10.02.2026

Pop Up is 20

UK based low level access specialist Pop Up Products is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the launch of the original Pop Up push around scissor lift.

The first model had a working height of 3.63 metres, was 700mm wide, 1.13 metres wide and weighed 270kg, while offering a platform capacity of 240kg. It was pitched as a strong alternative to podium steps or small towers. The launch price was £3,500 but was discounted to under £3,000 for volume orders.

Pop Up platforms was initially part of the Northern Scaffold Group (NSG), which dates from 1973, and Cheshire Scaffolding, Pop Up founders, Paul Gallacher, Nigel Wodger and Adrian Blomeley were part of the senior management team at NSG and teamed up in a Management Buy Out in 2003.

In 2005, they developed the concept for a lightweight, practical range of push around scissor lifts and registered Pop Up Products Ltd that December in order to commercialise it. The first Pop Up lift was unveiled at the 2006 Hire Show in early February and was an immediate success, with the first products delivered later in the year, and the new company taking over in November. Pop Up products was later demerged completely from NSG which was acquired by Plettac and then the current owner, Altrad.

Today, the company also offers a range of non-powered access equipment, including towers and step-ups in partnership with manufacturer Altrex, extending the agreement for a further 10 years in 2020.

For more background on Paul Gallacher, and Pop Up - See: the Cranes & Access 2009 interview. Gallacher left Pop Up and sold his shares in the business in 2023.

Managing director Nigel Woodger said: “Credibility and trust are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we have continued to succeed across two decades. By providing great products, great service and being true to our values, we’ve been able to consistently punch above our weight and thrive. We are really looking forward to celebrating our birthday with customers, clients, colleagues and the wider industry and have a few special surprises lined up for the year ahead.”

Sales director Ben Sly added: “We are going to produce 40 golden decks to be added to 20 MI Scaffold Tower products between February and November and ship them randomly to one customer a month. We’ll ask our customers to erect it properly, send us a photograph and tag us on their socials to be in with a chance to win a prize. We will also be running a charity campaign throughout the year"