The Eppel Family: Building innovation and boosting communities

Jeno Eppel, past President of EHC Global, and his family, made a generous gift in 2020 to support Ontario Tech University. In recognition of their significant contribution, valued at $540,000, the Eppel Family Technology-Enhanced Learning Studio in Shawenjigewining Hall was officially unveiled on January 16, 2023.

EHC Global, founded by Ronald Ball in 1977 and originally known as the Oshawa-based Escalator Handrail Company, has become one of the world’s largest escalator component manufacturers. It is also considered one of the most trusted and respected brands and innovators in the vertical transportation industry. Mr. Eppel began his EHC career as one of seven employees working on the factory floor in the company’s handrail production facility, where he gained invaluable experience by taking on new roles and management responsibilities.

In 1996, Mr. Ball and Mr. Eppel established one of the world’s largest escalator and elevator parts manufacturing operations in Shanghai, China. In 2000, Mr. Eppel was appointed Vice-President and became President in 2005. He held this role until his retirement in January 2021.

Mr. Eppel is very proud to be a part of the growth and achievements of one of Durham Region’s most successful global enterprises. EHC has been a second home to the Eppel family. Diane Eppel was a longtime employee; their daughter Jill and son Jake both worked within various departments as well.

The Eppel family’s connection to Ontario Tech was reinforced when their daughter Jill graduated from the university with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2021. Mr. Eppel, along with his entire family, have a strong desire to promote the welfare of others and they chose Ontario Tech University, located in their community, as the focus of their generous philanthropy.

Quotes

“This generous gift from Jeno Eppel and his family will continue to inspire our students’ entrepreneurial spirit while reinforcing the impact of philanthropy from our community. The Eppel Family Technology-Enhanced Learning Studio in Shawenjigewining Hall demonstrates our commitment to providing a flexible and dynamic learning environment for our students—our future innovators, leaders and community builders.”
-James Barnett, Vice-President Advancement, Ontario Tech University

“We are excited and proud to support Ontario Tech University students—the entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow. I would also like to thank my parents for instilling in me, early on, the value and importance of honesty, integrity, a strong work ethic and the importance of giving back to our community and helping to make the world a better place. In fact, it was my father, an immigrant from Hungary and entrepreneur in his own right, who first taught me the meaning of ‘work hard’—without his mentorship and love, I would have never accomplished what I have in life.”

-Jeno Eppel, Past President, EHC Global