60 seconds with…Andrew Thackray, Managing Director KLEEMANN UK GROUP, KLEEMANN

Tell us about your business, when was it formed and what do you do?

KLEEMANN was founded in Greece in 1983 and built a reputation for product and delivery excellence across Europe and global markets. KLEEMANN offers a broad range of lifts for residential and commercial use, lifting systems, escalators & moving walks, marine and special lifts. Exporting to the UK since the 1990s, with KLEEMANN Lifts UK established in 2011, KLEEMANN enters a new exciting era, now providing a full suite of supply, installation, service & modernisation solutions to the local market.

Who are your customers? Which markets do you serve?

Our customers span the world, including lift installation companies, construction companies, developers, consultants, architects and building owners.

Our international sales correspond to over 90% of our total turnover. Our sales network operates in over 100 countries, with local commercial presence in important markets including the UK, France, Germany, Australia, USA, and with local production facilities in Greece, Serbia and China.

How many times have you been to LIFTEX?

This is the 4th time we are participating in Liftex Expo as exhibitors, but we have attended Liftex for many years, leveraging the opportunities to network and to discover new opportunities to enhance our market offering.

What are the main issues that your customers deal with and how do you help them?

Our customers seek smart solutions for new and existing buildings, with a consistent focus on energy efficiency, reliable performance, versatile engineering and total cost of ownership reduction. We make high-performing lifts for any building and for any requirements including eco-conscious technologies, bespoke design and optimal performance. We offer open and flexible engineering solutions, including modernisation packages compatible with non-KLEEMANN controllers.

Are there any issues that specifiers, contractors / owners should be aware of in the next 12 months?

The EN ISO 8100-1/2 will mark a new era in the industry. Specifiers and contractors will need to start planning for compliance early in the project lifecycle. Alongside this, the updated Social Value Act mandates public projects to consider wider social impact. In this landscape, success will depend on embracing standards, delivering social value, and leveraging innovation. Kleemann is ready to support its customers with solutions to address such emerging industry, legislative, societal obligations.

How can we, as an industry, help designers and building owners to become more energy efficient and meet Net Zero targets?

Our products feature energy-saving technologies such as standby modes, LED lighting, and optional regenerative drives, achieving up to 40% energy savings compared to traditional lifts. Additionally, our newly launched CITY series features eco-friendly materials contributing to sustainable building practices. By integrating these and many more characteristics and new technologies, we empower designers and building owners to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact effectively.

What will you be promoting / what can visitors expect to see on your stand?

At Liftex we will present the CITY series, our next generation of new MRL Lifts. We will also focus on Modernisation and lift service upgrade solutions, including our modernisation packages, the Genius 20 controller and our IoT system, KLEEMANN Live. Our stand will also showcase our commitment to new technologies that inspire creativity and upgrade the end—user experience, such as the 360 Cabins Stand, VR Tour to KLEEMANN premises and AI Lifts tools.

What advice would you give to anyone visiting the show? What should they look for and how can they get the most from their visit?

Stay curious and embrace fresh ideas! This show is a great chance to network with industry leaders, explore the latest trends, and discover solutions that can enhance your everyday work. Take time to engage with exhibitors, attend key talks, and seek out new technologies that could give you a competitive edge. Make the most of it!