VERTICAL TAKE-OFF Sales continue to take off at the Kleemann Group as its vertical transport solutions are adopted increasingly by industries worldwide. Kleemann is one of the largest lift companies in Europe. Philip Yorke takes a closer look at the group’s latest products and its ambitious strategy for growth.
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ounded in Kilkis, northern Greece in 1983, KLEEMANN Hellas has achieved a remarkable market share of 72 per cent nationally and is a major player in other key markets worldwide, generating a turnover of about €100 million in 2013. KLEEMANN has subsidiaries and sales offices in 13 countries: Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Romania, China, United Kingdom, Russia, Poland, United Arab Emirates, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and France. The company exports its lifts to 98 countries worldwide through its offices and authorised partners as well as through its network of dedicated sales agents. Whilst the company’s main production facilities are based in Kikis, Greece, it also operates state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in China and Serbia. The company’s continuous investment programme is also designed to cover the increasing demands of the industry and meet all its projected growth figures.
Focus on complete solutions Today, KLEEMANN Group is mainly focused on the manufacture of complete vertical transportation systems and solutions for both residential and commercial applications. The company’s R&D department is staffed by highly qualified engineers that combine innovation with in-depth expertise to develop world-class solutions. The company’s commercial manager, International Sales Mr G. Moschovakis said, “Our vision is to be the first choice in lifts in all markets where we are conducting business. Consequently our aim is to expand our share in all lift markets worldwide. Therefore, we have a strategic plan including many investments around the world, like the recent inauguration of the sales offices in Azerbaijan and France. In addition, we have recently completed a new logistics centre of over 7000 square metres in Turkey to further enhance our overall range of customer services. We would like Turkey to lead our expansion in central Asia. Our ambition is to become the sector’s No.1 brand when it comes to design. After our successful cooperation with the famous industrial designer, Mr Andreas Zapatinas, we have made the decision to further extend our relationship. Our target is to introduce completely different and unique solutions that make a statement in our sector and the design world.”
In order to be able to test its new technologies and innovations, KLEEMANN has invested over 5 million euros in a high-rise, high-speed 61-metre lift testing tower.
New markets The KLEEMANN Group plans to grow mainly through organic expansion by taking one step at a time to achieve its goals. KLEEMANN has achieved impressive growth rates by improving its offerings to its existing networks as well as through its entry into new markets. Today the company’s exports account for 85 per cent of the group’s turnover and this percentage is expected to increase in the years ahead. The company’s enviable examples of design efficiency and reliability around the world serve as strong proof that it has the technological background and know-how, as well as the versatility to produce cuttingedge solutions for every industrial sector. KLEEMANN’s newest production facility is located in China from where it expects to rapidly expand its market share in the northeast Asia and the Oceania markets. China accounts for approximately 60 per cent of the annual global demand for new installations which demonstrates the potential of the Chinese market alone. Furthermore, KLEEMANN has also been experiencing
