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Modular VRC Lifts

PM Series

Carriage Size: 4′, 5′, or 6′ width or depth
Travel Height: Up to 32’
Lift Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs

PMB (Bolt Together) Series

Carriage Size: 4′, 5′, or 6′ width or depth
Travel Height: Up to 25’
Lift Capacity: Up to 3,000 lbs

Custom VRC Lifts

TL-M Series

Carriage Size: 3’ W x 3’D
Travel Height: Up to 16′
Lifting Capacity: 500 lbs

S / SH Series

Carriage Size: Up to 12’w x 10’d
Travel Height: Up to 32’
Lift Capacity: 5,000 – 7,000 lbs

C Series

Carriage Size: Up to 8’W x 7’D
Travel Height: Up to 30’
Lift Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs

PMX Series

Carriage Size: 6’x8′ or 8’x6′
Travel Height: Up to 25’
Lift Capacity: Up to 3,000 lbs

FP Series

Carriage Size: Min 7′ x 7′
Travel Height: Up to 36’
Lift Capacity: Up to 30,000 lbs

Lift Installation

CIP Offers a Range of Installation Services to Meet Your Needs. We can handle everything, or get you in touch with a certified installer. We can even help guide you through the installation process if you prefer to do it yourself.

Lift Inspections

CIP Offers Three Different Inspection Services. Whether you are preparing for an installation, or just want to ensure your previously installed VRC still meets safety standards, we can help.

Lift Maintenance

CIP Provides a Full Range of VRC Lift Maintenance Services. Protect your investment & minimize downtime with CIP’s lift maintenance services. We know how to keep your equipment operating in optimal condition.

Consulting

We Have the Experience and Expertise to Solve Your Material Handling Challenges. As your business needs change, CIP can help your material handling strategy evolve to meet your productivity goals. We’re here to do the “heavy lifting” with pre-install surveys & technical support.

Warehousing & Distribution

The world of warehousing and distribution is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by the need for greater efficiency, accuracy, and space utilization.

Automotive

Mechanical material lifts, including Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs), play an essential role across the automotive industry.

Factories

Factories are the engines of production, where efficiency, automation, and employee safety are the cornerstones of success.

Retail & Wholesale

In the highly-competitive retail and wholesale businesses, where space optimization, streamlined operations, and employee safety are vital, innovative material handling solutions are paramount.

Food & Beverage

In the dynamic world of bars and restaurants, where efficiency is key, optimizing the movement of supplies, ingredients, and kitchen equipment is essential for success.

Education

In the diverse landscape of the education industry, which encompasses a wide range of institutions, from daycares and pre-K schools to colleges, universities, academies, and trade schools, efficient material handling is essential.

Ports & Airports

VRC Material Lifts from CIP are ideal for the unique needs of airports and ports.

Military & Government

In the highly secure and efficient world of military bases, government offices, and courthouses, precision, safety, and space optimization are critical.

Company History & Overview

Custom Industrial Products, Inc. is a vertical lift manufacturer offering effective solutions to your materials handling and manufacturing needs.

Blog & Videos

As your business needs change, CIP can help your material handling strategy evolve to meet your productivity goals. We’re here to do the “heavy lifting” with pre-install surveys & technical support.

What Is a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor?

A Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC) is an industrial material lift designed to move loads between two or more levels of a facility. Unlike freight elevators, VRCs are strictly for materials — not people — which means they fall under a different (and less restrictive) regulatory framework, making them faster to install and significantly more cost-effective.

Custom Industrial Products vertical reciprocating conveyor installation

Key Benefits of VRCs

Eliminates Manual Labor

No more hand-carrying heavy loads between floors — VRCs do the heavy lifting automatically, every time.

Dramatically Reduces Injury Risk

Enclosed design and push-button operation keeps workers away from moving loads and eliminates manual lifting hazards.

Increases Throughput

Move more material, faster. VRCs operate continuously without fatigue, break time, or operator downtime.

ANSI/ASME B20.1 Compliant

Every CIP lift is engineered to meet the primary safety standard governing VRC design, installation, and operation.

Fully Customizable

Configured to fit nearly any facility layout, ceiling height, floor opening, or load type. No two CIP lifts are the same.

Minimal Maintenance

Simple mechanical design with few moving parts means low maintenance costs and exceptional long-term reliability.

Massive Load Capacity Range

From 500 lbs to 30,000+ lbs — CIP offers a model for virtually every application and load requirement.

Indoor & Outdoor Capable

Select configurations are fully enclosed and weather-protected for exterior or harsh-environment installations.

Automation-Ready

Integrates seamlessly with conveyor systems, pallet flow racks, and warehouse automation for end-to-end material handling.

Fast Installation

Installed in days, not weeks. CIP VRCs arrive pre-engineered and ready to fit, minimizing facility downtime.

American-Made Quality

Every lift is designed, fabricated, and tested in-house at CIP’s Melbourne, Florida facility — built to last decades.

VRC vs. Forklift — True Cost of Ownership

Vertical reciprocating conveyor moving materials between building levels

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor

Forklift used for horizontal warehouse material handling

Forklift

Purchase CostOne-time capital investmentHigh upfront + ongoing fleet costs
Annual MaintenanceMinimal — few moving parts$3,000–$8,000+ per unit/year
Operator Required?No — push-button operationYes — licensed operator required
Injury RiskVery low — enclosed systemHigh — #1 cause of warehouse fatalities
Fuel / PowerElectrical drawPropane, diesel, or battery (costly)
Floor Space UsedCompact vertical footprintRequires wide aisles + staging areas
Works Between Levels?Yes — purpose-built for itLimited — ramps or not possible
Lifespan20+ years with minimal upkeep8–12 years typical

Viable Materials for VRCs

VRCs are engineered to transport a wide variety of materials safely and efficiently. Here are common material types that can be moved through Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors.

Boxes and packaged goods moved by a vertical reciprocating conveyor

Packaged Goods

Boxes, pallets, and general cargo

Automotive parts and vehicles moved by a vertical reciprocating conveyor

Automotive Parts & Vehicles

Engines, components, assemblies, and entire cars

Industrial machinery and equipment moved by a vertical reciprocating conveyor

Machinery & Equipment

Industrial equipment and motors

Beverage cases moved by a vertical reciprocating conveyor

Beverages & Cases

Bulk prepackaged beverages and cases

How a VRC Works

1
Materials being loaded onto a VRC carriage

Load Placed on Carriage

Materials are loaded onto the platform (carriage) at any level using a forklift, pallet jack, or by hand.

2
Operator pressing the call button to start a vertical reciprocating conveyor

Operator Initiates Movement

The operator presses the call button at any landing station. The carriage is secured and ready to travel.

3
VRC drive and motor system moving the carriage along the vertical mast

Motor & Drive System Activates

The drive motor engages, raising or lowering the carriage via a chain or cable system along a vertical mast.

4
VRC carriage arriving at the destination landing level

Carriage Arrives

The carriage reaches the destination.

Codes & Standards

ASME logo representing the ANSI/ASME B20.1 safety standard for conveyors

ANSI/ASME B20.1

Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment

ANSI/ASME B20.1 is the primary governing standard for all Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors in the United States. It covers the design, construction, installation, maintenance, inspection, and operation of VRCs and related conveying equipment.

✓ Design & Engineering: Structural, mechanical, and electrical requirements to ensure safe load-bearing and operation.
✓ Guarding & Enclosures: Mandates full-height enclosures at all landing levels to prevent unauthorized access during operation.
✓ Gates & Access Control: Requires interlocked gates that prevent carriage movement unless all gates are secured.
✓ Safety Devices: Requires overspeed governors, rope/chain safety brakes, slack cable switches, and emergency stops.
✓ Operator Controls: Specifies illuminated call stations, constant-pressure operation, and clear labeling at every landing.
✓ Inspection & Maintenance: Defines periodic inspection intervals and maintenance procedures to keep lifts in safe working order.

Real-World Installations

CIP VRCs are installed across warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and more.

Vertical reciprocating conveyor installed at a warehouse mezzanine
Indoor VRC installation moving materials between facility levels
Vertical reciprocating conveyor installation shown from multiple angles
Warehouse VRC installation views showing carriage and enclosure

Top Industries Using VRCs

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors are trusted across diverse industries for safe, efficient multi-level material handling.

Logistics and warehousing facility using a vertical reciprocating conveyor

Logistics & Warehousing

Automotive facility using a vertical reciprocating conveyor

Automotive

Airport and travel facility using vertical material handling equipment

Airport & Travel

CIP-army-armed-troop-isometric-armed-military-transport-objects

Defense & Military

Product Lineup

CIP PM Series modular pallet lifting vertical reciprocating conveyor

PM Series

Modular Pallet Lifting

The Pallet Master (PM Series) from CIP Lifts is the industry standard for getting up to 5,000 pounds of material up multiple levels. With a total travel height of 32 feet and a carriage size large enough to accommodate loaded pallets, this modular and easy-to-install VRC is the ideal solution for growing warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.

Common Applications

WarehousesRetail StoresGarages

Key Highlights

Quick Installation

This modular lift can be installed in as few as 2-3 days.

Optimizes Floor Space

With a travel height of up to 32 feet and multiple stops, you can fully maximize all your unused vertical space.

Improves Safety

VRCs eliminate the need to carry heavy and bulky items upstairs and reduce clutter to reduce workplace hazards.

Exceptional Reliability

Rugged cyclo-gear motor and helical gearbox are built to last.

Specifications

Lift CapacityUp to 5,000 lbs
Carriage Size4′, 5′, 6′ width or depth
Travel Height32 ft (max)
Travel Speed21 FPM (standard)
Load ConfigurationC, Z, or Pass Through
Electrical230V/3P, 460V/3P, or 230V/1P
DoorsDouble Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1)

Benefits


✓
Illuminated Operator Stations
✓
Simplified Installation
✓
Quiet and Efficient Operation
✓
Exceptional Safety Standards (ANSI/ASME B20.1)
✓
Fully Enclosed
✓
Full-Height Carriage Enclosures
✓
Factory Pre-Wire Feature
✓
Soft Start/Soft Stop operation (VFD)

FP Series

Heavy Duty

The FP VRC (Four Post) is our powerhouse lift, able to lift oversized and heavy loads. Although listed with a lift capacity of 30,000 pounds, these can be customized to accommodate even heavier if necessary. Our four-post design can be customized for even heavier items. If you need to move cars in your automotive dealership, this is the lift for you. Carriage size is a minimum of 7′ x 7′.

Common Applications

DealershipsWarehousesDistribution CentersAirports
CIP FP Series four-post heavy duty vertical reciprocating conveyor

Key Highlights

Strong and Versatile

Min 7′ x 7′ carriage size, with C, Z, 90 degree and pass-through configuration. Standard lift capacity up to 30,000 pounds.

Optimizes Floor Space

With a variable travel height and multiple stops, you can fully maximize all your unused vertical space.

Improves Safety

Material Lifts eliminate the need to carry heavy and bulky items up stairs and reduce clutter to reduce workplace hazards.

Exceptional Reliability

Rugged cyclo-gear motor and helical gearbox are built to last.

Specifications

Lift Capacity Up to 30,000 lbs
Carriage Size Min. 7′ x 7′
Travel Height Variable
Travel Speed 19–21 FPM (standard)
Load Configuration C, Z, Pass Through, or 90°
Electrical 230V/3P or 460V/3P
Doors Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1)

Benefits

✓ Illuminated Operator Stations
✓ Quiet and Efficient Operation
✓ Fully Enclosed
✓ Exceptional Safety Standards (ANSI/ASME B20.1)
✓ Full-Height Carriage Enclosures
✓ Soft Start/Soft Stop operation (VFD)
✓ Rope safety brakes & slack cable switches
✓ Top mounted drive system
CIP C Series cantilever vertical reciprocating conveyor

C Series

Low Overhead Space

The C-Series (Cantilever Lift) is perfect for a variety of load sizes and weights in environments with limited overhead space. This one-sided lifting design with a side-mounted motor, delivers the strength and stability to effortlessly move your items between levels. It is versatile, with 3 types of load and unloading configurations and can lift up to 5,000 pounds with a travel height up to 30 feet.

Common Applications

DealershipsWarehousesDistribution CentersAirports

Key Highlights

Side-Mounted, Cantilever Design

Ideal for warehouses, distribution centers or factories where there is limited overhead space between stops.

Optimizes Floor Space

With a travel height of up to 30 feet and multiple stops, you can fully maximize all your unused vertical space.

Improves Safety

Material Lifts eliminate the need to carry heavy and bulky items up stairs and reduce clutter to reduce workplace hazards.

Exceptional Reliability

Rugged cyclo-gear motor and helical gearbox are built to last.

Specifications

Lift Capacity Up to 5,000 lbs
Carriage Size Up to 8’W x 7’D
Travel Height 30 ft (max)
Travel Speed 19–21 FPM (standard)
Load Configuration C, Z, Pass Through, or 90°
Electrical 230V/3P, 460V/3P, or 230V/1P
Doors Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1)

Benefits

✓ Illuminated Operator Stations
✓ Quiet and Efficient Operation
✓ Fully Enclosed Optional
✓ Exceptional Safety Standards (ANSI/ASME B20.1)
✓ Full-Height Carriage Enclosures
✓ All-mechanical chain-lifting system
✓ Top mounted drive
✓ Pit or surface mounts

S / SH Series

Most Versatile

The S-Series (Straddle Lift) is our most versatile lift across a wide variety of industries and applications. The straddle design is robust, reliable, and affordable. It features a carriage size of up to 12’W x 10’D, can travel up to 32 feet, and lifts up to 5,000 pounds (S Series) or 7,000 pounds (SH Series).

Common Applications

WarehousesSelf StorageManufacturingDistributionAutomotive
CIP S/SH Series straddle vertical reciprocating conveyor

Key Highlights

Cost Efficient

The minimal enclosure delivers increased cost efficiency with a low lift-to-dollar investment.

Easily Handles Any Material Load Sizes

Loading and unloading and carriage size accommodates a wide variety of load sizes.

Optimizes Floor Space

With a travel height of up to 32 feet and multiple stops, you can fully maximize all your unused vertical space.

Exceptional Reliability

Rugged cyclo-gear motor and helical gearbox are built to last.

Specifications

S Series Capacity Up to 5,000 lbs
SH Series Capacity Up to 7,000 lbs
Carriage Size Up to 12’W x 10’D
Travel Height 32 ft (max)
Travel Speed 19–21 FPM (standard)
Load Configuration C, Z, or Pass Through
Electrical 230V/3P, 230V/1P, 460V/3P, or 380V/3PH
Doors Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1)

Benefits

✓ Illuminated Operator Stations
✓ Quiet and Efficient Operation
✓ Fully Enclosed Option
✓ Exceptional Safety Standards (ANSI/ASME B20.1)
✓ Full-Height Carriage Enclosures
✓ Soft Start/Soft Stop operation (VFD)
✓ Keyed Operator Controls

Compare All Models

Specification
 PM Series
PM Series
Modular Pallet Lifting
 FP Series
FP Series
Heavy Duty
 C Series
C Series
Low Overhead Space
 S/SH Series
S / SH Series
Most Veratile
Lift Capacity Up to 5,000 lbs Up to 30,000 lbs Up to 5,000 lbs S: Up to 5,000 lbs / SH: Up to 7,000 lbs
Carriage Size 4′, 5′, 6′ width or depth Min. 7′ x 7′ Up to 8’W x 7’D Up to 12’W x 10’D
Max Travel Height 32 ft (max) Variable 30 ft (max) 32 ft (max)
Travel Speed 21 FPM (standard) 19–21 FPM (standard) 19–21 FPM (standard) 19–21 FPM (standard)
Load Config C, Z, or Pass Through C, Z, Pass Through, or 90° C, Z, Pass Through, or 90° C, Z, or Pass Through
Electrical 230V/3P, 460V/3P, or 230V/1P 230V/3P or 460V/3P 230V/3P, 460V/3P, or 230V/1P 230V/3P, 230V/1P, 460V/3P, or 380V/3PH
Doors Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1) Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1) Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1) Double Swing (ANSI/ASME B20.1)
* Specifications listed represent standard configurations. CIP can engineer fully customized solutions beyond what is shown — contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

About CIP

CIP Custom industrial products logo

For over 30 years, Custom Industrial Products, Inc. has been engineering and manufacturing Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors that set the standard for quality and reliability. Founded on the principle that every facility deserves safe, efficient material handling, CIP remains the trusted choice for American-made VRCs.

Based in Melbourne, Florida — the heart of the Space Coast — we operate out of our purpose-built manufacturing facility where we design, fabricate, and test every lift in-house. All CIP VRCs are proudly American-made, ensuring the precision and craftsmanship our customers depend on. From concept to commissioning, our team of engineers and technicians is with you every step of the way.

Every CIP lift is built to ANSI/ASME B20.1 standards and backed by our commitment to long-term support, fast lead times, and unmatched customization — because no two facilities are exactly alike.