The story of Danilift began more than 30 years ago when Søren Olesen and Knud Erik Markussen worked side by side as electromechanics in the same company. In 1988, they took the first step toward their shared entrepreneurial vision by acquiring the company’s electrical department and establishing their own electromechanical workshop. With only three to four employees, they provided services for local businesses involving electric motors, generators, starters, and electrical control systems.
The company quickly evolved and built a strong position within control systems for the machinery industry. At the same time, they began developing specialized machinery for both the timber industry and the access platform industry — an area that would later become the company’s core business.
In early 1991, one of the company’s largest customers closed down, but shortly afterwards an opportunity arose to acquire the new company established from the foundation of the former business. When the offer came in mid-1991, Søren Olesen and Knud Erik Markussen seized the opportunity. This marked the beginning of Danilift A/S.
In 2019, Søren Olesen stepped down from Danilift, while Knud Erik Markussen continued as owner and CEO, focusing on the company’s continued development and growth.
Today, Danilift A/S specializes in the development, production, service, and sale of access platforms — particularly access platforms mounted on vans and truck chassis. Since autumn 2003, the company has operated from modern production facilities in Farsø, Denmark, from where Danilift solutions are supplied to customers both domestically and internationally. The company’s customer base includes utility companies, rental businesses, manufacturing companies, and service providers requiring reliable and flexible lifting solutions.
The access platform industry is constantly evolving, and Danilift continues to evolve with it. The company continuously develops new lift models and adapts industrial lifting equipment to support the green transition and the sustainable solutions of the future.
In May 2026, Danilift took another important step in its development by entering into a strategic partnership with SMH Holding. As part of the agreement, SMH Holding acquired 90% of the shares in Danilift, while CEO Knud Erik Markussen retained the remaining 10% and continues to lead the company. SMH Holding is owned by the Danish businessman Svend Møller Hansen, founder of DS Gruppen, and the partnership is intended to strengthen Danilift’s market position and secure the company’s future growth — both nationally and internationally.
Despite the company’s growth and organizational changes over the years, the ambition remains unchanged: Danilift A/S strives to be among the leading companies in the production, sale, and service of access platforms mounted on vans and truck chassis — with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and close customer relationships.
