Peotone, IL – February 2025 – Great Lakes Lifting Solutions (GLLS) is proud to announce the launch of its newest division: the Woods Powr-Grip® (WPG) Repair Center, the nation’s only authorized repair facility outside of WPG’s headquarters in Montana. This strategic expansion enhances GLLS’s commitment to the commercial glazing and glass fabrication industries, providing a much-needed repair service for vacuum lifters while reducing costs and turnaround times for customers.
Since adding the Woods Powr-Grip® product line, Great Lakes Lifting has built a strong relationship with the Woods family and their team. Recognizing a growing market need, GLLS is investing in a fully equipped repair center at its Peotone, Illinois facility, capable of servicing 40-50 lifters per month. The goal is to provide customers—particularly in the Midwest and East Coast—with a faster, more cost-effective alternative to shipping their equipment long distances for repairs.
"Woods Powr-Grip® is committed to providing industry-best service for our products. We are excited to announce that Great Lakes Lifting Solutions will be providing a Midwest service option at their Peotone, Illinois facility, strategically located in the greater Chicago area. Great Lakes Lifting Solutions has years of experience servicing vacuum lifting equipment and has been specifically trained by WPG to work on our products, making a fine addition to the portfolio of equipment they service," said Bryan Wood, President of Woods Powr-Grip®.
A Vision for the Future
For Steven Brooks, Partner & Visionary at GLLS, the new repair division represents an opportunity to further elevate Great Lakes Lifting Solutions as more than just a rental and sales provider, but a comprehensive support system for glaziers and fabricators.
"Our mission at Great Lakes Lifting is to fill the gaps in the glazing and construction industries—not just by supplying the best lifting equipment, but by ensuring that equipment remains in peak condition. This new repair center is a game-changer for glaziers and fabricators who rely on WPG lifters every day. We’re honored to partner with Woods Powr-Grip® in this effort and look forward to helping our customers maximize efficiency and safety on the job site," said Brooks.
Keeping Glaziers OSHA-Compliant
OSHA regulations require that vacuum lifting devices be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The new GLLS repair program ensures compliance with OSHA Standard 20-2.4.3.1, which mandates:
A maintenance program based on manufacturer recommendations.
Use of designated, qualified personnel for inspections and repairs.
Verification that vacuum lifters are in proper operating condition before use.
By providing factory-authorized service and inspections, Great Lakes Lifting helps glaziers and fabricators meet OSHA safety requirements while minimizing downtime.
More Than Just Repairs: A Full-Service Glass Lifting Partner
The WPG Repair Center is just one of the many services Great Lakes Lifting offers to support the glass industry. GLLS is a trusted provider of Woods Powr-Grip® rentals, as well as a full lineup of glazing and material handling solutions, including SmartLift® robotic glass handlers and Spydercrane® mini-cranes.
About Great Lakes Lifting Solutions
Great Lakes Lifting Solutions is a family-owned business dedicated to providing innovative lifting solutions for the construction and glazing industries with locations in Il, TX, and FL. With a reputation for expert service, rental solutions, and equipment sales, GLLS continues to evolve, offering best-in-class products and services to ensure efficiency and safety on every job site.
For more information about the Woods Powr-Grip® Repair Center or other GLLS services, visit www.greatlakeslifting.com or contact us at (815) 931-4825.
