EDITOR INTERVIEW WITH JOHN BURTON, DIRECTOR AND CO-OWNER OF CPSLIFT.COM
John, can you tell our readers a little about your background and how you got started in the lifting industry?
John Burton: Certainly. I began my career as an apprentice-trained plant engineer with Hewden Stuart Crane Hire back in 1997. Since then, I’ve spent my entire career within the lifting and work-at-height sector. I’ve worked across engineering, management and sales roles, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed every aspect of helping businesses operate safely and efficiently. Having experience in all these areas gives me a well-rounded perspective on the challenges our customers face.
Tell us about CPSLift.com and how the business was established.
John Burton: CPSLift.com is the trading name of Central Platform Services Ltd, which was established in 2008. We originally started as a support company providing work-at-height solutions, engineering services and safety support to end users and contractors, mainly within the UK construction industry.
After our first year of trading, we realised that “Central Platform Services” was quite a mouthful, so we registered the CPSLift. com brand. Today, it’s a name that’s widely recognised throughout the UK lifting and access industries.
How did your journey into the glass lifting sector begin?
John Burton: The turning point came in 2017 when I received a call from Flemming Storm Nelson, who was Export Manager at Smartlift in Denmark. He introduced me to Smartlift’s glazing robots and explained how they were helping glass installers work more safely and efficiently.
As soon as I understood the potential benefits, I booked a flight to Denmark to see the equipment for myself. My father spent much of his career involved in glass manufacturing and installation, so I already had a good understanding of the risks associated with manually handling large glass units. His experience gave me valuable insight into the industry and the challenges installers face every day.
What impressed you most when you first saw Smartlift equipment?
John Burton: Coming from an engineering background, I naturally looked closely at the design, functionality and build quality. I wanted to know whether the machines could stand up to real-world working environments.
The equipment exceeded my expectations. The engineering quality was excellent, and the factory tour gave me confidence that Smartlift was a credible manufacturer with ambitious plans for the future. It was clear they were committed to innovation and safety.
How important has Smartlift become to your business?
John Burton: It’s become a significant part of what we do. Since 2017, we’ve seen Smartlift continuously develop and improve its product range. Today, I can confidently say they are the global market leader in glass lifting robots.
The range now includes ten different glazing robot models, each designed to suit specific applications. Customers can choose features such as robotic head rotation, side-shift functionality and remote-control operation for installation work. Alternatively, manufacturers may prefer narrower units with non-marking tyres for factory environments. Naturally, all models are able to manipulate glass with millimetre precision.
What makes CPSLift.com’s approach different when supplying Smartlift equipment?
John Burton: We focus heavily on understanding the customer’s application before recommending a machine. Every installation environment is different, so it’s important that clients invest in the right solution from the outset.
Because of this approach, customers typically see immediate benefits as soon as the equipment arrives. We take great pride in providing honest guidance and practical expertise rather than simply selling a machine.
What does a typical working week look like for you these days?
John Burton: A large part of my time is spent travelling around the UK carrying out live Smartlift demonstrations for prospective customers. I enjoy getting equipment into people’s hands and showing them exactly what it can do.
We’ve also developed a comprehensive handover and operator training programme that has been approved by the Smartlift factory. The feedback has been excellent, and helping customers gain confidence with their new equipment is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.
What support can customers expect after purchasing equipment?
John Burton: Customer support has always been at the heart of our business. We have a fantastic management team and back-office staff who handle enquiries professionally, efficiently with all due diligence.
Our engineering heritage means we have extensive product support capabilities, whether a customer purchases or hires equipment from us. Clients trust us because they know we’re there to support them long after the sale has been completed.
Can customers see the equipment before making a decision?
John Burton: Absolutely. We offer no obligation, live demonstrations at customer’s premises, and we keep a
range of Smartlift models at our premises and welcome customers to visit us for demonstrations. We can set up different glass systems and lifting scenarios so they can see how the machines perform in conditions similar to their own workplaces.
Training can also be delivered either at our facility or at the customer’s premises, depending on what is most convenient.
Which industries have benefited from Smartlift technology so far?
John Burton: The applications are surprisingly diverse. We’ve supplied equipment to glass installers, window and glass manufacturers, curtain walling contractors, cladding installers and glass cabinet manufacturers.
We’ve also worked with caravan manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, modular housing companies, modular building installers, train manufacturers and vehicle repair specialists. Essentially, any industry that handles large glass panels can benefit from safer and more efficient lifting methods.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future?
John Burton: The continued development of the technology. Smartlift typically introduces at least one significant innovation every year, and we’re always excited to see what comes next.
Our goal remains the same: improving safety, reducing manual handling risks and increasing efficiency for everyone involved in glass installation and manufacturing. My team and I are committed to growing the Smartlift family across the UK through demonstrations, training and customer support.
We’re also looking forward to exhibiting
at the FIT Show in May 2027, where visitors will be able to see some of the latest Smartlift glass lifting solutions in action.
Finally, what keeps you passionate about the industry after nearly four decades?
John Burton: It’s seeing how technology can genuinely improve people’s working lives. When a customer tells us they’ve completed a difficult installation more safely, reduced physical strain on their team, or opened up new business opportunities because of a Smartlift machine, that’s incredibly rewarding.
I’ve spent my entire career around lifting equipment, and helping businesses work smarter, safer and more efficiently is still what drives me every day.
Glass News would like to thank John Burton and the team at CPSLift. com for sharing their insights into the evolving world of glass lifting technology.
