From Italian Heritage to British Innovation: The Story Behind CPL Recovery

A Legacy of Engineering Excellence
The world of vehicle recovery demands reliability, strength, and precision. At CPL Recovery, these qualities are embedded in every vehicle we manufacture. But our expertise isn’t just built on modern advancements—it’s rooted in a legacy that spans decades.
Our journey began with ISOLI, an iconic name in Italian engineering, and has evolved through the renowned Klubb Group to establish a new era of British recovery vehicle manufacturing. With the launch of CPL Recovery, we’re merging Italian heritage with British engineering, delivering a new standard of excellence for the UK recovery market.
The Foundations: ISOLI’s Italian Innovation
The story of ISOLI began in post-war Italy, a time of resilience, determination, and rebuilding. Founded by three brothers—Gino, Attilio, and Rino—ISOLI started as a small mechanical workshop in the village of Fontaniva. Their keen engineering minds led them to develop hydraulic lifting systems that revolutionised material handling and, soon after, vehicle recovery.
By the 1970s, ISOLI had firmly established itself as a leader in innovation. Consequently, it began producing recovery vehicles that became a common sight on Italy’s roads. Due to their engineering expertise, the company garnered recognition throughout Europe, which led to fruitful collaborations with major automotive brands such as Fiat, Lancia, and Ford. Furthermore, over the years, ISOLI expanded its product range to include not only rescue vehicles but also aerial platforms and military logistics solutions. As a result, this expansion solidified ISOLI’s reputation as a respected leader in the industry.
Klubb Group: A European Leader in Vehicle-Mounted Solutions
Currently, ISOLI is part of the Klubb Group, which is a leading European company in aerial platforms and vehicle-mounted solutions. Furthermore, Klubb’s innovative approach and commitment to quality have established it as a dominant force in the industry. By merging ISOLI’s expertise with Klubb’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, the group has not only refined but also improved the designs of recovery vehicles. Ultimately, this collaboration enhances the overall effectiveness and reliability of their products.

As part of this evolution, CPL joined the Klubb Group in 2018, bringing its reputation as the UK’s leading manufacturer of pick-up and van-mounted platforms into the fold. This move allowed us to apply our engineering expertise to a broader range of vehicle-mounted solutions.
CPL Recovery: British Manufacturing Meets Italian Excellence
Recognising the demand for high-quality recovery vehicles in the UK, CPL launched its CPL Recovery division at the 2024 Tow Show. This marked a major milestone as we introduced our first UK-manufactured recovery vehicle, the CPL-50, designed for the RAC. The event showcased our commitment to the market, with industry leaders praising the robust build quality and innovation behind our products.
With a state-of-the-art facility in Northamptonshire, we now manufacture and refine ISOLI’s renowned designs to meet UK specifications. Our approach ensures that every vehicle benefits from Italian engineering precision while being built to British safety, durability, and regulatory standards.
The result? Recovery vehicles that not only perform exceptionally in demanding environments but also align with the evolving needs of UK recovery operators.
Why CPL Recovery Stands Out
- Heritage & Expertise – With over 80 years of experience from ISOLI and the backing of Klubb Group, our vehicles are built on a foundation of engineering excellence.
- Tailored for the UK Market – Manufactured in Britain, our recovery vehicles are designed to meet local regulations, road conditions, and customer needs.
- Durability & Performance – Combining ISOLI’s proven designs with CPL’s commitment to quality results in recovery trucks that last longer and perform better.
- A Commitment to Innovation – As we expand our recovery range, we continue to develop new solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability.
The Future of CPL Recovery
CPL Recovery marks a new era for UK recovery specialists by combining Italian ingenuity with British manufacturing. Feedback from the Tow Show showed a strong demand for high-quality, reliable recovery vehicles that offer excellent performance and value.
As we look ahead, CPL remains dedicated to working closely with operators, fleet managers, and industry leaders to ensure that our recovery vehicles meet and exceed expectations. The road ahead is bright, and with CPL Recovery, the future of the industry is in safe hands.
For more information on our recovery solutions, get in touch with our team today.