At UMass, we are dedicated to creating supplier opportunities that promote growth and development throughout our campuses. Today, we are excited to share the inspiring success story of a local veteran-owned business that emerged as a trusted partner for UMass during a crucial time: Metro Elevator New England.
Rising to the Challenge
In 2023, after successfully completing a competitive public bid related to a fire code upgrade, Metro Elevator was presented with a unique opportunity at one of the UMass campuses. The elevators required maintenance and repairs, creating significant challenges and impacting the convenience and accessibility for students, faculty, and staff.
“What started as a few inconveniences slowly grew,” said Mike Boyle, Category Manager at UPST. “Our campus colleagues were understandably concerned about how we could address this escalating issue. We needed a reliable partner who could respond quickly and effectively.”
Metro Elevator – New England stepped in to meet these immediate needs. Upon learning about the situation at UMass, they seized the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. After discussions with campus and UPST leaders, Metro collaborated with Local 41 to bring in technicians who were already familiar with the campus, supplementing their highly skilled team. Together, they developed a swift plan of action to get over 18 elevator units back to proper working condition across the campus in just a few weeks.
"We viewed this challenge as an opportunity to showcase our dedication to delivering high-quality service," said Scott O'Hare, President of Metro Elevator New England.
As a company deeply rooted in technical excellence and community commitment, Metro Elevator seized the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities and establish a long-term partnership. Metro Elevator quickly addressed a complex and time-sensitive challenge for our campus. Their demonstrated excellence, reliability, and collaborative approach ensure minimal disruption to daily activities, fostering lasting partnerships that benefit all parties involved.
“In short,” shared Boyle, “we found a nimble organization with local ties that could step in and deliver for our campuses. Metro is now the elevator PM supplier at both the Amherst and Lowell campuses after a public bidding process in late 2024 and all signs point to this being successful.”
Metro Elevator 30 Robert W Boyden Road Unit A700 Taunton, MA 02780 https://www.metro-elevator.com/boston
For nearly 40 years, Metro Elevator has been a trusted leader in the elevator industry, delivering expert repair, maintenance, modernization, and new installation services across the country. Each division is locally owned and operated, ensuring personalized service and strong community ties in every market they serve. Metro Elevator’s team consists of highly skilled, IUEC-affiliated technicians with expertise in all makes and models of elevator equipment. Committed to safety, reliability, and exceptional customer service, they help property managers, building owners, and facility teams maintain peak performance through proactive maintenance, complex modernizations, and emergency repairs.
Next Steps
UMass campuses have been impressed by the responsiveness and quality of service provided by Metro Elevator and are looking forward to seeing the company expand its portfolio to take on more public works projects. Metro Elevator mirrors the same sentiment.
“Because of this relationship with UMass,” said O’Hare, “our company has experienced sustainable growth and solidified our position in New England. This has been a phenomenal partnership for us. It may sound cliché, but having a customer who is a true partner is exactly what we seek.”
The collaborative nature of pairing system needs with supplier capabilities emphasizes the potential for strong supplier relationships and the opportunities available through UMass’s competitive sourcing process.
Do you have a story about your experience working with UMass? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact our communications team at upst@umassp.edu with the subject line “Supplier Highlight” to learn more.