GLOBAL: A new name is entering the global rigging conversation at Integrated Systems Europe 2026, with Event Lifting Limited (ELL) formally launching its professional-grade electric chain hoists to the international entertainment technology market. Positioned as a brand built around compliance-first engineering and digital integration, ELL is presenting what it describes as a strategic step forward for rigging safety in live events, touring and fixed installations.

At ISE 2026, ELL has debuted its first hoist range with 500kg and 1000kg models, marking what the company claims to be the industry’s first fully furnished, third-party TÜV certified hoist offering that moves beyond self-declaration. Designed to meet the EN 17206 standard as a baseline rather than an upgrade, the hoists are engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing rental and venue infrastructures, allowing users to retain their current controllers while elevating overall system compliance.

From a mechanical and safety standpoint, each ELL hoist incorporates a drive mechanism designed for twice the characteristic load, a dual braking system, and an 8:1 safety factor (SF) black phosphate load chain. This approach places redundancy and long-term durability at the centre of the product design, addressing the increasingly stringent expectations being placed on modern entertainment rigging systems.

Beyond mechanical performance, ELL is also pushing into smart rigging territory. The hoists feature integrated NFC technology, enabling riggers and technicians to access machinery specifications and documentation instantly via smartphone on site. Embedded digital functionality includes an integrated hour counter to simplify maintenance scheduling, operational logs providing real-time access to usage history and event data, full digital traceability for each unit, and streamlined testing processes for load-securing devices, positioning the hoist as a data-driven asset rather than a purely mechanical tool.

Explaining the thinking behind the brand, Juan José Vila says, “We didn’t just want to build another hoist; we wanted to provide a complete, compliant system solution. By establishing a dedicated infrastructure and a strategic manufacturing base in Valencia, we’ve combined specialised engineering expertise with the logistical agility needed to serve the EU and UK markets.”

While the UC1 models take centre stage at ISE 2026, ELL has already outlined a forward-looking development roadmap. The company plans to introduce models with integrated load cells in 2026, enabling comprehensive load recording and monitoring, followed by the launch of high-capacity hoists in 2027 aimed at supporting the largest-scale global productions.

Established through a collaboration of industry specialists, ELL has been created to address what it identifies as a gap in the market for ready-to-use, fully compliant rigging machinery. With manufacturing based in Valencia, the brand is positioning itself to play a long-term role in shaping a safer, more digitally connected future for entertainment rigging worldwide.