You may get a more detailed response from your Melling rep on this – Frank Sandeman, but the cost for the Melling lifter that is made in the USA is almost the same as the made in the USA Hylift-Johnson.
Current IPW Cost on the JB976 is $20.87 with the warehouse fee included. Made is the USA.
Current Member Cost on the B-0976 Hylift Johnson is $21.46. Made in the USA.
Current IPW Cost on the HT976 Sealed Power lifter is $9.51 with the warehouse fee included. MADE in CHINA.
There will be other suppliers of lifters out there in the marketplace too, but I would think the country of origin plays a significant role in the cost of this lifter.