Celebrating 40 Years of Niftylift

Niftylift was founded in 1985 by Roger Bowden, who began by designing a lightweight trailer-mounted boom lift in his garden shed in Bedfordshire, England. That original 34-foot machine, which is still in production today, quickly attracted attention. What began as a small hire business soon became one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Today, Niftylift employs over 550 people, operates manufacturing sites across the United Kingdom, has offices in the US and Europe, and serves customers in more than 70 countries. Our products are known for being compact, low-weight, and high-performance machines that offer excellent reach, reliability, and return on investment.

Innovation has always been central to who we are. From the launch of our first self-propelled model in 1988 to pioneering safety systems like SiOPS^® and ClipOn, we have led the industry by developing smart, intuitive solutions that enhance safety and improve productivity.

We were the first to introduce a true parallel hybrid system in the MEWP industry. Our latest Hydrogen-Electric range represents another global first, delivering zero-emission performance with hydrogen fuel cell technology. These machines are an ideal solution for construction projects that prioritize low-carbon operations.

At Niftylift, people have always been the foundation of our success. Whether it’s our long-time suppliers, global dealers, loyal customers, or the dedicated teams behind every machine, the relationships we’ve built over the years are what make our company strong.

This commitment extends to our award-winning apprenticeship and graduate programs, our investments in automation and training, and our community outreach through school partnerships and STEM education. Together, these efforts help develop talent and inspire the next generation of engineers.