Custom Ergonomic Lifting Devices and Engineered Lifting Tools for Material Handling Applications
Ergonomic Partners designs, engineers, and manufactures custom lifting devices for industrial facilities across North America — built around your part, your process, and your work cell. Our team of in-house engineers works directly with you to define the right solution, then fabricates and tests it at our facility.
From manipulator arms to custom end effectors, every lifting device we build is engineered to reduce worker strain, cut cycle time, and perform reliably under your specific duty cycle. Contact our team to discuss your application.
Custom Lifting Device Promo Video
We manufacture cost-effective, optimized material handling systems that provide companies with safe, ergonomic, specialized equipment for lifting and moving parts, equipment, and other materials. Our custom designed and engineered lifting devices and lifting tools improve worker productivity, performance, and safety. Watch more videos at: Custom Lifting Device Videos web page.
Manipulator Arms
Industrial manipulator arms are an ideal way to handle heavy and awkward payloads like drums, weldments, castings, and machined parts. Manipulator arms allow the operator to perform tasks that typical hoist or overhead lifting systems cannot. Industrial manipulators allow the operator to perform functions such as reach-in, reach-under or into areas with overhead obstructions.
Ergonomic Lift Assists
Ergonomic Partners specializes in and manufactures custom lifting devices and other ergonomic lifting solutions that include: electromagnets, permanent magnets, mechanical tools, compressed air, vacuum lift assists, grippers, and battery-powered lifters that can simulate the human legs, back, arm, hand, or wrist.
Portable Ergonomic Lifting Devices
Portable Ergonomic Lifts are a cost effective way to cover a large area where a lift assist and crane might be ideal. These portable roll lifters are ideal for drum handling, roll handling, box handling and can be modified to handle custom lifting applications.
Custom End Effectors
Combined with an industrial manipulator arm, we can provide a wide array of mechanical tools, C-Frame tools, vacuum tools, pneumatic grippers, magnet tooling, expanding mandrels, and almost any custom tool to handle your application.
Vacuum Lifters and Vacuum Tube Lifters
Vacuum Lifting can require simple or complex solutions. At Ergonomic Partners, we specialize in matching the correct vacuum lifter with the right application. Vacuum hoist systems are perfect for bag lifting, box handling, and sheet handling. These ergonomic lifting devices can handle flat and slightly rounded parts giving you a lot of flexibility when it comes to handling a part.
Manual/Motorized Work Positioners
These unique work positioning systems provide workers and operators with the flexibility to move parts or objects in any position. The work positioners are available in bench or floor mount configurations and feature a custom friction lock, 360-degree rotation, and adjustable height and tilt.
Tool Support and Assembly/Torque Arms
Ergonomic Tool Arms by ETA come in several styles. The most common style are the arms for assembly. The standard torque arm comes with the ability to float the tool and reduce torque. ETA also provides tool support systems that can be mounted overhead.
Zero Gravity Lifting Devices
Zero Gravity Tool Balancers are the perfect ergonomic lifting solution for applications with suspended tools such as welders, pneumatic tools, grinders, sanders, buffers, drills, torque wrenches, rivet squeezers, and hand tools. Zero Gravity Arms are used when the precision and control of a pneumatic balancer or spring balancer is just not enough.
Gorbel Easy Arm Intelligent Lifter
The Easy Arm is the perfect solution for small work cells with a need for speed and precision. These Intelligent Assisted Lifts (IAD's) give the operator the control necessary to finesse expensive or fragile parts.
Below the Hook Lifting Devices
We offer a wide range of below-the-hook lifting devices designed to enhance safety and efficiency in your material handling operations. Our equipment is engineered for diverse industrial applications. Whether you need custom-manufactured C-Hooks, Coil Grabs, or specialized Lifting Tongs, our solutions are tailored to meet your unique requirements.
Custom Lifting Device Case Studies
We leverage technology and innovation in the way we manufacturer our custom tools and show how they become a "game changer" for workers and operators. Check out our fact-driven, up-close, in-depth, and detailed examination of "real world" custom lifting device applications.
Industrial Robots and Automation Promo Video Short
In today's competitive business landscape, streamlining operations and maximizing productivity are essential for success. Embrace the transformative power of industrial robots and automation to revolutionize your workplace with cutting-edge technology that empowers your team and elevates your business to new heights. Relieve your valuable employees from repetitive tasks and empower them to focus on higher-level activities that require human ingenuity and creativity. Enhance productivity and efficiency by automating mundane and time-consuming processes, to significantly reduce errors and increase output, leading to substantial cost savings and improved profitability. Partner with us today!
Robots, Automation, and Ergonomic Lifting Tools Promo Video
This video highlights our Ergonomic Partners robotic automation solutions and displays our custom lifting devices designed, engineered, manufactured, set up, and installed in work areas all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. All of the manipulator arms, tools, end effectors, and devices shown in the video are made in the U.S.A. by Ergonomic Partners. Watch more videos at: Custom Lifting Device Videos web page.
Custom Ergonomic Lifting Devices and Robots Promo Video
This video features over 90 of Ergonomic Partners' custom lifting tools and custom lifting devices designed, engineered, manufactured, set up, and installed in work areas all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. All of the manipulator arms, tools, and devices shown in the video are made in the U.S.A. by Ergonomic Partners. Watch more videos at: Custom Lifting Device Videos web page.
Industries We Serve
Ergonomic Partners has designed and installed custom lifting devices for manufacturers across a wide range of industries. If your facility lifts, moves, or positions parts repeatedly, there is likely a device that can reduce worker strain, cut cycle time, and improve safety — whether your environment is a clean pharmaceutical floor or a heavy foundry.
Manufacturing & Fabrication
- Automotive assembly and stamping
- Casting, foundry, and metalworking
- CNC machining and machine loading
- Tool-and-die and mold handling
Process & Specialty Industries
- Pharmaceutical and food processing
- Tire and rubber manufacturing
- Printing and converting
- Packaging and distribution
Aerospace, HVAC & Electronics
- Aerospace and defense manufacturing
- HVAC equipment fabrication
- Electronics and precision assembly
- Steel service centers and OEM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a custom lifting device?
A custom lifting device is an ergonomic material handling tool engineered specifically for a part, process, or work cell — rather than an off-the-shelf hoist or generic lift. Custom devices are designed around a specific payload (shape, weight, fragility) and a specific environment (overhead clearance, reach requirements, cycle time). Common types include manipulator arms, pneumatic lift assists, vacuum lifters, custom end effectors, and zero gravity balancers. Ergonomic Partners designs and manufactures all of these in-house at our St. Louis, Missouri facility.
What is the difference between a manipulator arm and a lift assist?
A lift assist neutralizes the weight of a part so an operator can lift, move, and position it with minimal effort — typically using pneumatic, vacuum, or electric power. A manipulator arm adds reach and articulation: it can extend into confined spaces, rotate parts, or perform motions an overhead crane cannot. Lift assists are the right tool when the task is moving a heavy part from point A to point B. Manipulator arms are used when the operator needs to reach under, into, or around an obstruction — or when the part requires precise orientation during the move.
What industries do you design custom lifting devices for?
Ergonomic Partners serves a wide range of manufacturing industries including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, HVAC, packaging, printing, tire manufacturing, casting, electronics assembly, food and beverage, and agricultural equipment. If your facility lifts, moves, or positions parts repeatedly, there is likely an ergonomic lifting device that can reduce worker strain, cut cycle time, and improve safety. We design and install systems for manufacturers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Can you design a lifting device for my specific part or application?
Yes — this is our core capability. Our in-house engineering team reviews your application, part geometry, weight, cycle requirements, and work cell constraints, then designs a lifting tool from scratch. We handle everything from initial concept and engineering drawings through fabrication, testing, and on-site installation. Submit your application to start the process.
Do you sell and install lifting devices outside of Missouri?
Yes. While headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Ergonomic Partners designs, manufactures, and installs custom lifting devices for customers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We have a strong presence in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Nebraska, Iowa, and Oklahoma — and we regularly work with manufacturers nationwide on both local and remote installation projects.
What information do I need to provide to get a quote?
The more detail you can provide, the faster we can turn around an accurate quote. Helpful information includes:
- Part or object being lifted — weight, shape, material
- Required travel distance and overhead clearance
- Cycle rate (lifts per hour)
- Available power source (compressed air, electric, or neither)
- Special requirements (cleanroom, food-grade, explosion-proof)
- Whether you need installation
A photo or drawing of the part and work cell is especially useful. Use our contact form or call us directly to get started.