Engineering India’s Future and Safety in the Elevator Industry

Your author provides perspectives on the company’s evolution, USPs and growth story.

by Sachin Jayachandran

Bestomech Industries is a family-owned business, founded in 1991 by brothers N. Rajendran and N. Jayachandran with a vision to manufacture the best mechanical products for the world. This philosophy is symbolized in the very name, with the “O” in BEST-O-MECH representing the “globe.”

The journey began in a 200-ft2 workshop in Coimbatore equipped with a single conventional lathe. The company’s early focus was on contract machining of pulleys for compressor and textile applications, laying the foundation for a strong engineering-driven business. Between 2005 and 2015, Bestomech expanded significantly, establishing its headquarters and Unit 2 across 40,000 ft2 and entering export markets. This transformation enabled the company to evolve from a small contract machining unit into a global supplier.

In 2017, Bestomech launched its own brand of mechanical power transmission products, including taper bush pulleys, sprockets, timing pulleys, poly V pulleys, couplings and gearboxes. By 2018, the company had entered the elevator industry through contract manufacturing of traction machine parts. In 2020, Bestomech introduced its own diverter wheels/deflector sheaves into the open market — today recognized for their safety and reliability.

In 2008, my father, N. Jayachandran, had visited South Korea, which proved to be a turning point. The Olympics had just concluded, and Seoul Airport had been renovated with stunning interiors and brand-new glass elevators. As he watched the bright yellow pulleys moving up and down, he had a vision — one day, Bestomech would make these products for elevators across the world. At that time, only big names like KONE, Otis, and Schindler dominated the Indian market, and breaking in seemed almost impossible. But that vision, coupled with persistent effort, eventually became reality when Bestomech entered the elevator industry in 2018.

Manufacturing and Facility Strengths

Today, Bestomech operates three advanced manufacturing facilities in Coimbatore, with a total of 100,000 ft2. Equipped with more than 60 state-of-the-art machines, including computer numerical control turning centers, vertical turning lathes, vertical machining centers and horizontal machining centers, the company integrates semi-automated production processes.

Bestomech takes pride in being the only manufacturer in its segment with 100% in-house manufacturing capability. By 2030, the company aims to digitize and automate 50% of its production for enhanced precision and efficiency.

Product Range

Bestomech delivers a wide spectrum of elevator components:

• Diverter Wheels/Deflector Sheaves — for machine-room-less rope sheaves, hydraulic lifts, vehicle parking lifts, dumbwaiters, home lifts and belt-drive flat pulleys
• Traction Sheaves – Geared, gearless and pancake models for leading traction motor manufacturers in India and Europe
• Overspeed Governor Pulleys with induction hardening for extended life
• Precision Machined Castings — for traction machines and related elevator assemblies
• Sprockets and Drive Assembly — for escalator gearbox and escalator main drive assembly for OEMs

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Safety Through Balanced Engineering: In the diverter wheel market, approaches to safety often vary widely. Some manufacturers believe simply increasing structural dimensions and weight ensures safety, while others reduce material usage excessively in pursuit of cost competitiveness.

At Bestomech, the approach is rooted in engineering discipline. Safety is achieved only by maintaining an optimized balance between weight, strength and cost. Every product is designed with this principle, validated through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and tested under real-world conditions.

As for Indian elevators, there are currently no safety requirements or code compliance callouts for diverter wheels. However, in the European Union, U.S. and Japanese markets, such requirements are clearly defined and mandatory. Bestomech has taken the lead in designing products that meet these global safety standards — proudly engineered and manufactured in India.

This rigorous process ensures accurate load distribution between the car side and counterweight side, based on the roping ratio — a fundamental engineering calculation often overlooked in the industry. By adhering to these principles, Bestomech products deliver safety, reliability and competitiveness in equal measure.

Technology Edge

Bestomech has consistently invested in advanced technologies to stay ahead. From early adoption of FEA design validation to modern Internet of Things-based quality control, the company continues to raise the bar.

In 2024, Bestomech introduced automated quality control measurement systems for diverter wheels and shafts, ensuring 100% part inspection with live Statistical Process Control monitoring. Such digitalization provides complete traceability and strengthens customer confidence.

Quality Focus and Certifications

Since its inception, Bestomech has made quality its top priority. The company has been ISO 9001 certified since 2003, long before certification became widespread in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

Its facilities follow 5S and Lean manufacturing practices, earning the National Award for Best Lean Manufacturing Practices (2017) from the Central Government of India, and in 2025, the company was honored with the Gold Award in the Small & Micro Enterprise category at the fifth Engineering Exports Promotion Council India Quality Awards. 

Going a step further, Bestomech promotes a unique initiative called “Home 5S,” encouraging employees to implement 5S practices in their households, with audits and awards driving engagement. This culture of discipline, engagement and innovation ensures consistent product quality at every stage.

Customer Profile 

Bestomech serves more than 300 customers worldwide, with 80% domestic and 20% export business across eight countries including the U.S., U.K., Italy, Spain, Japan, the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia and Canada. It is a green channel supplier to 15-plus OEMs, a testament to its reliability, consistent quality and process excellence.

Customer satisfaction has consistently remained above 98% in recent years. Clients frequently commend Bestomech’s traceability systems, design rigor, timely delivery and packaging standards.

Customer Voices

“Bestomech’s FEA-based design and use of high-grade materials make their diverter pulleys the best in the Indian market.” — Unitech Lifts, Hyderabad

“Their Lean practices and traceability systems are a benchmark for SMEs in India.” — Quality Manager, Elevator OEM, Chennai

“Bestomech is not just a supplier but a partner we trust for critical components.” — Vice President, Traction Motor Manufacturer, India

Future Vision and Goals

Bestomech is committed to building a stronger presence in the elevator and escalator industry while expanding its leadership in mechanical power transmission. Key goals include:

• 50% production automation by 2030
• Expansion into Europe, North America and Japan markets
• Development of next-generation, safety-compliant products designed to global standards
• Sustaining an employee-driven culture of quality and innovation

Conclusion

From a modest 200-ft2 workshop in 1991 to a global-quality manufacturer today, Bestomech Industries embodies the spirit of Indian engineering excellence. With its balance of tradition, innovation and uncompromising focus on safety and quality, Bestomech continues to empower the global elevator industry — one pulley, sheave and sprocket at a time.

Sachin Jayachandran is head – New Product Development and Business Development, Bestomech Industries.