A Steady Foundation

Express Elevators continues to build on its early success.

by Sophie Goodwin

Express Elevators & Lifts Inc. President and co-founder Puneet Mehta and his wife and co-founder, Parul Mehta, have each other — and their team members — to thank for the success of Express Elevators & Lifts Inc. Having been involved in the elevator industry since 1997, Puneet Mehta began his elevator career at Otis Elevators in New Delhi, India, in sales and account management for new equipment, where he stayed for five years. His experience at Otis provided him with a solid foundational understanding of the elevator industry. Parul with her educational background and work experience in the commerce and IT industries is heading operations as vice president. After recognizing a gap in the market for customized
vertical-transportation (VT) solutions for freight elevating devices, the couple decided to fill the niche by founding Express Elevators in 2016. The company offers tailored products that meet the unique needs of clients, with an office located in Caledon, Ontario, Canada.

Initially operating from a home office, Express Elevators addressed the needs of customers who weren’t fully satisfied with off-the-shelf products by providing customized solutions. This strategy helped the company break into the industry and, over time, expand into an office and manufacturing facility in Brampton, Ontario. Express Elevators recently relocated to a larger facility in Caledon, where Puneet Mehta focuses on new sales for construction projects, while overseeing marketing, business development and general management. He said: “Our philosophy of paying attention to details, listening to customers and understanding their requirements has been instrumental in our success. This approach has led to our recent expansion, driven by our commitment to delivering quality products and excellent customer service.”

Express Elevators prides itself as being “a one-stop-shop for the design, manufacturing and installation of various freight elevating devices, including freight elevators, rider-enabled material lifts, dumbwaiters and automobile elevators.” The company also offers accessibility solutions such as LU/LA (Limited Use/Limited Application) elevators and vertical platform lifts. One of its most impressive offers is its comprehensive range of freight elevating devices, capable of handling loads from 250 lb to more than 25,000 lb. Having provided installations in diverse industries, including condominiums, pharmaceutical companies, food companies, big box stores, automobile companies, government buildings, heavy industrial facilities and mines, the company considers its adaptability an asset. According to Mehta: “Our mission is centered around providing tailored VT solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients while ensuring the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. We strive to be a leader in the industry by offering innovative products and exceptional service.”

Currently operating with a team of 35 employees, Express Elevators provides its services across Canada with installations in most of the Canadian provinces. Mehta noted that the company is now expanding its installation base in the U.S. and has also received interest from the Middle East market. He thanks his degree in mechanical engineering, MBA in marketing and nearly three decades of experience in the elevator industry for his ability to handle an elevator company with a diverse range of products, saying: “The fact that a significant portion of our business comes from repeat customers is a testament to our success. This feedback loop reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service and quality products.”

Every project, whether installing a dumbwaiter for a small restaurant or a large freight elevator in a wholesale warehouse, has been an opportunity for the elevator company to see the critical role its elevators play in enhancing building efficiency and functionality. Mehta noted that this instills a sense of responsibility and pride: “Understanding the impact of our products on daily operations and the lives of people using these buildings has been profoundly influential.”

With a sturdy future resting upon its steady foundation, Express Elevators hopes to continue to grow and expand its installation base in Canada and the U.S. The company leverages its customizable products as it steps into new markets with diverse client needs, while continuing to prioritize customer service and satisfaction. According to Mehta: “We believe that our products are well-suited for a variety of unique applications globally, and we are committed to exploring these opportunities while maintaining our commitment to excellence.”