The History of The Residential Lift Company
One could hardly imagine that the prototype RESiLIFT® would birth an Australia-wide company leading the way in simplicity, cost effectiveness, easy installation and maintenance. Nor could one imagine that the heritage of each of the players contributed to the design and inspiration of the project.
Rosemary Murphy born 1936 came from a long line of Engineers beginning with her grandfather, Joseph Francies, who became a Professor of Engineering in India and her father, Frank Murphy, obtained a degree of Science Engineering at the University of London.
Peter van Emmerik, Rosemary’s husband, has a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering, Hobart. Peter was to become the designer of the lift. Their son, Andy, has a Degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Peter’s family moved from Holland to Java and his grandparents formed the White Cross Colony to address the problem of the aftermath of a volcano in 
mid Java. At its heyday the White Cross Colony housed over 1,000 people and provided shelter, food and work on the coffee plantation ,dairy, weaving and an orphanage.
The 2nd World War resulted in the family being sent to concentration camp and the Colony falling into disrepair. Peter’s Father, migrated to Australia under sponsorship, with the family and were relieved to make Australia “home.” All eight children completed University and higher education.
In 1942 Rosemary’s parents were positioned in Malaya and her father was a Civil Engineer in charge of supplying water to Singapore and worked on infrastructure in Malaya. The war took its toll on them too when Frank entered the army and the ship he was on was bombed by the Japanese.
Peter’s career of 40 years with the Hydro-Electric Commission where he designed mechanical answers to civil problems as Construction Equipment Design Engineer+. At the conclusion of this he gained a contract with a German Company in Indonesia where Rosemary and he stayed for 5 years. On his return, Andrew suggested he address the niche market for residential lifts to help those who were having access problems.
Peter took up the challenge and designed the RESiLIFT®. Sales of the “Mirage” model for 2 people, were slow until years later when the market was ready and models were increased to three. The lift was launched in 2005 and has since experienced phenomenal growth extending to other parts of the world.
The lift was launched in 2005 at the Grand Chancellor, Hobart. Certification was given by the Company, Scientists, Engineers, Managers and Facilitators (S.E.M.F.) and design registration with Workplace Standards Tasmania. A Patent was taken out in 2004. The Institute of Engineers also highly commended the product in 2009.
The “Lift Adventure” has been a rewarding experience not only for the designer but for all the people who helped to make it become what it is. Our thanks go out to the many people have willingly tried it and now enjoy the benefit of a lift in their home.
