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History

TKE LAUNCHES UNIVERSAL SERVICE
Universal Service by TK Elevator, an industry-leading support platform, brings flexible (any brand) and comprehensive elevator service coverage with prompt assistance anywhere in the world.
TKE UNVEILS AGILE DESTINATION CONTROLS TERMINAL DESIGN; LAUNCHES MAX HOME
Our next-generation AGILE Destination Controls terminal showcases our technical expertise, design capabilities, and dedication to customer-centric service with a simple, intuitive display that maximizes convenience while seamlessly integrating with modern building aesthetics.

Our MAX HOME cloud-based solution for predictive maintenance of stairlifts provides maximum peace of mind for users and their loved ones with real-time notifications and diagnostics that ensure maintenance is performed when required, helping to maximize stairlift availability.

TK ELEVATOR LAUNCHES EOX
TK Elevator introduces the new EOX, an elevator with a digital core which delivers improved energy efficiency and enhanced user experiences. While both, sustainability and cutting-edge digital features have been a standard for mobility solutions for mid and high-rise buildings, EOX represents a move to bring these benefits directly to the architects, owners and passengers of smaller residential buildings, which are essential to the continually expanding urban landscape.
TK ELEVATOR RECEIVES GOLD STATUS IN ECOVADIS SUSTAINABILITY RATING
TK Elevator achieves Gold rating in first-time assessment by sustainability rating agency EcoVadis. This places TK Elevator in the top 5% of all companies in EcoVadis’ current rating. EcoVadis recognizes the company's continuous efforts to drive sustainability along the entire value chain.
TK ELEVATOR LAUNCHES APRONVISION
TK Elevator introduces ApronVision, the latest advancement in fully automated and integrated Apron Operations Systems. ApronVision moves beyond current advanced visual docking guidance systems by enabling full automation and digitalization to the apron. It ensures maximum safety and efficiency with highest turnaround performance, integration with bridge automation technologies and real-time data of the apron.
TK ELEVATOR PUBLISHES FIRST SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
TK Elevator presents its first sustainability report in accordance with the leading sustainability reporting standard Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). To reinforce its net zero commitment, TK Elevator also introduces new, ambitious emission reduction targets which have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
UDAY YADAV APPOINTED NEW CEO OF TK ELEVATOR
Uday Yadav is being appointed as CEO of TK Elevator. After former CEO Peter Walker has decided to step down from the position to retire after over 25 years of service at the company, and to relocate to his homeland Australia, Yadav takes over to drive the transformation and further growth of TK Elevator.
TK ELEVATOR OPENS NEW NORTH AMERICA HEADQUARTERS
With a new administration and technology center, TK Elevator invests around USD 200 million in its North American Research and Development capabilities and thus in the expansion of its market and innovation leadership. Cornerstone of the new North American headquarters in Atlanta (Georgia), U.S., is an Innovation and Qualification Center that includes a state-of-the-art elevator test tower.
TK ELEVATOR TAKES FIRST PLACE IN ESG RATING BY SUSTAINALYTICS
TK Elevator tops the global Sustainalytics ESG ranking in the field of machinery industry. In this category, the internationally renowned rating agency analysed over 500 organizations across the globe, awarding TK Elevator with a “Low Risk” rating.
TK Elevator commits to global net-zero target
In May 2021 the company sets science-based emissions targets across its entire value chain and signs up to the “Race to Zero”. By doing so, TK Elevator supports the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C” campaign and commits to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
TK Elevator signs UN Global Compact
In March TK Elevator signs the UN Global Compact, a United Nations initiative to prevent human rights and labor rights violations, combat corruption, and promote a more sustainable future. As a signatory, TK Elevator commits to aligning all its activities and business practices with the ten official UN principles. The goals set out in these principles are identical to those in the company’s own Code of Conduct.
thyssenkrupp Elevator is now TK Elevator and launches its new brand TKE
An important step in the repositioning as an independent company: thyssenkrupp Elevator is changing its name to become TK Elevator. In February 2021, the company launched its new global brand TKE and a modern corporate design that sets an innovative tone in the industry.
Thyssenkrupp Elevator recognized for leadership in sustainability
In December 2020 the global non-profit organization CDP places thyssenkrupp Elevator on its prestigious “A List” in recognition of the company’s actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks, and create a system aimed at eliminating CO2 emissions in the long term.
TK Elevator to enter a new era as an independent company
The successfully completed acquisition by Advent International (“Advent”) and Cinven marks a new chapter in the company`s history. Together with the new owners as strategic and financial partners, TK Elevator will be able to continue with its ambitious plans to further expand its strong market positioning and technology leadership.
Beyond the pandemic: forward-looking technologies for more comfortable and secure mobility experience
With a focus on hygiene, touchless use of elevator panels and social distancing, these solutions will pave the way for further innovations in the mobility industry.
TK Elevator launches global smart spare parts strategy
The new state-of-the-art warehouse in Madrid marks the beginning of this strategy. It reduces waiting times for elevator spare parts by 20% and saves 10% of travel by service technicians. The initiative includes a sustainability plan for recycling, emissions reduction and protection of the environment.
Launch of robotics interface platform
The state-of-the-art interface allows robots to move freely regardless of building size or height and reinforces the commitment to creating smarter building transportation solutions through advanced engineering.
Remote Control Systems for PBBs presented at inter airport Europe 2019
Airport Solutions presents its latest innovation, the Remote Control System, which allows passenger boarding bridges to be safely controlled by an operator at a remote post.
Two new elevator product lines for low- and mid-rise buildings in Europe
Both product families ‘synergy’ and ‘evolution’ save energy and provide maximum space to improve urban mobility by delivering customized mobility solutions.
HoloLinc roll out
TK Elevator rolls out the world’s first Industry 4.0 solution to transform measurement and delivery in the stairlift industry. The process between measurement and delivery is four times quicker with the special digital toolkit including mixed-reality technology and Microsoft HoloLens.
Launch of VR Showrooms
TK Elevator launches virtual reality showrooms across Asia and the Middle East where visitors can experience the future of urban mobility. Instead of looking at brochures, visitors can literally immerse in the new MULTI and TWIN-technology to experience the new transport solutions from the inside out.
Multiple awards for MULTI
The innovative elevator system MULTI has collected several awards such as the “Industrial Manufacturing Excellence - Innovative Product Award in China” and the “Innovative Star of Energy Efficiency” awarded by the Alliance to Save Energy.
AGILE – Launch
Thanks to AGILE, passengers from TK Elevator can reach their destination faster, as building managers can group people more efficiently and allocate them to the elevators designated by floors. Passenger flows can be adjusted in real time and touchscreens as also dial-up terminals can be perfectly personalized.
Test tower: landmark of progress and innovation
TK Elevator opens Germany's highest observation deck at 232m on its test tower in Rottweil. The test tower is now full in operation.
HoloLinc: Fully-digitalized order process and enhanced customer experience
TK Elevator introduces the new HoloLinc process, which enables customers to view the stairlift solution in their own homes and get their customized solution up to 4x faster.
Here comes the future: MULTI - Launch
TK Elevator presents the first fully functional unit of the MULTI, the world’s first ropeless and horizontal moving Elevator, in the test tower in Rottweil.
New factory opened in Pune
The new plant in Pune, India, TK Elevator bundles local production and engineering skills in order to respond to specific customer needs. The aim is to promote intelligent and efficient urban mobility.
100,000 and counting
With some 100,000 escalators and moving walks installed worldwide, we’re helping improve urban mobility in cities everywhere, today and tomorrow.
Game-changing elevator service
We launch MAX, the elevator industry’s first real-time, cloud-based predictive maintenance service solution.
A new era of mobility in buildings
We present the MULTI concept, the world's first rope-free elevator.
Fostering urban mobility
We launch ACCEL, a new transportation system that helps alleviate traffic congestion at metro stations and airports.
First pitless moving walk
We launch iwalk, a radical new engineering approach to moving walks. A pitless modular concept addresses most conventional design restrictions and offers new possibilities for architects and owners alike.
Investment for the future
We open a new elevator plant in Madrid, Spain.
Moving people at One World Trade Center
TK Elevator supplies elevators and escalators for One World Trade Center in New York City, U.S., among them the fastest elevators in the western hemisphere.
Investing in innovation
We launch our most advanced real-scale prototyping laboratory, the TK Elevator Innovation Center in Gijón, Spain.
Most modern production site in China
We inaugurate the most modern production site in China for escalators and passenger boarding bridges in Zhongshan.
World-class in-house training
Seed campus, our first elevator in-house training center, opens in Madrid, Spain. Today our global training network consists of 12 locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. This network enables our technicians to keep pace with current and future requirements.
Boarding the largest aircraft
TK Elevator supplies its first passenger boarding bridges for the Airbus A380.
Expansion in Asia Pacific
A joint venture with Dongyang Elevator, South Korea, positions us for further expansion in the Asia Pacific region and leads to the establishment of a dedicated business unit in the region in 2003.
The TWIN revolution
We install the world’s first elevator with two independent cabins in one shaft at the University of Stuttgart.
Major acquisition in South America
The acquisition of Kone operations in South America increases our impact in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
World’s longest escalator
At 100 meters long and a 30% slope, we deliver what was then the world’s longest escalator at the Namesti Miru subway station in Prague.
Major acquisition in North America
Acquiring Dover Elevators in the U.S and Canada makes us the world’s third largest elevator manufacturer.
Starting up in Asia Pacific
The launch of thyssenkrupp Elevator China and a dedicated elevator and escalator factory in Zhongshan, China, marks our entry into the Asia Pacific region.
New factory in Spain
As thyssenkrupp Elevator grows, production capacities expand and a new escalator factory starts up in northern Spain.
Entering the home solutions market
The acquisition of the Dutch chairlift manufacturer De Reus signals the start of our Home Solutions business.
Across the Atlantic
The leap across the Atlantic takes place in 1986 with the acquisition of a stake in Northern Elevator Holdings Ltd. in Toronto. With a foothold in Canada, the U.S. market gradually begins to open up.
Expansion in Europe
The most important acquisition in Germany is the takeover of M.A.N.-Aufzugbau in 1984. It marks the start of our expansion in Europe. The focus in subsequent years is on internationalization.
Our beginnings
Our elevator and escalator business dates back to the 1860s and 1880s when our predecessor companies were founded in Hamburg and Stuttgart, Germany. They develop and install the first vertical conveyor for people called Paternoster in 1890 and Germany’s first escalator in 1906. In the 1950s, former Thyssen Industrie acquires a stake in these companies.

After 1970, the acquisition of several smaller elevator manufacturers in Germany and Western Europe, combined with the construction of an elevator factory in Neuhausen near Stuttgart, leads to major developments in elevators and escalators.

For further information on the history of thyssenkrupp AG please see here:

thyssenkrupp AG

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