RESiLIFT: Helping Aussies stay in the homes they love

Invented by Tasmanian engineer Peter van Emmerik, RESiLIFT is a personal elevator that helps people enjoy their homes longer. With its clever, versatile design, RESiLIFT transforms two-storey homes into single-level living, removing the risk of falls on stairs.

After a distinguished engineering career spanning almost four decades, Peter turned his attention to a challenge closer to home, helping people living in split-level dwellings in the hills surrounding Hobart. Many of his friends lived in houses with steep paths and stairs leading from the garage to the front entrance, which became increasingly difficult to navigate as they aged. Peter began designing an electric lift that was small, easy to install, and more affordable than traditional home lifts.

The first RESiLIFT prototype was built on Peter and his wife Rosemary’s 8-ball table and by 2004, it was operating in their family home. Peter described his design as being “like an aeroplane,” with the motor and lifting system engineered to fit above the lift car. This formed what’s now known as a through-floor elevator: a self-supporting, shaftless residential lift that requires minimal structural changes to install.

RESiLIFT was soon in high demand across Tasmania as it removed the need to climb steep steps linking houses, garages and front entrances. Because of this early success, the couple expanded supply into other states. Peter’s design went on to receive a High Commendation from the Institution of Engineers Australia and has continued to evolve through customer feedback and ongoing product development.

Pictured: Peter van Emmerik demonstrating an early model of RESiLIFT

“There are many emotional, financial and practical benefits to staying in your own home,” said Margery Jensen, Peter’s daughter and now co-CEO of the business.

“For many RESiLIFT customers, having a residential lift helps them feel more confident as they move around their home and enjoy peace of mind for the future. It’s important to be able to maintain your independence, preserve family connections, and stay close to the community you know and love.”

“A residential lift isn’t just for those who’ve reached a certain age,” said Margery. “Anyone can face challenges on stairs. It’s helpful for people with mobility issues, injuries, or those undergoing medical treatment. It also benefits multigenerational families by making both levels of the home accessible to older parents, grandparents and guests.”

RESiLIFT® is designed and made in Australia by Residential Lift Manufacturing Pty Ltd (RLM). The manufacturing process begins in Tasmania, where the hoisting and electrical control systems are assembled. These are then sent to local distributors, who build the lift car from Australian-made aluminium extrusions and polycarbonate, and install it in the customer’s home. From manufacturing to installation, every lift is a showcase of Australian engineering, skilled craftsmanship and expertise.

Margery and her sister, Erica Collins, lead the manufacturing business. Together with a dedicated team, they oversee design and production, and manage the local supply chain, while working alongside a national network of authorised distributors.

"Mum and Dad found great joy in running a company that benefited local businesses and jobs, while helping make home life last," said Erica. “We all care deeply about this product and our customers. All our partners are as committed to Mum and Dad’s original vision as we are.”

 
Pictured: Margery Jensen, Rosemary van Emmerik and Erica Collins

Safety and reliability are paramount for home elevators like RESiLIFT, and the business has found that working with local suppliers and distributors provides greater visibility and control over the quality of components and production processes.

“RESiLIFT has always been proudly Australian made, so becoming an Australian Made licensee was a natural fit for our brand,” said Margery. “The iconic green and gold logo is a recognised symbol that helps customers understand the origins of our product and reinforces our commitment to Australian innovation, engineering and manufacturing.

“For us, the logo represents trust, quality and confidence. It reflects the skills and dedication of Australian engineers, manufacturers and tradespeople who contribute to creating high-quality products.”

Twenty years on from the first prototype, more than 4,000 lifts have been installed across the country.

RESiLIFT remains an example of Australian ingenuity and hard work, inspired by a vision to make two-storey homes safer, easier to live in and more accessible at every stage of life.

Learn more at resilift.com.au