zero non conformance rating for the ISO Certification Audit conducted by BVQI North America.
Linda Summars has been active in the AWRF, Associated Wire Rope Fabricators, and has twice been elected to 3 year terms on their Board of Directors. She has been appointed to two association offices and chaired both the Membership and Safety Committees.
In the last 3 years she has been an inventor of two patent pending sling products, one of which is the inspectable roundsling.