Maximising Value & Sustainability: Reusing & Relocating Existing Goods Lifts
Investing in a new goods lift can be an excellent way to improve safety, efficiency, and capacity across your premises. But if an existing lift can be relocated or refurbished, it can be a smarter, more sustainable option that saves time and money, without compromising performance.
At Penny Engineering, we design, manufacture, and install long-lasting, high-quality industrial and commercial goods lifts built to stand the test of time. That means our lifts can often be moved or updated to suit new requirements just as reliably as a new installation.
In this article, we’ll explore when refurbishment and relocation make sense, the practical steps involved, and why choosing Penny Engineering ensures you’ll get the most out of your lift for years to come.
The Role of Goods Lifts in Industrial & Commercial Operations
Goods lifts play a key role in improving safety and efficiency across industrial and commercial operations – reducing manual handling risks, speeding up operations, and maximising productivity. Whether installed in a warehouse, factory, hospitality venue, or retail space, Penny Engineering offers durable, purpose-built solutions for a wide range of lifting needs.
- Mezzanine Goods Lifts: Capable of transporting pallets, roll cages, and large loads of up to 1000kg between 2 to 3 floors, these hydraulic goods lifts are ideal for warehouses, factories, workshops, and stockrooms.
- Lightwell Lifts: Lightwell lifts are a compact solution for moving trolleys, bins, and general storage of up to 1000kg between basement and pavement levels – commonly used in hotels, restaurants, offices, and more. They can also operate outside.
- Cellar Lifts: Designed for retail and hospitality environments with limited space, our cellar lifts make it easy to carry barrels, crates, or kegs of up to 210kg safely between the basement and serving areas.
- Loading bay lifts: Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, these heavy goods lifts simplify short-distance transfers of goods, bins, or deliveries of up to 1000kg – perfect for retail, warehouses, distribution, and more.
Our hydraulic are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to suit your premises and operations. From factory goods lifts and warehouse installations to external basement lifts in commercial premises, each system is designed, manufactured, and installed to the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.
Our Refurbishment & Relocation Services
As part of our commitment to sustainable engineering, Penny Engineering offers a full support service for the refurbishment, relocation, and reconfiguration of existing lifts designed and manufactured by us.
We work closely with customers to evaluate:
- The condition and suitability of the existing lift
- The layout and structural requirements of the new location
- Any necessary modifications for compliance or capacity
- Installation and certification at the new site
This approach not only extends the working life of the asset but can also reduce embedded carbon by up to 80% when compared with manufacturing a new lift.
Practical Scenarios for Reuse
There are several common scenarios where refurbishment or relocation provides an excellent alternative to a new goods lift installation:
- Moving Sites: When relocating to new premises, your lift can often move with you, especially in the case of rented units where the landlord no longer requires the lift.
- Second-Hand Opportunities: If another facility no longer requires its Penny Engineering lift, we can help you adapt and install it at your own site.
- Internal Reconfiguration: In some cases, a lift can be re-specified to suit a new operational zone within the same building.
This service is especially ideal for existing customers who already have a lift, as well as new clients looking to reduce upfront costs without sacrificing performance.
Case Study: A Circular Approach to Lift Reuse
A recent client approached us to specify a new goods lift for their warehouse facility. As it happened, a sister company within the same group had ceased operations, and a compatible Penny Engineering heavy goods lift became available.
Our team quickly got to work on the removal, refurbishment, and reinstallation of the unit, modifying it to meet the operational needs and site layout of the new facility. This provided:
- Significant cost savings
- Reduced installation lead times
- A lower environmental impact
- Full compliance and operational reliability
This project demonstrates how thoughtful asset reuse, supported by expert modification and installation, can deliver tangible cost, time, and sustainability benefits – all while maintaining full compliance and operational reliability.
The Process of Relocating a Goods Lift
Relocating a goods lift, whether within a site or to new premises, requires careful planning, technical expertise, and regulatory awareness. At Penny Engineering, we manage the entire process end-to-end to ensure your lift continues to operate safely and efficiently in its new setting.
1. Site Review & Feasibility
We begin with a detailed survey of the current lift and proposed location. This includes reviewing lift specifications, goods lift size, floor layouts, access, and any structural or operational constraints.
2. Safe Dismantling
Once plans are approved, the lift is carefully dismantled by our engineers. Components are inspected, cleaned, and prepared for secure transport, with any worn parts flagged for replacement during reinstallation.
3. Secure Transportation
The lift system is transported to the new site following all relevant safety, handling, and regulatory protocols, minimising disruption to surrounding operations.
4. Reinstallation & Adjustment
At the new location, the lift is reassembled and configured to suit the layout and operational requirements of the site. Adjustments may be made during installation to ensure a safe and efficient fit within its new environment.
5. Final Testing & Sign-Off
Once installed, the lift is thoroughly tested and commissioned in line with current safety regulations, ensuring it’s fully compliant, reliable, and ready for use.
Built for Longevity. Backed by Expertise.
We are a UK-based goods lift manufacturer with a commitment to sustainability and engineering excellence. Every Penny Engineering lift has:
- Modular construction from durable materials by experienced engineers
- Design with long-term reliability and straightforward maintenance in mind
- Support by professional servicing, refurbishment, and relocation options
- Full compliance with all relevant UK safety and lifting regulations
Many of our lifts remain in operation more than 20 years after installation – a testament to the quality of our goods lift design and our approach to lifecycle support.
Talk to Our Team
If you are considering a new lift, or want to explore options for relocating or refurbishing an existing one, we’d be happy to help. Explore our complete goods lift range here, or reach out to the team to discuss your requirements.