Continuous investment in technology and processes allows CPL to remain a leader in vehicle conversions
Since 2011, CPL has delivered optimized vehicle conversion solutions, earning its place among the industry’s foremost specialists. The company was founded following a successful infrastructure revitalization project in Iraq, where vehicles were adapted for highly specific operational roles, enabling engineering teams to restore citywide electrical networks.
Recognizing an opportunity to offer these services on a larger scale, CEO, Paul Murphy, and Strategic CFO, Michela Murphy, established CPL in the UK. The company now provides a range of advanced vehicle conversion services to clients across multiple industries.
In the beginning, CPL worked primarily with 4×4-mounted cherry pickers, adapting the vehicles for off-road capabilities. As Mark discusses: “That model grew very, very quickly. We were offering the only purpose-built 4×4 cherry picker in the market, which really helped establish the business in its early days. Moving into 2016, we partnered with French manufacturer Klubb Group, to provide sales and distribution services across the UK.
“This move helped expand our client base even further. We became a bigger name in the UK market and launched an import-export branch of the business. We started exporting our 4×4 products internationally, which drew the attention of investors.
“Klubb were so impressed with our growth that they decided to invest in the business. By 2018, they had bought 75 percent of the operation, providing CPL with European backing and greater resources.”
As part of the Klubb Group, CPL was able to reach new heights. Having intervened at a crucial moment in the market, with an unmatched product offering, the company was able to expand and diversify even further – introducing van and truck mounts to its portfolio.
In 2023, the business reached £42 million turnover and over 650 vehicles produced in the UK. Its expansive portfolio remains unmatched in the industry, delivering vital technology to public sector services, telecommunication networks, and broadband providers.
The company continues to branch out, as Mark reveals: “We’ve recently started working with arborists, delivering vehicles that are specifically adapted to the work they do.
“In addition, we’re making inroads in the general construction market, with vehicles converted for general lighting and building maintenance tasks. We’ve also been consolidating our presence in existing markets, such as the telecommunications sector. Some of our more recent clients have used our vehicles to improve CCTV system implementation and maintenance.
“Another part of our strategy in recent years has been to engage with rental companies. These partnerships have stimulated a lot of growth for us, especially over the last five years.”
Through ongoing innovation and market diversification, CPL has remained steadfast in its success for nearly 15 years. Despite the challenges brought on by Covid-19 lockdowns and changing vehicle regulatory standards across the UK, the company has continued to enjoy a strong growth trajectory.
As part of CPL’s strategy for 2026, it will be launching two new van mounts. These super-lightweight models were developed alongside the Klubb Group in France, as Mark reveals: “Our new 17-meter van mount is coming very soon. The design was initially released to the European market last year by Klubb, and we’re now gearing up to make our UK version available to the market.
“The design is super lightweight, with a three-and-a-half-ton van mount. This allows more people to operate it and reach much higher than existing models. On lower-weighted (3.5 tons) platforms, it provides greater outreach than ever before.
“There are license limitations for workers across the UK – keeping our van mount at three-and-a-half tons means everybody with a standard car license can drive and operate the vehicle, without the need for additional permits or supplementary training.
“It’s a really phenomenal solution for many businesses, especially in industries where skilled labor is hard to come by. In a competitive landscape, using our van mount can reduce lead times and provide a significant operational advantage.”
Delivering unique capabilities keeps CPL one step ahead of the competition. Based in Kettering, Northamptonshire, the company’s one-of-a-kind facility brings together innovation and practical application. As Mark enthuses: “When CPL first started out, it was very much perceived as an assembler of other people’s parts. During our journey, we’ve tried to move away from that perception and establish ourselves as a reputable standalone manufacturer.
“We offer leading-edge manufacturing that is – and always has been – based in Britain. We do the majority of our design work in the UK, and then all the physical manufacturing happens here at our facility.
“We design, engineer, and manufacture a significant percentage of our own component parts, which most of our main competitors ship in from abroad. This gives us better quality control and greater oversight throughout the entire manufacturing process.
“The company continues to invest in British manufacturing to this day. A few years ago, we invested in our own shot blasting equipment and painting technology. This allowed us to bring in and retain skilled workers, while also experimenting with new processes.”
Remaining true to CPL’s core values of industry, community, and quality, Mark looks forward to an exciting new year for the business. Considering the road ahead, he reveals what’s to come in 2026 and beyond: “First and foremost, our priority is to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of the business. We’ll invest in customer support and foster a working culture that ensures our people are well taken care of.
“We remain open to new ideas. By making strong, reliable products and supporting them throughout their entire lifecycle, our customers will keep coming back.
“Success starts at home. As long as we continue to look after our people – providing fair pay, benefits, safety, and a voice within the business – everything else will follow,” he concludes.