1 800 663 6556Garaventa Lift Featured in Business in Focus Magazine
A Century of Mobility Innovation
Garaventa Lift has been recognized in Business in Focus magazine for its long-standing leadership in mobility and accessibility solutions. The feature highlights the company’s evolution from its early engineering roots to its role today as a global provider of lift systems designed to meet real-world accessibility needs.
The article traces the company’s origins back to 1928, when Karl Garaventa pioneered ropeways in Switzerland’s mountainous terrain. That early engineering expertise eventually led to the development of cable cars, elevators, and lift solutions focused on accessibility and inclusion.
Garaventa Lift later built the first tramway in Palisades Tahoe in 1967 and went on to install one of the first wheelchair lifts in North America—well before accessibility legislation became law.
Investing in People and Products
Over the decades, Garaventa Lift has built a reputation for quality, innovation, and service that extends across private homes, schools, transit systems, and commercial buildings.
The company’s approach is centred on creating products that improve daily life. Employees are encouraged to work collaboratively, sharing knowledge and supporting one another to deliver reliable accessibility solutions.
The article also highlights how workplace culture has evolved. Today, the company has more women in leadership roles across the manufacturing floor, offices, and management teams, reflecting broader changes in the industry.
Custom Solutions for Changing Needs
A key theme of the feature is customization. No two installations are the same, and each lift is measured, designed, and manufactured specifically for its environment.
Garaventa Lift serves multiple markets, including:
As customer needs have evolved, so has the company’s product range. Homeowners are now planning ahead for mobility needs, incorporating elevator spaces into new home designs or future-proofing their properties.
Architects and builders are also integrating accessibility products into high-end residential and multi-unit projects, making elevators both functional and visually appealing.
Adapting to Technology and Design Trends
Garaventa Lift continues to embrace new technology to meet changing customer expectations. Many clients now want to see virtual designs and explore features before installation.
Through digital tools, customers can:
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Select colours, finishes, and fixtures
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Customize handrails, gates, and lighting
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View 2D and 3D renderings of their elevator
In manufacturing, the company has introduced robotics and autonomous systems to improve efficiency while maintaining craftsmanship. Skilled technicians still build and assemble key components to ensure quality and reliability.
Commitment to Sustainability and the Future
Looking ahead, Garaventa Lift is investing in its workforce and environmental initiatives. The company is hiring skilled tradespeople and supporting apprenticeship programs to build the next generation of technicians.
Sustainability efforts include:
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Recycling paint powder in manufacturing
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Using LED lighting in products
Offering electric servo drive optionsThese steps help reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance and reliability.
Industry Recognition
The article also notes Garaventa Lift’s recent industry recognition, including the 2024 Ellies Award for Best Supplier – Accessibility from the National Association of Elevator Contractors.
This award reinforces the company’s mission to create spaces that are accessible, inclusive, and easy to navigate for everyone.
Looking Forward
As technology, design preferences, and environmental priorities evolve, Garaventa Lift continues to adapt. With nearly a century of engineering expertise, the company remains committed to improving mobility and accessibility around the world.
Its blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and customer-focused design positions Garaventa Lift to carry its legacy of lifting communities into the next century.
