Rising High

On its 40th anniversary, Kilkis-headquartered KLEEMANN reflects on a remarkable journey and dynamic future.

by Ioannis Sanidiotis

Forty years ago, KLEEMANN, one of the most significant elevator manufacturers in the European and global market, embarked on a remarkable journey in Greece. This journey was fueled by its people’s passion for elevators and driven by a shared vision to rise high.

The Journey

KLEEMANN was founded in northern Greece in 1983 by entrepreneur Nikolaos Koukountzos, who established a collaboration with Germany-based KLEEMANN Hubtechnik GmbH. This partnership combined German know-how and quality standards with Greek dedication and perseverance. Manufacturing operations began in 1985 on the 3,000-m² premises with an aim to provide hydraulic elevator systems to the local market. Within 10 years, the company had captured 80% of the Greek market.

The second decade laid the groundwork for further growth, as the company invested in new manufacturing facilities and high-end machinery, boosting production capacity and creating comprehensive and complete elevator products to cater to the global market. During this time, KLEEMANN introduced its first hydraulic and traction machine-room-less (MRL) solutions, paving the way for international expansion. To support its expansion strategy, the company established subsidiary companies in strategic locations worldwide. The first commercial subsidiary was founded in Istanbul, Türkiye, in 2001, followed by the inauguration of the first factory outside of Greece in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2005.

The third decade marked a breakthrough for the group, with rapid development of its global sales network and product range. The Atlas elevator family was launched, including the popular Atlas MRL. In 2007, KLEEMANN signed a collaboration with Andreas Zapatinas, a renowned automobile and industrial designer who has worked with prestigious brands such as BMW, Subaru, Fiat and Alfa Romeo. This collaboration ushered in a new era of cabin design, with KLEEMANN introducing the pioneering “curve” element for cabin interiors. Throughout its evolution, the company, placing human beings and safety at the center of its efforts, became the first company in Europe to introduce earthquake-resistant elevators.

Further Milestones and China Expansion

In 2011, KLEEMANN achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating its first 61-m-tall testing tower in Greece. The tower was the first of its kind in Greece and the fourth largest in Europe. Today, the fastest elevator in Greece, with a nominal speed of 7 m/s, is installed in this testing tower. That same year, KLEEMANN established KLEEMANN China in Kunshan to enhance its products and services in the dynamic Chinese and Southeast Asian markets. In 2017, KLEEMANN invested EUR12.8 million (US$15 million) to establish a strong presence and position itself as a key player in the local elevator industry. This investment led to the construction of new facilities, including buildings, offices and production units spanning 19,000 m². Additionally, a 100-m-tall test tower was erected for rigorous testing of high-speed elevators capable of speeds up to 7 m/s. The new factory in China was completed in November 2019, with the inauguration attended by Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic  Kyriakos Mitsotakis and esteemed Chinese government officials, underscoring the significance of this achievement for KLEEMANN’s global operations.

Going Green

As part of its sustainable growth, KLEEMANN began incorporating environmentally conscious features and technologies into its lift systems as early as in 2013. Leveraging innovative methods from engineering to production, KLEEMANN provides “green” lifts that feature a range of eco-friendly options, including reduction of operating costs and CO2 emissions, efficiency in air supply and regeneration of clean energy. KLEEMANN was also the first company in Greece to apply ecological product design guidelines according to ISO 14006. 

The third decade marked a breakthrough for the group, with rapid development of its global sales network and product range.

From 10 to More Than 1,750 Employees

As KLEEMANN grew, its workforce expanded. Starting with a dedicated team of 10, KLEEMANN now employs more than 1,750 people who all share the company’s vision and values. This has created a distinctive corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, satisfaction, excellence, breakthrough thinking and growth on both professional and personal levels. In recognition of its commitment to respecting diversity and equal opportunity, KLEEMANN has been recognized twice as one of the “Best Workplaces” in Greece. 

Today, KLEEMANN is firmly established in the international market, with exports accounting for more than 90% of its total turnover. The company operates a sales network in more than 100 countries, with a local commercial presence in important markets including the U.K., France, Germany, Australia and the U.S. Additionally, it has local production facilities in Greece, Serbia and China. 

Its products range from residential and commercial elevator systems for persons or freight to escalators, moving walks, accessibility solutions, marine lifts and lift components. The company offers a comprehensive range of lift solutions, with rated loads up to 30 mT.

KLEEMANN has successfully completed prestigious projects across the globe that showcase its expertise and versatility. Its lifts have been installed in numerous public and private buildings worldwide, serving various vertical mobility uses in office buildings, airports, stadiums, metro stations, shopping centers, hotels, museums, universities, research centers, theaters, industrial facilities, cruise ships and even oil rigs. With expertise, know-how and a dedication to listening and understanding customer and passenger needs, KLEEMANN provides an array of options to upgrade the installation and ride experience. KLEEMANN’s destination-control system (DCS), for example, increases efficiency in lift operation and reduces wait times in high-traffic buildings. KLEEMANN also provides traffic analysis based on building and project specifications to calculate the exact benefit from DCS.

Another upgrade offered by KLEEMANN is its Hygiene line that includes a series of solutions for a safer cabin environment and extra protection for passengers: antibacterial cabins certified by the Greek Copper Development Institute, air purifiers, touchless and anti-bacterial buttons. With a strong emphasis on ease of installation, KLEEMANN has introduced a scaffold less solution with no requirement for conventional support structures during the installation process and guarantees optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, KLEEMANN is developing an advanced electronic shaft measurement solution that will ensure accuracy by eliminating any potential human errors. By directly digitizing dimensions, this cutting-edge technology provides precise measurements in minimum time.

Experts in Special Projects

KLEEMANN has built a reputation for expertise in special projects by responding quickly, reliably and precisely to any specifications. Its design is versatile enough to meet every prerequisite and overcome any obstacle, limitation or time restriction. KLEEMANN focuses on safety and ensures that any adaptations strictly comply with industry standards and regulations. From a luxurious world-class hotel to a typical family residence, from a public building to a sports venue or from a local school to a complex hospital building, KLEEMANN brings the right solution.

Besides a comprehensive range of standard lifts, KLEEMANN can offer custom-made lift solutions for any type of project. In this way, KLEEMANN helps customers to define their vertical-mobility needs. KLEEMANN’s popular special lift solutions include:

• Anti-vandal lifts (EN 81-71)
• Firefighting lifts (EN 81-72)
• Earthquake-resistant lifts (EN 81-77)
• Heavy load hydraulic or traction lifts
• Special panoramic lifts
• Inclined lifts
• Car lifts (including with a rotating platform)
• Scissor lifts

KLEEMANN’s custom solutions also include a traction MRL lift with a rated load of 6 mT, a double piston indirect acting hydraulic lift with a pit of 100 mm and a round panoramic hydraulic lift.

KLEEMANN Digital Dome

Recognizing the need for rapid evolution and development, KLEEMANN was an early adopter of digital transformation. The company integrated the operation of its elevators into the digital realm by introducing the Lift Tester app to measure ride quality. Additionally, the company launched the KLEEMANN Portal, an application that provides online specs within 5 min and allows for order placement and production of plans within 10 min. The company’s Digital Dome also encompasses a range of other apps, online tools, services and smart functions. By leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) and AI technology, KLEEMANN aims to enhance its range.

In 2019, KLEEMANN’s Electronics R&D department introduced KLEEMANN Genius20, a control panel exclusively designed and manufactured by KLEEMANN, which led to the creation of KLEEMANN Live, an IoT system that enables real-time, 24/7 remote connection between building managers, maintenance teams and KLEEMANN elevators. This innovative solution allows for remote data collection, transmission and analysis from anywhere in the world.

With a dedicated team of R&D engineers from diverse backgrounds, KLEEMANN is focused on optimizing safety, quality and the ride experience for elevator users. In this regard, the company has developed two smart functions that enhance cabin safety: the Passenger Emergency Detection System (PED) and the Information on Safe Environment (ISE). These innovations were awarded the Gold and Silver medals, respectively, in the Innovation & Creativity category at the Manufacturing Excellence Awards of the Greek Industry in 2022. That same year, KLEEMANN presented the KLEEMANN Hub, a centralized digital space that provides B2B customers with access to all KLEEMANN’s digital tools. The KLEEMANN Hub includes KLEEMANN Live, KLEEMANN Portal, KLEEMANN E-shop, KLEEMANN Academy (online elevator training platform) and the KLEEMANN Library (a comprehensive resource containing all technical files, manuals and certificates for an order). This integrated platform streamlines processes and enhances ease-of-use for customers.

KLEEMANN remains committed to staying up to date with market dynamics and anticipating future trends. The company fosters a culture that encourages breakthrough thinking, creativity and dedication to growth and excellence. But, above all, the main goal remains to make all aspects of business easy for its partners. KLEEMANN’s 40th anniversary is more than a tribute to the past; it is a testament to the boundless potential of the future. It marks a significant milestone on the path toward an even more promising future, guided by a vision to rise high.