TKE Opens Elevator Technology Center in Germany

TK Elevator (TKE), a global leader in vertical transportation and urban mobility, has opened its new “Product Competence Center” in Esslingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Spanning 33,000 m², the center brings together R&D with the production of cutting-edge elevator technology. The eco-efficient, natively digital EOX elevator platform is manufactured on-site and innovations for TKE’s high-rise elevators and the advancement of gearless elevators using the latest belt technology are being developed at the center. The center is also a hub for TKE’s expertise in traction drives. Integrated 20-m-high test shafts allow newly developed products to be immediately tested in real-world conditions. In addition, the integrated apprentice workshop provides space for up to 30 people to receive practical training. In addition, the new site in Esslingen houses a fully digitalized spare parts warehouse for the service business, covering 5,700 m², making Esslingen the central hub for Central and Northern Europe, soon supporting the maintenance of approximately 250,000 elevator and escalator systems within TKE’s service network. Cloud-based warehouse processes and AI integration with digital maintenance tools enable predictive maintenance and minimize downtime. Through “Smart Delivery,” service technicians receive the right spare parts in advance — either directly to their vehicles or personal delivery points — enabling fast repairs on the first visit with a success rate of over 80%, and the supply chain is shortened by up to 30%.