In just a few short years, Schmetterling Rental Sdn Bhd has risen to become a market leader in Malaysia’s MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) rental space. With a fleet of over 1,300 electric scissor lifts, boom lifts, and telehandlers, the company serves major sectors including construction, logistics, and infrastructure across Johor, Selangor, Penang, and even Singapore.

More than just machinery, Schmetterling delivers precision and reliability powered by ERP systems and GPS-enabled assets. But at its core, the company is guided by the belief that small actions can create powerful ripple effects inspired by the "butterfly effect" philosophy from which it draws its name.

From launching Malaysia’s first MEWP operator training programme to offering full health coverage for all staff, Schmetterling is on a mission to redefine industry norms. And with accolades like the SME100 Award under its belt, the company is now gearing up for its next big move: an IPO that reflects both its maturity and momentum.

Driven by Purpose, Led by Experience

Behind the success of Schmetterling Rental Sdn Bhd is Admund Lam, Managing Director, who leads a growing team of over 70 employees across Malaysia. What began as a personal mission has grown into a thriving business that’s redefining standards in the machinery rental sector. Drawing on his experience working for multinational companies in Singapore, Admund returned to Malaysia with a clear purpose: to raise the bar for safety and quality in the local machinery industry.

“I realised that compared to countries like Singapore, Thailand, Japan or Germany, Malaysia’s equipment was still far behind in terms of safety and technology,” he shares. 

Schmetterling was born out of that gap with the goal of introducing modern, well-maintained machines that not only improve efficiency but also protect lives. Today, the company is known for its premium fleet of access equipment and its commitment to building a safer, more advanced future for the industry.

Schmetterling Cultivates Growth and Resilience

Strong leadership is the backbone of Admund, ensuring it remains deeply embedded across every level of the organisation. A key practice is the company’s structured daily departmental meetings, where teams from sales, operations, and service convene each morning to align on goals, review tasks, and raise any on-ground challenges. 

“It’s not just about task updates—it’s about collaboration,” Admund says. 

These meetings are also attended by senior managers who provide real-time guidance, helping staff overcome hurdles while building confidence and accountability in their roles.

To ensure long-term, sustainable growth, Schmetterling is taking proactive steps by aligning its operations with IPO readiness standards. The company has already begun implementing rigorous internal policies and procedures that comply with LEAP Market assessment requirements. 

“We’ve engaged external professionals to audit and standardise our SOPs,” he shares. 

This move not only strengthens operational governance but also positions the company as a credible and transparent industry player ready to scale responsibly while managing risk with confidence.

Balancing Innovation and Stability

In a fast-evolving industry, Schmetterling continues to lead by striking a careful balance between innovation and operational stability. According to Admund the company is currently in the final stages of implementing a fully customised ERP system, developed in collaboration with a specialised technology partner. Set to go live within the month, this system will allow Schmetterling to respond faster to market changes, improve internal coordination, and gain better visibility into its operations. 

“This is more than just automation, it’s about future-proofing our business,” Admund says.

Digital adoption has become a key differentiator for Schmetterling, especially in an industry where many still rely on ageing fleets and legacy systems. Unlike competitors that often operate with equipment over a decade old, Schmetterling maintains a modern fleet—90% of its machinery is considered new. 

This focus on quality, paired with tech-driven operations, has helped the company capture significant market share and rise to become one of the top three players in Malaysia’s MEWP rental space. By embracing digital tools and maintaining a high equipment standard, Schmetterling is redefining what leadership looks like in the machinery rental industry.

Staying Ahead Through Continuous Improvement

For Admund, resilience and growth go hand in hand with one core belief: the need for constant improvement. This mindset has become a defining trait of Schmetterling’s leadership culture, driving the company to continuously invest in newer, safer, and more advanced machinery year after year.

“Whether it’s in business or in life, if we stop improving today, we risk falling behind tomorrow,” he says. 

This strategy of proactive renewal has helped Schmetterling not only secure its position as one of the top players in Malaysia’s MEWP rental market, but also weather industry challenges with confidence. By refusing to settle for outdated standards and pushing for internal growth, the company ensures it remains competitive, relevant, and resilient in an ever-changing market. 

“We don’t wait to catch up—we lead by staying one step ahead,” Admund affirms.

And as the industry continues to evolve, Schmetterling is committed to not following the next wave of progress.

Preparing for Future: Why IPO Matters 

As markets evolve rapidly and economic uncertainties persist, Admund believes that being IPO-ready is more crucial than ever, especially for SMEs aiming for long-term sustainability and growth. 

“In today’s environment, businesses can’t rely solely on organic growth. Capital injection is essential to scale and stay resilient,” 

The Initial Public Offering (IPO) path represents not just financial opportunity, but a strategic move to strengthen the company’s foundation and credibility. Schmetterling is already taking active steps toward IPO readiness by aligning its operations with industry standards, enhancing internal governance, and formalising its structure. 

“If an SME has the capability to go public, it should. It opens doors to greater trust, stronger systems, and the financial strength needed to compete at a higher level.” 

For Schmetterling, the future is not just about maintaining its leadership but preparing to elevate the business to even greater heights.

Recognition That Opens Doors

Winning the SME100 Award has been a major milestone for Schmetterling, affirming its position as a credible and competitive player in Malaysia’s machinery rental industry. The recognition signals more than just an accolade—it represents the company’s progress and performance on a national scale. 

“This award shows that we’ve reached a level that stands out from the rest. It has strengthened our brand credibility and made the market more confident in doing business with us,” he shares. 

The award has also opened new doors, attracting interest from clients, partners, and investors alike.

Reflecting on Schmetterling’s journey, Admund offers straightforward advice to fellow SMEs aiming for growth and recognition: “Work hard, innovate constantly, and don’t be afraid to think big.” 

He believes that ambition, paired with consistent effort and a willingness to embrace new ideas, is what sets successful businesses apart. As Schmetterling continues to scale new heights, the company remains a shining example of how grit and vision can transform a local startup into a recognised industry leader.

Want to know how Schmetterling is lifting Malaysia’s machinery rental industry to new heights? Click here to explore more. 

This series of Business Stories is in collaboration with the SME100 award.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.