Schindler Liften is one of the largest, or perhaps the largest elevator manufacturer in the Netherlands. The company is renewing its product offering, making the product range more compatible and more optimally suited to customer needs.
"By 2030, 60% of the world's population will live in urban areas," says product manager Maarten Bijl. "That means more high-rise buildings will be needed. In addition, the world's population is getting older." So the need for vertical mobility will only continue to grow.
The fact that Schindler operates worldwide creates challenges. Bijl: "Demand differs worldwide. In some countries people build much higher than in the Netherlands. That requires a different type of elevator. Standards and legislation also differ. That is why it is a big challenge to use standard models worldwide. We have therefore worked on a smart modular program. Depending on the needs, this allows the right elevators to be put together."
Since the beginning of this year, Schindler Elevators has presented a series of elevators that are used all over the world, the Schindler 1000, 3000 and 5000. "These provide high standard quality and flexibility. It has become simpler in a good way."
The Schindler 1000 is the entry-level model, while the Schindler 3000 replaces the Schindler 3300, according to Bijl. "The new model has a clear advantage: namely, the previous type could lift a maximum of 1125 kg. With the 3000, this is 1350 kg. This can just make a big difference when, for example, a bed needs to be able to go into the elevator. Previously, the customer would then immediately have to rely on a more expensive elevator, but now he can stay in the middle segment."
According to Bijl, the models in the new product line are also more compatible with each other. "The same controller is used in all types, which means they can be linked together. Previously this was not the case and a customer had to necessarily choose the same types in order to use them connected." Besides the fact that the elevators are technically linkable, one can also choose the same finish. Down to the push buttons, the elevators then match each other."
Bijl explains that the structure in the range is now more logical. "This one is more gradual. In the past, customers often had to choose a 'higher' model earlier. Now more is possible, especially in the middle segment. The customer can first technically upgrade the existing model before choosing another type. The jumps have become smaller."
One example is that the Schindler 3000 can also be equipped as a Firefighter elevator. "Previously, this was only the case with the 5000 (then 5500), so customers were sometimes obliged to choose this model, even though it was unnecessary in other areas. This offers significant advantages for them."
All new elevators also have regenerative drives and drive motors with permanent magnets as standard, which are more efficient and therefore more energy efficient. Of course, all models are digitally connected for all kinds of smart applications. Not as an extra, but standard.