A vacuum lifter apparatus for lifting sheet material articles, comprises an upper chassis joined to a substantially planar lower suction plate and an airflow suction system for conveying vacuum air pressure to the suction plate. The suction plate comprises a lower side and an upper side, the upper side of the suction plate being affixed to the chassis, and the suction plate lower side providing a downwardly oriented and substantially planar suction lifting surface for making contact with the upper surface of said articles, said suction lifting surface comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent portions, each of said portions comprising a plurality of orifices through which, in use, air is drawn along airflow paths by the airflow suction system to provide a suction lifting pressure. The airflow suction system comprises at least one air outlet for connection to a source of vacuum air pressure, and between said outlet and the suction plate at least one airflow manifold, said manifold comprising a plurality of branched ends, said ends being configured to convey said vacuum air pressure from said outlet to corresponding portions of the suction plate.