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South African independent lift and escalator service company, installing, maintaining and repairing elevators nationwide.

Last updated September 26, 2026

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Overview

IFE is a South African independent lift and escalator service company that installs, maintains and repairs vertical transportation systems across the country. Its origins trace back to 1995, when BH Nortman acquired Beta Lift Maintenance (Pty) Ltd with 39 service contracts under management. Over the following decades the business grew through acquisitions — including Power Elevators (Pty) Ltd, DB Controls, Chanda Elevators and Q&A Elevators — and in March 2014 the IFE Elevators brand was officially launched. The company established branches in Durban and Cape Town, absorbed Beta Lifts under the IFE name, and passed the 1,000-unit service contract milestone. Today IFE describes itself as a service-first company with more than 2,000 active elevators under service and over 500 elevators installed. It offers lift installation, maintenance and servicing, repairs and breakdowns, escalator solutions and spare parts supply, with multi-brand expertise and an in-house call centre. The company positions itself on fast turnaround times, transparent communication and hands-on support, claiming installations up to four weeks quicker than typical. Its product range covers passenger, freight, home, panoramic, hospital and car elevators for residential, commercial, industrial and specialised environments. IFE remains a privately held, independent operator headquartered in Johannesburg.

History

IFE's history begins in 1995 when BH Nortman acquired Beta Lift Maintenance (Pty) Ltd, a business with 39 service contracts under management. This acquisition formed the foundation of what would become one of South Africa's leading independent lift service companies. In 1996, BH Nortman acquired Power Elevators (Pty) Ltd, adding a further 31 units and expanding the young company's footprint. Over the next decade and a half, the business grew organically and through further acquisitions. In 2011, Clive Nortman joined as a Director. In 2012, Ian Ludewick joined Beta Lifts as Partner & Director, and the combined Beta & Power Elevators operation continued to acquire service contracts, including DB Controls, Chanda Elevators and Q&A Elevators, solidifying its position as a leading independent in the industry. In March 2013, a new brand began to take shape, and in March 2014 IFE Elevators officially launched. That same year, IFE installed its first three new installations at Swiss House, Johannesburg, and established its Durban branch. Suresh Rajmoney joined as Partner & Director, and IFE established its Cape Town branch, extending its reach along the coast. In 2016, IFE acquired HiTech Technical and absorbed Beta Lifts, bringing the group's service history under one brand. Service contracts broke the 1,000-unit barrier, and IFE was appointed service provider for further contracts. Today, IFE operates as a service-first company with over 2,000 active elevators under service and more than 500 elevators installed. It offers a full range of lift and escalator services, including installation, maintenance, repairs, spare parts and multi-brand support, and remains privately held and independent.

  • 2016

    IFE acquires HiTech Technical and absorbs Beta Lifts; service contracts break the 1,000-unit barrier.

  • 2014

    IFE Elevators officially launches; first three installations at Swiss House, Johannesburg; Durban branch established; Suresh Rajmoney joins as Partner & Director; Cape Town branch established.

  • 2013

    A new brand takes shape.

  • 2012

    Ian Ludewick joins Beta Lifts as Partner & Director; Beta acquires DB Controls, Chanda Elevators and Q&A Elevators.

  • 2011

    Clive Nortman joins as a Director.

  • 1996

    BH Nortman acquires Power Elevators (Pty) Ltd, adding 31 units.

  • 1995

    BH Nortman acquires Beta Lift Maintenance (Pty) Ltd with 39 service contracts.

Products and positioning

Service-first independent lift company offering fast, reliable installations and support with multi-brand expertise.

  • Passenger Elevators

    Designed for consistent daily performance, prioritising comfort, efficiency and reliability.

  • Freight Elevators

    Engineered for demanding environments to move heavy loads safely and efficiently.

  • Home Elevators

    Compact and easy to integrate, improving accessibility and adding long-term value.

  • Panoramic Elevators

    Ideal for retail and hospitality environments, enhancing the look and feel of a building.

  • Hospital Elevators

    Built for healthcare environments, prioritising safety, precision and consistent performance.

  • Car Elevators

    Provide a practical solution for moving vehicles in residential and commercial spaces.

Recent events

  • Reported

    Montgomery Group appoints PBBC as exclusive Pakistan representative[5]

    Montgomery Group announced Pakistan Britain Business Council as its exclusive Pakistan representative for its events, including IFE. PBBC and its appointed local partner East River Digital will be the contact point for exhibitors in the food, drink and hospitality markets.

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