Elegance and Innovation

Hiren Bathani (HB), chief managing director, Epic Elevators Pvt. Ltd., shares with Sheetal Shelar Patil (SSP) thoughts on the importance and advantages of MRL belt technology, emphasizing key trends in the elevator market. 

SSP: Describe the qualities and features that make belt drive machine-room-less (MRL) elevators incorporating Italian technology an ideal choice. 

HB: The most important feature of the MRL belt is that it can be installed with minimum pit and overhead, which is a major advantage in bungalows and villas. Another feature is the belt-checking detector, a safety device that can warn the user and stop the elevator from operating if any damage or abnormality is detected in the belt. 

SSP: Compared to other variants, what are its advantages? 

HB: Compared to current MRL rope technology, the MRL belt has various advantages, such as compact structure, low maintenance, environmental friendliness, space efficiency and smooth operation. 

SSP: To which projects/situations are they best suited? 

HB: Based on our experience, we recommend the MRL belt for all kinds of real estate projects, from bungalows to high-rise buildings, as they are better suited compared to traditional rope technology. 

SSP: When and why would elevators with small machine rooms be advisable?

HB: Small-machine-room elevators are recommended for villas, bungalows and corporate offices with fewer floors. The main reasons are space savings and compact structure, because this type of building requires additional construction work for the regular headroom.

SSP: What sets Epic Elevators’ offerings apart from those of its competitors? What is its unique selling proposition (USP)?

HB: Our USP is our belt elevators. Very few companies in India have implemented this. Our products are: 

• Highly flexible and customizable

• Suitable for civil and structural shafts

• Easily installed in existing buildings with minimum disruption

• Suitable for applications ranging from bungalows to high rises

• Available in a wide range of sizes to suit every need

SSP: What are the key markets for Epic Elevators’ products in India and overseas? To what extent does the company symbolize the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) concept? 

HB: We have domestic branches in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Bihar, Kerala, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Our overseas clients include ones in Oman, Kenya, Qatar, Nepal and Yemen. Most of our products and parts are manufactured in India. We put maximum effort into our marketing campaigns to promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat and “Vocal for Local.” 

SSP: What are the advantages of being headquartered in Ahmedabad? 

HB: Ahmedabad is a hub for the elevator industry, with more than 350 companies operating here. Also, over the years it has emerged as an important economic and industrial center in India, which gives us a great edge in positioning our brand. 

SSP: What is your vision and strategy for 2021 and beyond? 

HB: As per our slogan, “Rise Above,” our vision is to become a major market shareholder in the elevator industry in coming years. We are steadily increasing our presence in all the major Indian cities. 

SSP: What is the scope for bungalow elevators and car-parking systems in India? Are you seeing a rise in demand from these segments? 

HB: With people investing in lavish lifestyles, demand for bungalow elevators is increasing. The need for excellent car-parking systems is strong, considering the growing urban population. 

SSP: What demand patterns has Epic Elevators observed? 

HB: Vertical transportation is considered part of a lavish lifestyle; it is not a mere convenience anymore. Demand for increasingly attractive elevators is growing worldwide. With this, demand for full glass elevators, designer cabins and designer doors has also increased. Also, due to the ongoing pandemic, people have become more sensitive about safety, so we anticipate offering more touchless operating panels. 

About Hiren Bathani and Epic Elevators

Associated with Epic Elevators since its inception, Hiren Bathani has been involved in the elevator industry for many years. He is responsible for Epic Elevators’ overall operation and is instrumental in making key company decisions. Epic Elevators is an ISO 9001-certified company that has garnered many prestigious awards. Its VT market share in India is approximately 20%, with more than 1,000 completed projects. Adept at manufacturing and production, Epic Elevators believes in “quality, high-precision products delivered promptly that include strong aftersales service.”