INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH: KLEEMANN LIFTS

40 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS GROWTH AND SUCCESS IN THE VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY

Igor Simonović, General Manager of KLEEMANN Lifts

I've had the privilege of being part of KLEEMANN Liftovi since its inception in Serbia when the company was solely engaged in trading, importing, and selling complete elevators from our parent company in Greece. Over the years, I've witnessed and contributed to the remarkable growth and development of the company. As a sales manager, alongside the management team at the time, we achieved market leadership in Serbia, fostering strong partnerships with 40 elevator companies in our region. This has allowed us to maintain the highest market share in Serbia to this day. Our strong partnerships and unique serial production, initiated in 2012, have played a significant role in growing our annual turnover to nearly 20 million euros.

KLEEMANN is a Greek multinational Group which successfully operates in Serbia since 2005, while its sales network operates in over 100 countries. Can you tell us more about your local production facilities and the international commercial presence?

KLEEMANN is a Greek multinational Group that has been operating successfully in Serbia since 2005, with its manufacturing facilities located in Šimanovci. These facilities represent a unique hub for serial elevator production in Serbia and the region, boasting a local production capacity of 1000 elevator units annually. We primarily serve the region encompassing the former Yugoslav countries, but we also have a presence in the markets of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Ukraine. In addition to manufacturing complete elevators, one of our main focuses is the sale of elevator spare parts and the production of electrical packages for modernization. We distribute these products not only in the regional markets but also in Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and Sweden, with plans to expand into the Austrian and German markets. As a company, we take immense pride in the successful projects we have completed in Serbia, collaborating with major international construction companies, including the International Airport Nikola Tesla with 40 units, the University Clinical Center with 36 units, and many others.

You are part of Kleeman Lifts business operations since its establishment in Serbia and recently you have been appointed as a General Director. How did KLEEMANN Lifts develop during this period? What do you consider to be the biggest challenges and success during this period?

What is your approach to market competition and what would you highlight as the main advantage of the KLEEMANN brand?

KLEEMANN stands out in the industry due to our manufacturing facility that produces over 12 different elevator products with load capacities ranging from 100 kg to 20 tons for vertical transportation. What sets us apart is our ability to tailor our production to meet the specific needs of all of our customers, including large multinational companies when their product requirements are not met by others in the market. Notably, we provide high-capacity elevators, car elevators, and elevators for various industrial facilities, including Toyo Tires, Trayal, Henkel, Thermal Power Plant Kostolac, Stanari in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Hydroelectric Power Plant Piva in Montenegro.

Urbanization and population growth stimulate the construction industry, resulting in increased demand for elevators. What are the latest trends in elevator industry related to the support provided to circular economy and which ones are you implementing in your business?

Urbanization and population growth are driving forces behind the construction industry, leading to increased elevator demand. Our company has always been committed to staying abreast of the latest developments that contribute to reducing the use of natural resources, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving the environment. Our Green Lift line, incorporating smart technologies, significantly reduces energy consumption. Our products embody the core values of our company, which include safety, care for people, trust, and a breakthrough culture. These values extend not only to our employees but also to our partners, clients, suppliers, and the environment in which we operate, making our products both safe and energy efficient.

What are your plans for future business development in the coming years?

Our vision for future business development in the coming years revolves around elevators evolving from mere transportation devices into holistic user experiences, serving as advertising platforms and potential business development hubs. Through advanced technologies such as IoT, WiFi, and wireless access to elevators, we aim to further enhance and enrich the experiences of our users.

This year the Hellenic Businesses Association of Serbia celebrates its 20th anniversary, and at the same time,KLEEMANN Lifts marks 17 years since joining the Association. What does the Association represent for you and, as an active member of the HBA, are you satisfied with its work?

In the year that Hellenic Businesses Association of Serbia celebrates its 20th anniversary, KLEEMANN marks 40 years from its establishment. The Association holds great significance for us, as it represents a platform for bringing Serbian and Greek markets closer together, uniting companies from various sectors, and fostering a conducive environment for mutual collaboration. Beyond business ties, we genuinely feel like part of a family within the Association, which always provides tremendous support to its members. I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Association for our fruitful collaboration thus far and extend our heartfelt congratulations on this significant milestone.