The elevator supplier TK Elevator (TKE) opened its new “Product Competence Center” in Esslingen, Baden-Württemberg, on 18 September. On 33,000 square meters, research and development are consolidated with the production of modern elevator technology, announced by TKE. From the fully digitized logistics center, Central and Northern Europe will be supplied with spare parts in the future.
The center in Esslingen brings together research, development and production under one roof. On the production floor, the digitally native “EOX” elevator platform is manufactured;
at the same time, innovations for high-rise elevators and the further development of gearless elevators with modern rope technology are being developed. The center also consolidates the expertise in traction drives, a key technology for smooth elevator operation worldwide. The integrated 20-meter-high test shafts enable, according to TKE, testing of new products under real conditions. The integrated training center offers hands-on training for up to 30 young employees at TKE and partner companies.
The new site also houses a fully digital
spare-parts warehouse occupying 5,700 square meters. Esslingen thus becomes the central hub for Central and Northern Europe and will soon support the maintenance of around 250,000 elevator and escalator installations. Cloud-based warehouse processes and AI integration with digital maintenance tools enable, according to the company, predictive maintenance and minimize downtime. Through “Smart Delivery,” service technicians receive spare parts directly into the vehicle or at personal delivery points, which should enable fast repairs on the first visit with an over 80 percent
success rate. The supply chain is shortened by up to 30 percent, allowing customers to be served much faster.
Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for the Economy, Labour and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg, praises the new technology centre:
“Here on the former production site of Eberspächer, a new technology location for the mobility of tomorrow has emerged. The construction of the state-of-the-art competence center is an important sign for the entire region and shows: Baden-Württemberg is and remains an important development and production
