EZ-Access sights its scope on larger home accessibility market

ALGONA, Wash. - Betting that home accessibility is about to take off in a big way, EZ-Access is positioning itself as a “one-stop shop solution” for HME providers in that market, says CEO Don Everard.

The manufacturer of portable and modular ramps made its first move earlier this month, when it acquired Worldwide Mobility, a Mesa, Ariz.-based manufacturer of powered vehicle lifts. More acquisitions are on the way, Everard says.

“Worldwide Mobility represents us finalizing our line of products for outside accessibility,” he said. “Now we've begun focusing on the inside.”

EZ-Access has rebranded Worldwide Mobility's lift as the Haulaway and has moved manufacturing of the product to Algona, Wash. It plans to hire additional employees and expand production space to meet increased demand.

By Medtrade Spring in early March, EZ-Access plans to add four more product lines, including aids to daily living, says Dave Henderson, product/brand manager.

“At this point, we're looking at all things accessibility related that are synergistic,” he said.

It may seem like a sudden burst of activity for EZ-Access, a 30-year-old, family-run company, but it's been in the works for some time, Henderson says.

“It has taken us two years of legwork to get here,” he said. “As we watched the evolving marketplace due to competitive bidding and the timing with the baby boomers—when you put those two together, there are definite needs that will need to be taken care of.”

EZ-Acess is banking on HME providers coming along for the ride, Henderson says.

“Someone is going to corner this market and take it by storm,” he said. “If DMEs aren't getting into it, they're going to be left by the wayside.”

HME providers, both Everard and Henderson point out, have the clear upper hand over other players jockeying for position in this market, like contractors, if only they envision their businesses as about more than delivery and service.

“They need to use oxygen concentrators and wheelchairs as a stair-step product,” Everard said. “Once they get in the home, they need to think about how else they can meet their needs and help them transition.

“It's an exciting time,” he continued. “Both manufacturers and dealers need to position themselves to be there with these solutions.”