Lift modernisation and refurbishment

Older doesn't always have to mean end of life. Many lifts that look like they need replacing can be brought up to modern standards, delivering better reliability, significantly improved energy efficiency and a refreshed appearance.

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If your lift is unreliable, increasingly expensive to run, or struggling to meet the energy performance expectations of your building, modernisation can be the more practical route.

This also minimises disruption if the building is occupied, and in heritage buildings, it also reduces the risk of damage to the fabric of the structure itself.

Modernisation Options.

Controller and drive replacement

Upgrading the controller and drive system is typically the highest-impact intervention available. Modern controller technology combined with variable voltage, variable frequency drives dramatically reduce power usage and increase reliability, combined with higher standards of modern safety.

LED lighting upgrade

Switching from fluorescent or halogen shaft and cab lighting to LED reduces energy consumption and eliminates a common maintenance cost. When combined with intelligent lighting control which keeps cab lighting active only when the lift is in use and powers it down in standby, energy savings can be even greater.

Door operator replacement

Door operators are responsible for a high proportion of lift breakdowns. Modern operators are significantly more reliable, gentler on door equipment and easier to adjust and maintain.

Cab refurbishment

New flooring, wall panels, lighting and doors transform the passenger experience without touching the structure. This can be particularly important for buildings where the lift interior needs to reflect the overall quality of the building to provide a consistent user experience.

Hydraulic lift conversion

Older hydraulic lifts are among the most energy-intensive and maintenance-demanding lift types in operation. Converting a hydraulic lift to gearless traction MRL technology eliminates the machine room, dramatically reduces energy consumption and delivers a significantly more reliable system. For buildings with hydraulic lifts approaching replacement age, conversion is almost always worth appraising before committing to a like-for-like replacement.

Full modernisation

Where a full replacement is not appropriate, we can completely modernise the existing lift equipment, including any required building works. As principal contractor, we coordinate across the complete project, so you deal with one point of contact throughout.

Is modernisation right for you?

If your lift is more than 15 years old, has an increasing breakdown frequency, is difficult to source parts for, or is consuming more energy than it should, it's worth a conversation. We'll work with you to assess your equipment, and advise whether modernisation is an option, or whether replacement is the better long-term solution.

Energy performance and VDI classification.

When we replace a drive system as part of a modernisation, we can certify the energy performance of the upgraded lift against the VDI energy classification standard. VDI Level A represents the highest available energy performance rating. For organisations with sustainability reporting requirements or ESG commitments, this certification provides a credible, independently recognised measure of the improvement delivered.

Sustainability.

Modernising rather than replacing extends your existing asset's life and avoids the embodied carbon cost of a full replacement. The combination of modern controllers, regenerative drives, LED lighting and intelligent standby modes means a modernised lift will typically consume a fraction of the energy of the system it replaces. For a portfolio of lifts, the cumulative impact on energy bills and carbon footprint is substantial.

Modernise, or replace?

We can help you work through the best course of action for your lift estate.

Talk to us about your modernisation needs.

Tell us about your building, and we will come back to you.