60 seconds with…Vicente Pacheco, R&D and Engineering Director, IMEM LIFTS

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

IMEM lifts is a family business created in 1968, we design, manufacture and, in Spain, we also install and maintain which gives us a full view of the lift industry. My role within the company is, together with my team, to create and optimise all the lifts and technological solutions we provide. It is an exciting space for an engineering team in charge of innovation, where capabilities such as creativity, talent and also, attitudes like enthusiasm and passion, all crucial, are very much present

Who are your customers? Which markets do you serve?

In Spain we sell to end clients (contractors, builders and owners) but, when exporting, we exclusively sell to lift companies that can provide the installation and maintenance. We export our lifts to over 65 countries across the world being the UK one of our core markets, in fact we have been working together for 25 years.

How many times have you been to LIFTEX?

We are exhibiting since 2013 however in 2010 we also came as visitors. As I said before we have been present in the UK for many years!

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

Each market has its own needs and characteristics . We apply our experience and knowledge in the lift sector to develop new products and achive the most suitable approach. This Liftex we are presenting a new traction MRL state-of-the-art lift specially designed for the UK market. We are very excited about the launching of this product where, among many other new features, I can now highlight an innovative connectivity system including both telemetry and remote control capabilities.

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

Of course, there are various topics; proper approaches from the lift industry for compliance with regulations such us the Building Safety Act and BS EN81-76 are of course on the table. Also, the need for appropriate strategies for the modernization of existing lifts installed many years ago and the way to achieve a proper upgrade of safety is highly important.

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

Commitment with sustainability requires reducing the environmental impact not only of products but also of related services, considering the complete life cycle of the lift and the processes involved. Focusing specifically on the vehicle, high efficiency lifts according to ISO 25745-2, VDI4707 and of course, complying with codes such as BREEAM and LEED are crucial. In addition to this, policies and processes, according to ISO 14001 environmental management system, are of high relevance.

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

In this 2025 we seek to lead, once again, the state of the art in the lift industry. We firmly believe this has been achieved with the new product that we are launching at Liftex 2025. This new lift includes a new controller that fulfil the specific needs of the lift sector in the UK in a very technological and competitive manner.

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?

Having participated for so many years, Liftex is, for us at IMEM, a family get-together. It is an opportunity to see clients, friends, partners… and discuss trending issues and challenges in our industry. We do recommend visitors to look in depth at what each lift company presents and identify their vision and strategy, how solid is their background in the industry as well as the their stability, if they manufacture or design what they offer, their investment in research and technology.