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Great Lakes Lifting Solutions Launches Authorized Woods Powr-Grip® Repair Center in Illinois
Peotone, IL – February 2025 – Great Lakes Lifting Solutions (GLLS) proudly announces 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 strengthens GLLS’s commitment to serving the commercial glazing and glass fabrication industries by offering a much-needed vacuum lifter repair service. The new center will significantly reduce costs and turnaround times for customers.
Meeting Industry Needs
Since adding the Woods Powr-Grip® product line, Great Lakes Lifting has built a strong partnership with the Woods family and their team.
Recognizing the growing demand, GLLS is investing in a fully equipped repair center at its Peotone, Illinois facility. The center is designed to handle 40–50 lifters per month, giving Midwest and East Coast customers a faster, more cost-effective alternative to shipping equipment long distances for service.
Industry Partnership
"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 is more than an expansion—it’s a step toward redefining GLLS as 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 vacuum lifting devices to be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
The 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 stay OSHA-compliant while minimizing downtime.
More Than Just Repairs
The WPG Repair Center is part of GLLS’s full-service approach to supporting the glass industry. In addition to repair services, GLLS offers:
- Woods Powr-Grip® rentals
- SmartLift® robotic glass handlers
- Spydercrane® mini-cranes
A full lineup of glazing and material handling solutions
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 Illinois, Texas, and Florida, GLLS is known for its expert service, rental solutions, and equipment sales.
Continuing to evolve, GLLS delivers 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 Great Lakes Lifting Solutions or call (815) 931-4825.