John Kesson’s Legacy in Lifting
To celebrate Global Lifting Awareness Day, we sat down with our founder and senior engineer, John Kesson, to reflect on over four decades of JK Lifting. From humble beginnings to major infrastructure projects, John shares insights into our business roots, the evolution of the sector, and what still drives his passion today.
John Kesson has built JK Lifting into a trusted name in engineering, fabrication, and heavy lifting solutions. His career has spanned major infrastructure projects, offshore developments, and specialist machinery lifting, driving operational excellence, industry innovation, and workforce mentorship.
John, tell us how JK Lifting came to be.
My journey into the lifting industry started back in the 1970s. I’d just moved into sales after a spell managing works, and it was a great time to be in heavy lifting - turbine erection, big infrastructure jobs, and a growing community of lifting experts in our region.
The real pivot came when I got involved with tunnelling work for the Tyne & Wear Metro. I was part of the team that sank shafts behind the Civic Centre and Forth Banks in Newcastle, tunnelling under Grey’s Monument and out toward Jesmond. Around the same time, I was approached to manage a depot in Gosforth, and that really helped me build the network that would shape my future.
JK Lifting was born from there. Our first major job was at Howdon Treatment Works with Northumbrian Water. We were still based on Walker Road back then, in a 3,000 sq ft unit, eventually expanding to 10,000 sq ft under one roof. That enabled us to consolidate our fabrication, testing, and operations, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What was your background before founding JK Lifting?
I started work at 15, delivering mail to offices, then went on to be an apprentice in turbine erection at 16. That took me all over the UK, working on power station repairs, doing advanced toolmaking and City & Guilds courses and that fascination with engineering stuck. It’s that passion that has built JK Lifting and continues to help us succeed today.
How has the lifting sector changed over the years?
In the early days, the offshore oil sector was booming, and we focused there. Over time, we pivoted into offshore wind, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and specialist machinery lifting. The diversity of jobs keeps it fresh.
Technology has advanced, of course, but the core of what we do stays the same: problem solving on-site, working closely with fabricators, welders, and designers. One standout moment was hoisting the Olympic rings onto the Tyne Bridge in 2012. That was truly special and one of the projects we at JK Lifting are proud to have played our part in.
What advice would you give to someone entering the industry?
There are a number of qualifications available in lifting and rigging, but there’s also a huge amount that you can learn on the job. My advice? Spend time getting hands-on experience in whichever engineering discipline draws you. Once you’re in, there’s a whole world of specialisms to explore and a range of people to learn from.
I would also recommend finding a mentor. I love sharing my knowledge and helping others develop. That’s one of the best parts of the job and something we feel very strongly about here at JK Lifting - working with the next generation of talent is incredibly rewarding.
What keeps you going after 40+ years?
The challenge, definitely. I still get a kick out of completing a job to the very highest standard and wowing our customers. And the team here is fantastic; some of the very best people in the lifting industry are here. I enjoy mentoring, problem-solving, and just being around people who care about doing the job right - that’s what helps us to stand apart.
To everyone celebrating Global Lifting Awareness Day: here’s to the engineers, riggers, fabricators, and thinkers - past, present, and future- who keep the world moving safely and skillfully.
