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Vertical Mobility Reimagined—Johnson Lifts Unveils Bold R&D Expansion

Swarnadwip Nath Published Jul 30, 2025, 06:07 PM Updated Sep 17, 2026, 06:51 PM

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 compan...

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

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