Unlocking the Power of Accessibility: Garaventa Lift’s Impact in Surrey

We at Garaventa Lift feel privileged to express our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Surrey for showcasing us in the Invest Surrey Local Business Spotlight. This recognition serves as a testament to our meaningful and valuable journey in Surrey spanning over the past four decades.

Pioneering Accessibility Solutions Worldwide

Garaventa Lift’s roots stretch back to 1928 in the Swiss Alps, where founder Karl Garaventa constructed his first aerial tramway for logging purposes. Fast forward to the 1970s when we secured the contract for the iconic Grouse Mountain Skyride in Vancouver, and the natural beauty and economic potential of Surrey left an indelible impression on us, prompting the establishment of our North American headquarters here.

Post-Vietnam War, our focus shifted to accessibility solutions, identifying a critical need for veterans returning home with disabilities. In 1978, we installed the first residential wheelchair lift in North America, a proactive move well ahead of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Acquired by Savaria Corporation in 2018, our collaboration has propelled us to become a global leader, offering an extensive portfolio of accessibility products and a robust distribution network.

Cultural Insights Driving Innovation

Understanding the diverse perspectives on accessibility worldwide is at the core of our innovation. Blending price points, codes, regulations, and cultural attitudes, we design solutions tailored to local markets. With a global workforce reflecting diverse cultures, our designs are informed by critical insights into nuanced cultural expectations.

Custom Solutions with a Global Impact

Our product lines have expanded significantly over the years, matching our growing reputation. Each design project is custom-made, ensuring it precisely fits the unique needs of our clients. From the Beijing and Vancouver Olympics to Wimbledon and the Burj Khalifa, our lifts have made the world’s most iconic venues more accessible.

Choosing Surrey for Growth and Impact

Purposefully choosing Surrey over other cities was a strategic decision for us. Beyond its strategic location, cultural diversity, and skilled labor force, Surrey offered us a platform to build cool solutions that make people’s lives easier. Expanding within the Campbell Heights industrial park, we developed a state-of-the-art manufacturing center, leveraging the area’s prime amenities.

For over 40 years, Garaventa Lift has been an advocate for global innovation in Surrey, contributing to the city’s status as a favorable destination for foreign direct investment.