Making Its Mark

WECO Elevator India MD Daniel Thomas (DT) shares insights with your author (SSP) on the brand’s journey and accomplishments.

SSP: From its origins in 2000, WECO Elevator Pvt. Ltd. is nearing the silver jubilee (25-year) mark worldwide and has just recorded 15 years since operations commenced in India. How has the brand advanced and progressed in this country over the past decade and half? 

DT: When we began our journey in India on August 23, 2007, the name WECO was unknown. Looking back, Johnson Lifts became our very first customer, and over the years, Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitec, Otis and other manufacturers and traders have come to recognize our quality and service, thus expanding the WECO India customer base.

SSP: What is the significance of India within WECO’s worldwide operations, and how important is India as a market for WECO from a global perspective? 

DT: The Indian elevator market is anticipated to be the second largest within the Asia-Pacific region, which itself is regarded as the largest world market. On this premise, it is easy to visualize the importance of WECO India to WECO’s global operations. Further, WECO India’s massive growth since 2007 amply supports this fact.

SSP: What is the market perception about WECO India as an elevator component brand supplying to vertical-transportation (VT) OEMs? As a supplier to leading VT OEMs, to which specified norms does WECO India adhere? 

DT: WECO India’s phenomenal success is a direct reflection of our unmatched product quality and customer support. As a global supplier of elevator sensors, WECO has an annual production capacity of more than 2 million units. WECO sensors comply with global, industry-recognized standards and certifications, such as CE (Conformité Européenne) in Europe and CSA (from CSA Group) in North America. 

SSP: What are the key growth drivers of the VT industry in India, and how have these been driving demand for WECO India’s products?

DT: It’s obvious the Indian elevator market is coming of age. Quality and safety of elevators are now becoming key considerations, along with cost. This is where WECO sensors play a vital role. With new, stricter standards evolving in India, including the latest elevator-compliant code IS-8100 (which will take effect in 2024), WECO products will become central to any value proposition. 

SSP: What are the unique selling points that set the offerings of WECO India apart? How would you describe the technological edge they offer?

DT: Our global operations continuously demand advances in our manufacturing processes. While this has resulted in adding exceptional value and shorter production lead times for our entire product range, it has also positively impacted product quality, safety and reliability. As the technology and design owner, the company strives to manufacture and market best-in-class products.

SSP: WECO Elevator India has its Service and Supply Centre in Chennai. What locational advantages does this offer for the brand and its customers?

DT: Chennai’s infrastructure is a good fit for WECO India’s business model. Underpinning this are the city’s efficient transit systems at the seaport and its competent road transportation network that facilitates same-day delivery service to some of our key customers.

SSP: Which factors will impact VT industry development in India going forward, and what role do you see WECO India playing in this regard?

DT: With the Indian economy and its cities growing, there will be high demand for residential and commercial space. For these high-density high rises, dependable, safe and trouble-free elevators will be a taken-for-granted, everyday need. Enforcement of existing and new regulatory controls will mandate use of quality security components for elevators. We foresee WECO India’s contribution and growth reaching the level it deserves.