Bespoke Lifting & Handling

Off-the-shelf lifting and handling equipment often works, but many industrial, pharmaceutical, food, medical, or FMCG operations face unique challenges. Maybe there is an awkwardly shaped load, strict hygiene requirements, constrained space, or a special process that needs precise movement, rotation or tipping. Bespoke lifting and handling refers to equipment custom-designed or adapted to meet those specific, non-standard requirements.

Packline, a UK-based company, specialises in bespoke lifting & handling solutions: either creating entirely new concepts or modifying existing equipment (e.g. attachments) to match a client’s precise needs.

Bespoke lifting and handling solutions can transform operations where standard equipment is a compromise—providing safety, efficiency, compliance, and better ergonomics. Packline offers a mature capability here: in-house design and manufacture, wide material/finish options (including stainless/ hygienic), a large catalogue of attachments, and experience across sectors.

If you are considering bespoke lifting/handling, it’s worth investing time in defining your exact needs—load specs, environment, functionality, safety—and choosing a partner who can guide you from concept through to delivery. Packline positions itself as such a partner.

Packline provides a comprehensive custom design and manufacture pipeline: in-house CAD (SolidWorks) design, CNC workshops, a wide variety of materials, finishes, and options.

Here are some of the options and features Packline offer:

• Material & Finish Choices: Mild steel painted, stainless steel (304/316, polished), hygienic/clean-room finishes. Useful in food, medical, pharmaceutical environments where corrosion resistance and cleanability matter.
• Operation Modes: Manual, gear-assisted, fully motorised. Lift, rotate, tip, clamp, etc.
• Attachments & Custom Heads: Custom grippers, clamps, cradles, platforms, vacuum heads, etc. Many attachments are interchangeable, especially with Packline’s “Compac” lifting range, which uses quick-release systems.
• Rotation & Tilt Control: Full 360° rotation, forward tipping, geared or motorised rotation, stop limits or torque control for accurate and safe handling. Example: handling telescoping rolls with a clamping vertical spindle and powered rotation.
• Lift Height & Capacity: Bespoke lifters can be configured with different lift heights (standard up to ~1,850mm, or more where required), load capacities up to hundreds of kilograms. Example: stainless vessel lifter up to 2,500mm height, capacity ~350kg.
• Mobility, Footprint & Layout Constraints: Designs that work in limited space, through low doorways, or that integrate with existing production lines. Compact/low-profile legs, adjustable spread, mobile bases, etc.

To ensure the bespoke solution works well, these are things to clarify and plan:

• Exact Load Details: What is the shape, weight, centre of gravity, format, orientation, external dimensions? If reels/rolls, core or outer diameter? If vessels or bins, height, content, lid etc.
• Environment: Clean-room? Wash-down? Temperatures, humidity, chemical exposure? Material and finish need to suit.
• Functionality Needed: Do you need tipping, rotating, forward tilt, full 360°, limited rotation, clamping, lifting, lowering, etc.
• Space & Layout Constraints: Height under ceilings or beams, passage through doors, width, reach, required mobility or fixed installation.
• Power, Controls & Safety: Manual or motorised? How will power be supplied? What controls, safety features, overload protection, etc.?
• Hygiene and Maintenance: Ease of cleaning, surfaces, access to joints, durability under wash-down, spare parts, etc.
• Lead Times & Support: Bespoke takes more time; choose a supplier with strong in-house design/manufacturing (such as Packline), good after-sales service, and options for training.

To give real-world ideas, here are some case examples from Packline Materials Handling:

• A stainless-steel vessel lifter with dual-column frame: lifts vessels to ~2,500mm, full 360° rotation, twin-spindle grip for clean room discharge.
• Handling telescoping rolls: a vertical spindle with clamping and powered rotation to secure rolls that might otherwise deform or slip.
• Handling electronic assemblies: bespoke clamp with nitrile-lined arms, geared rotation, torque limiter, and electric lift/lower for precise, clean (hygienic) assembly environments.

Bespoke Lifting Solutions Engineered Around You
Custom-designed lifting and handling equipment tailored to your exact process, product, and environment.

• Fully Customised Lifting Solutions – Designed to meet your exact requirements for load type, size, shape, weight, and environment.
• Engineered for Complex Applications – Ideal for non-standard materials, unique handling challenges, or restricted spaces where off-the-shelf options fall short.
• Wide Range of Industries Supported – Trusted by businesses in pharmaceutical, food processing, medical, chemical, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors.
• Available in Stainless Steel or Mild Steel – Built for durability and hygiene, with options for cleanroom, washdown, or general industrial environments.
• Improved Safety and Ergonomics – Tailored designs help reduce manual handling risks, improve operator comfort, and comply with health and safety regulations.
• Innovative Attachment Design – Includes custom grippers, clamps, rotating heads, lifting forks, cradles, platforms, and vacuum systems built to your specification.
• Compact and Space-Efficient Designs – Engineered to fit seamlessly into your existing workflow and factory layout.
• UK-Based Design and Manufacture – Precision-engineered in the UK with a strong focus on quality control, fast lead times, and reliable after-sales support.
• Proven Track Record – Over 25 years of experience delivering successful bespoke lifting solutions for a wide range of specialised applications.
• Collaborative Design Process – We work closely with you from concept to completion to ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance.

Can’t Find the Right Handling Solution? Let’s Build It Together.
Packline specialises in custom-engineered lifting equipment for unique and challenging applications. From concept to completion, we work with you to develop a solution that’s safe, efficient, and purpose-built.

Contact us to start your bespoke lifting project today.

• Tailored to Your Application – Custom-built to match your exact product dimensions, weight, handling requirements, and workspace layout.
• Improved Efficiency – Optimised designs streamline production processes, reduce handling time, and minimise downtime.
• Enhanced Operator Safety – Ergonomic features reduce manual strain and support compliance with manual handling and workplace safety regulations.
• Built for Unique Loads – Ideal for lifting and moving non-standard items such as awkwardly shaped components, delicate materials, or over-sized containers.
• Material Options to Suit Your Environment – Available in stainless steel for cleanroom and food-grade areas or mild steel for general industrial use.
• Compatible with Restricted Spaces – Compact, space-saving designs allow for safe lifting and handling even in tight production areas.
• Increased Productivity – Custom solutions reduce bottlenecks and ensure consistent, reliable handling across your workflow.
• Future-Proof Investment – Designed with flexibility and long-term use in mind, bespoke lifters can often be adapted for new processes or products.
• Minimises Risk of Product Damage – Specialist attachments such as cradles, clamps, or vacuum lifts help protect fragile or high-value items during handling.
• Backed by UK Design and Support – All solutions are engineered and manufactured in the UK, with expert consultation and ongoing after-sales support.

• Handling non-standard boxes, containers, or reels not compatible with standard lifters
• Supporting pharmaceutical, medical, and food processing environments with strict hygiene requirements
• Moving machine parts, components, or assemblies during manufacturing
• Lifting chemical drums, tanks, or vessels in hazardous or controlled areas
• Transporting hoppers, mixers, or food containers in hygienic zones
• Integrating with automated systems or production lines where custom dimensions are essential