60 seconds with…Rob McNeill, Export Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland, EP Elevators

Tell us about your business, when was it formed and what do you do?

EP Elevators (Elevatori Premontati s.r.l), founded in 1992, are an Italian company specializing in prefabricated elevator systems. With over 30 years of experience, we design and manufacture, customized vertical transportation solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Our export products include machinery directive passenger lifts, all meeting European safety standards.

Who are your customers? Which markets do you serve?

Our customers include residential, commercial, and industrial clients seeking high-quality vertical transportation solutions. We serve the lift industry in the UK & Ireland, working with distributors to sell to equipment into residential and commercial properties. Our prefabricated elevator systems are designed to meet the needs of both new construction and existing buildings, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with European standards.

How many times have you been to LIFTEX?

This will be the first time EP have exhibited in the UK! We have a strong worldwide presence, selling into over 30 countries across the globe with this set to expand further in the next year. The UK and Ireland are seen as growth markets for EP and we have invested significantly in the last 2 years to provide a UK & Ireland representative along with development of our existing products to better suit the UK & Irish markets.

What are the main issues that your customers deal with and how do you help them?

In 18 months, we expanded from a few long time distributors to more than doubling sales. Clients struggle to find reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-install equipment with strong aftercare support. We’ve focused on keeping prices competitive, maintaining high quality, and ensuring exceptional aftercare service. We have also set up a good spread of verified, trained installers that the client is able to utilise once they purchase our equipment.

Are there any issues that specifiers, contractors / owners should be aware of in the next 12 months?

The issues are clear for everyone to see currently, with volatile financial markets and worldwide political issues affecting the cost of materials along with buyer confidence, it will be tough on everyone to try and stay competitive.

How can we, as an industry, help designers and building owners to become more energy efficient and meet Net Zero targets?

As manufacturers, we are striving to innovate and keep up to date with the latest technologies. It is important to keep your finger on the pulse in this respect as things move on so quickly. Trying to incorporate better, more efficient technology will assist our end clients to achieve their net zero targets.

What will you be promoting / what can visitors expect to see on your stand?

As this is our first foray into exhibiting in the UK, we will have a small stand to ensure our presence at what will be the biggest LiftEx to date. We will be bringing some aesthetic materials that will assist our potential new trade partners to understand the quality we can offer. We will also be bringing some Italian flair from the Tuscany region and will have our export manager and back office colleagues on hand to answer any questions.

What advice would you give to anyone visiting the show? What should they look for and how can they get the most from their visit?

I would say to book in some dedicated time to get round and see everyone you need to see! LIFTEX is a great place to chat and catch up with industry colleagues and time can pass all too quickly! Definitely book in to meet with us on our stand and we can dedicate time to fully understanding your business and what is important to you.