Purchases, partnership and a new location

Orona Announces Latest European Acquisitions

Hernani, Spain-based Orona announced it has acquired its fourth and fifth companies this year, Krakdzwig of Krakow, Poland, and Estrela Elevadores of Leiria, Portugal, expanding its European footprint further after previous purchases (ELEVATOR WORLD, April and May 2016). Krakdzwig has been Orona’s authorized Polish distributor since 2002 and holds a sizable market share in Krakow with 65 employees. Estrela brings 500 lifts to Orona’s maintenance portfolio and is Orona’s fifth acquisition in Portugal. Orona Managing Director Javier Mutuberria observed the transactions allow the company “to fortify our presence in key European markets and leverage the sector expertise brought by both Krakdzwig and Estrela.”

Hyundai Elevator Invests in Turkey

Hyundai Elevator has become a partner with STFA Group in Turkey. Through the agreement, signed in July, Hyundai Elevator has acquired a 51% stake in STFA, with the group’s HMF Hyundai Asansör having been renamed Hyundai Elevator Turkey. Hyundai Elevator has been in the Turkish market since 2010 through cooperation with STFA and is aiming to position the country as a center to manage its operations in surrounding countries. In 2015, its growth rate in Turkey was twice as high as the one in the previous year, including underground, airport, financial center and city hospital projects. It has US$84 million in contracted deals and new projects, and sold 1,000 units last year.
STFA CEO Yetik Kadri Mert commented:

“Paying particular attention to the Chinese, Indian and Turkish markets, Hyundai has been planning to invest in Turkey for a long time. With this cooperation, which also covers the use of production opportunities in the future, like in the past, we will continue to put our signature under more prospering projects. . . .”

Wittur Debuts London Showroom, Academy at Liftex

Wittur debuted its London location on May 25 during Liftex 2016, ferrying guests from the ExCeL London exhibition center to the new facility. Guests from numerous companies, including EW and EW Turkey, joined Wittur CEO Patrik Wohlhauser in celebrating the milestone. Including both a showroom and training center, the new location promises to enhance support for new installation and modernization projects in London and beyond. Customers are able to experience a range of Wittur products, including its remote-monitoring system, firsthand. Technicians can receive hands-on training through Wittur Academy, which will cover topics such as door-installation procedures and lift control board setup.