In just 25 years lift quality from China has improved massively!

Melbourne Elevators maintain and service a wide range of lifts that were manufactured in China from a number of different suppliers. We have noticed a significant increase in the reliability, improved safety systems, and more robust construction of Chinese manufactured lifts. The cost-of-goods has increased, but so have the quality and long term customer satisfaction.

Product support for technical information and parts was a big issue in the early days. Some lifts had to be pulled out and replaced by European product, they were dark times... But now, most major Chinese manufacturers are focused on quality and their long-term reputation. Product support is generally efficient and delivery times for spare parts can be a week or two compared to months for some European manufacturers.

It appears that many Chinese manufacturers have reached a balance between price and quality. Their lifts are not as cheap as they used to be, but they are generally better in every way. Importers and end users now seem happy with their lifts in the short and long term.

For almost 15 years I have owned a lift company that prided itself on installing high end European equipment - until we transitioned to a dedicated lift maintenance, repair and modernisation company. If we were to recommence installing lifts, I would be considering using a Chinese manufactured product.

I trust that this article has been helpful, but please do your own homework, don’t just buy on price!

Published: August 20, 2026