Schindler to expand its presence in Chinese market

Schindler Group plans to continue expanding its branch network in China as the country's economy is substantially opening up, according to executives of the global manufacturer of elevators and escalators.

The Swiss company has built a reputation for safety and good quality in the past three decades, and will continue to provide cutting-edge technologies and excellent services to China for the long run, said Group CEO Thomas Oetterli.

The company highlighted its new technology solution called Schindler Ahead at the China International Import Expo earlier this month. It captures real-time data and uses big data analysis and artificial intelligence to predict maintenance needs.

Oetterli said the Schindler Ahead solution enables clients to detect a potential equipment failure in advance and interact with customers to enhance their experience.

"With the CIIE, the Chinese government has showcased its determination to import more into the market. I foresee that future government policies will encourage us to continue investing and will make it easier to conduct business," said Daryoush Ziai, CEO of Schindler China.

Ziai cited a recent World Bank report, in which China had risen up the rankings for ease of doing business.

Schindler Group established its first industrial joint venture in the Chinese mainland in 1980, two years after China announced the reform and opening-up policy. Its landmark projects in China include those in the Shanghai Tower, the 2010 Expo China Pavilion, China World Trade Center Tower 3 and the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest.

Oetterli said that over the past three decades, the country has been transitioning toward a more service-oriented model.

"In the past, almost 100 percent of our research and development sources were in Switzerland. Today our R&D resources in China are bigger than other Schindler R&D centers around the world," he said.