KONE’s Elevating Commitment: Customized, Safe, and Innovative Solutions for India’s Dynamic Market
- India is a diverse market with varying infrastructure needs. How does KONE adapt its technological solutions to cater to the unique demands of different regions and urban settings across the country?
In India we celebrate diversity including culture, language, geography, and economic development, and that’s why we have diverse markets. This diversity presents both opportunities and challenges for operating in India. To accelerate innovation and co-creation, we welcome fresh competences and views from outside our industry. Together, we make KONE a great place to work and cities better places to live.
We often customize our solutions to meet specific market needs. In India, where infrastructure requirements can vary significantly between regions and urban settings, customization is essential. This involves adjusting the design, capacity, or features of elevators and escalators to suit local preferences and building requirements.
For instance, we have introduced all new and exciting designs in our I series to meet the evolving aesthetic demands of the industry and Indian needs. The Vaastu-inspired five elements design theme has been replenished with several captivating material finishes and imaginative designs to offer patterns and combinations to offer magnificent design, improved comfort and increased eco-efficiency.
- The Indian government has been actively promoting initiatives like “Make in India.” Could you elaborate on KONE’s manufacturing and localization strategies in India and how they align with such government initiatives?
KONE has aligned with India’s “Make in India” initiative by establishing a robust local manufacturing presence. We’ve invested in state-of-the-art production facility near Chennai, emphasizing localization of components and assembly. This not only ensures compliance with government regulations but also reduces costs and delivery times.
The Factory consists of three manufacturing units: Car Factory and Door Factory units where the elevator components are manufactured, and Electrification Factory where Controller & Signalization components are manufactured. Our commitment to skill development and job creation further aligns with the initiative’s objectives. By prioritizing local manufacturing, KONE contributes to India’s economic growth, technology transfer, and self-reliance goals, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership with the Indian government.
- How has KONE leveraged technological advancements in the elevator and escalator industry to enhance safety and efficiency for customers in the Indian market? Can you provide specific examples?
Safety is a fundamental concern in the elevators and escalators industry due to the potential risks to human life, legal requirements, and the industry’s role in facilitating efficient urban mobility. We took the initiative to prioritize the safety & security of the users by introducing many cutting-edge technologies like KONE Access. It’s a scalable and flexible access control system that is seamlessly integrated with the elevator system and building doors. The solution combines user interface devices, system hardware, and access control management software, ultimately providing user-friendly experience along with the security.
Other such technologies are KONE E-Link that can monitor all elevators and escalators from a single location for a real-time overview of equipment status, demand, traffic performance, and availability. Apart from these, KONE 24/7 Connected Services is another brilliant safety feature. KONE 24/7 Connected Services provides valuable information on upcoming maintenance needs and identifies any potential issues before they cause problems. The service is available from the building handover phase to ensure everything goes smoothly, giving a clear overview of equipment status and allowing our customers to take advantage of preventive maintenance services right from the earliest stages of its life cycle.
- India is known for its dynamic and competitive business landscape. What strategies has KONE adopted to establish and maintain a strong market presence and competitive edge in the elevator and escalator industry?
Being a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, KONE has employed several strategies to establish and maintain a strong market presence in India’s competitive business landscape especially through its R&D centers which support the latest technology and development of future KONE solutions. Firstly, we’ve focused on innovation, introducing cutting-edge elevator and escalator technologies to meet the country’s growing urbanization needs. Secondly, we have always tried to customize our products as per the needs of the Indian market. Thirdly, the brand has invested in a robust service network, ensuring prompt maintenance and customer support. Further, KONE has built a strong relationship with local partners and suppliers, fostering a deep understanding of the Indian market, with sustainability initiatives such as energy-efficient solutions enhancing our reputation.
Lastly, our commitment to safety and compliance with local regulations has earned them trust among clients and authorities. These strategies have collectively helped KONE to thrive in India’s dynamic market, making India the South-East Asia’s largest & smartest elevator manufacturing hub.
- How do you see the elevator industry evolving in India?
The elevator industry in India is set to undergo a transformative evolution. We envision a future where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront. We will continue to lead the way in energy-efficient, smart, and eco-friendly elevator solutions to meet the demands of India’s rapidly growing urban landscape. Our commitment to safety will remain unwavering, with advanced technologies and stringent compliance. Furthermore, KONE will focus on customizing elevator designs to align with India’s unique architectural diversity. As we move forward, our aim is to provide seamless urban mobility, making cities more livable and efficient through cutting-edge elevator solutions.
