FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2026

Minnesota Elevator, Inc. (MEI), a leading manufacturer of custom engineered-to-order elevator packages, is proud to announce its acquisition of Smart Elevator Tech, LLC, a premier provider of elevator pit ladders and related components. This strategic acquisition strengthens MEI’s commitment to providing comprehensive elevator solutions while reinforcing its position as a top-tier supplier in the elevator industry.

MEI President Rick Lowenberg described Smart Elevator Tech as a “strong strategic fit” for MEI’s business. “The acquisition of Smart Elevator Tech enhances MEI’s offerings through our parts sales division and provides a solution to meet ongoing code-required changes related to safe access to elevator pits,” said Lowenberg.

Smart Elevator Tech was founded in 2010 by Rich Blaska and has been owned and operated by Blaska and Margaret Lourenço, President of Smart Elevator Tech, widely known in the industry as “The Ladder Lady.” Together, they have built a reputation for exceptional customer service and high-quality, reliable products trusted by elevator contractors, manufacturers, architects, consultants, and general contractors across North America. Smart Elevator Tech offers a wide range of elevator pit ladder options, along with additional hoistway components designed to meet virtually any code requirement.

Blaska and Lourenço will continue to be involved in the business as MEI integrates Smart Elevator Tech into its operations, ensuring continuity and maintaining the high level of service customers have come to expect.

About Minnesota Elevator, Inc.

Founded in 1971, Minnesota Elevator, Inc. specializes in the manufacturing, installation, modernization, and maintenance of a wide range of elevator systems. MEI-manufactured equipment is installed in nearly every U.S. state and Canadian province, as well as in several international markets. In addition, MEI’s Field Operations division services approximately 10,000 elevators across much of the Midwest.

Company history: 

• Founded in 1971 by John Romnes 
• Badger Elevator, Milwaukee, WI: acquired in 2009 
• Dynatron Elevator Inc., Kansas City, MO: acquired in 2010 
• Lagerquist Elevator, Duluth/Minneapolis, MN: acquired in 2012 
• Cemco, a division of OTIS/UTC, Hatfield, PA: acquired in 2012 
• Precision Elevator, Denver, CO: acquired in 2015
• Michigan Elevator, Detroit, MI: acquired in 2016 
• Wagner Scavenger Pump, Cedar Rapids, IA: acquired in 2016 
• Express Elevator, St. Joseph, MO: acquired in 2017 
• Eagle Elevator, Harrisonville, MO: acquired in 2018 
• B&D Elevator, Flint, MI: acquired in 2018 
• VMI, Mankato, MN: acquired in 2020 
• Code Data Plate, Houston, TX: acquired in 2020 
• Interstate Elevator Inc., Topeka, KS: acquired in 2022
• Sign Pro, Owatonna, MN: acquired in 2023 
• Auto Trim Design, Owatonna, MN: acquired in 2023 
• All About Signs, Owatonna, MN: acquired in 2023 
• Archi-Tread Sill Solutions, Rosenberg, TX: acquired in 2025

We appreciate your patience during this transition period. A commitment to premium customer service has always been at the core of MEI’s operations, and we remain focused on exceeding your expectations as we move forward.

Contact Information: 

MEI Total Elevator Solutions
19336 607th Avenue
Mankato, MN 56001
507-245-3060
www.meiusa.com