Johnson Lifts Ltd., India’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturer, has announced a strategic investment of ₹250 crore into its research and development infrastructure. The move is aimed at developing high-speed elevators capable of exceeding 4 meters per second, positioning the company to meet the demands of India’s rapidly verticalizing urban landscape.
The investment will be deployed over the next two to three years, with a focus on expanding testing capabilities, upgrading design technologies, and aligning with emerging safety standards.
Key Highlights from the Announcement:
- ₹250 crore earmarked for R&D expansion at Sengadu, near Chennai
- New testing tower to be built alongside existing 155-foot facility in Poonamallee
- Focus on elevators exceeding 4 m/s speed for high-rise applications
- Investment complements recent ₹54 crore expansion in Nagpur and Noida
- Targeting 10 percent revenue growth in FY26
Strategic Rationale and Infrastructure Expansion:
- The Sengadu facility, spread across 32 acres, will house the new test tower and upgraded labs to support advanced lift technologies.
- The expansion is designed to meet the upcoming IS 17900 safety code, which will be enforced from December 2025.
- Johnson Lifts aims to enhance its capabilities in simulation, performance testing, and compliance for high-speed systems.
- The investment will also support the development of smart elevator systems with AI-based diagnostics and predictive maintenance.
Market Position and Growth Outlook:
- Johnson Lifts currently holds a 20 percent share in India’s organized elevator market, with over 1.93 lakh elevators and 7,000 escalators installed nationwide.
- The company manufactures 18,000 elevators and 1,000 escalators annually across four plants.
- India’s elevator market, the second largest globally, sees annual demand of over 1 lakh units—driven by urbanization and infrastructure growth.
- Johnson Lifts expects a 10 percent revenue increase in FY26, building on its ₹3,000 crore turnover in the previous fiscal year.
Product Innovation and Residential Focus:
- The company recently launched Eazy Ride Plus, a residential retrofit elevator designed for existing homes without built-in shafts.
- Eazy Ride Plus addresses nearly 80 percent of current home elevator demand, offering silent operation, minimal pit depth, and faster installation.
- Residential elevators account for 75 percent of Johnson’s volume, with the rest coming from commercial and infrastructure projects.
- The company is also expanding its footprint in metro station escalators, holding a 50 percent market share with 3,396 installations.
Leadership Commentary and Strategic Vision:
- Director Yohan K John emphasized the importance of R&D in maintaining market leadership and adapting to future demands.
- CEO V Jagannathan highlighted the shift toward high-rise living and the need for faster, safer, and smarter vertical mobility solutions.
- The company’s focus remains on domestic growth, with exports considered a secondary priority due to India’s booming construction activity.
Conclusion:
Johnson Lifts’ ₹250 crore R&D investment marks a bold step toward future-proofing its product portfolio and reinforcing its leadership in India’s vertical transportation sector. With a clear focus on high-speed innovation, safety compliance, and residential accessibility, the company is poised to shape the next era of elevator technology in India’s urban skyline.
Sources: The Hindu Business Line, The Hindu, UNI India, Industrial Economist, NewsOnProjects
