Otis Elevator Company

ABOUT US

Otis is the world’s largest manufacturer of elevators, escalators and moving walkways. For architects and contractors, developers and homeowners, Otis is the world’s leading people mover.

While we manufacture, install, modernize and maintain elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, the heart of our business is problem solving. Whether a customer needs a sophisticated elevator system for the tallest building in the world or a simple lift for a two-story home, we are dedicated to providing the safest, most reliable solutions possible.

Otis is part of United Technologies Corporation – a multinational corporation focused on technology, with aerospace and building technologies. Otis now forms part of the new UTC division - UTC Building and Industrial Systems. UTC Building & Industrial Systems was created as a strategic platform for growth in the building and industrial segment, and incorporates iconic brands like Otis, Chubb, and Carrier. Otis South Africa reports into the EMEA division of UTC BIS.

Otis at a Glance

People

Approximately 64,000 employees, with 55,000 outside the United States

Revenue

US $12.9 billion in 2008, of which 80 percent was generated outside the United States

Installed Base

Approximately 2.2 million OTIS elevators and escalators in operation worldwide

Service Base

1.6 million elevators and escalators serviced worldwide

Countries

Products offered in more than 200 countries and territories

Manufacturing

Major manufacturing facilities in the Americas, Europe and Asia

Engineering and Test Centers

United Technologies Research Center in East Hartford, Conn., the research and development branch of United Technologies Corporation

Engineering facilities in China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Spain,the United States, Austria, Brazil, India and Italy.

The Company’s two tallest elevator test towers are located in Shibayama, Japan (505 feet or 154 meters above ground; 89 feet or 27 meters below ground) and Bristol, Conn., United States (384 feet or 117 meters above ground)

OUR VISION

We intend to be the recognized leader in service excellence among all companies—not just elevator companies—worldwide. We will inspire our customers’ total confidence through exceptional service that earns us 100 percent of their business, 100 percent of the time.

OUR VALUES—PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE OUR WORK BEHAVIOR

By embodying these values and doing many small things right every day, we deliver for our customers.

People

We believe the most important assets of the Otis Elevator Company go home at the end of every workday.

Safety

Millions of people around the world use Otis elevators and escalators every day without giving safety a second thought. For us, that’s success. We understand that the safe way is the only way.

Quality

For more than 150 years, quality has made Otis the most trusted name in the industry.

Integrity

We must do the right thing every time, and run our business to the letter and spirit of the law. By acting ethically and honorably, we win the loyalty of our customers.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Service Excellence is more than what we provide, it’s how we think and act. It’s not just “fixing a problem” or performing routine maintenance, it’s the “smile” in the voice on the phone, the prompt response to a request and the drive to always improve. It’s how we work with one another and how we work with our customers and the riding public.

Every Otis employee is expected to practice Service Excellence every day, following this 12-point roadmap.

Our vision of making Otis the leader in service excellence must be evident in the actions of every Otis professional worldwide. Likewise, every employee is an ambassador of Otis who must help us achieve our mission of being first in service, first in products and first in performance. Our employees are the Otis brand—the embodiment of the values we share.

SAFETY FOR ALL

Safety and reliability have been Otis’ foremost concerns since our company’s earliest days. Today, Otis has one of the best safety records in the vertical transportation industry. We work constantly to improve the safety of existing products and develop safer technologies for new products. Otis emphasizes a corporate policy of “safety first” and implements standardized procedures to ensure that every installation and service task is performed the safest way, every time.

OTIS HISTORY

Otis has changed the shape of the world. From humble beginnings in Yonkers, New York, to the worldwide industry leader it is today, Otis’ long history is a testament to safety, service and performance.

Perched on a hoisting platform high above the crowd at New York’s Crystal Palace, a pragmatic mechanic shocked the crowd when he dramatically cut the only rope suspending the platform on which he was standing. The platform dropped a few inches, but then came to a stop. His revolutionary new safety brake had worked, stopping the platform from crashing to the ground. “All safe, gentlemen!” the man proclaimed.

The man riding the hoist was Elisha Graves Otis, the founder and namesake of our company. With his safety brake, Otis literally started the elevator industry. His invention enabled buildings – and architects’ imaginations – to climb ever skyward, giving a new and bolder shape to the modern urban skyline.

Mr. Otis sold his first safe elevators in 1853. Today, more than a century and a half later, Otis still stands as the world’s leading elevator company, with more than 60,000 employees serving customers in nearly every country on earth. Thanks to their dedication, you can ride Otis equipment with confidence, knowing that it represents more than 150 years of experience in both safety and quality.

OTIS IN THE COMMUNITY

We believe in giving back. At Otis, workplace giving is a personal, individual commitment made by thousands of our employees around the globe. Through their hands and hearts, Otis people make a difference every day in their communities and in the lives of many of their neighbors.

OTIS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Leading the way to a greener future. We’ve taken our commitment to the environment and sustainable development to the next level. That means not only engineering products to be more energy efficient, but also manufacturing them in a way that’s kinder to the environment. It means continuing to “think and act green” after installation by offering maintenance and other services that help our customers save energy.

SERVICES

Otis lifts continue to set standards for ride quality and performance in every application.

Our unrivalled experience and expertise ensure that our products remain at the forefront of the industry, a position we have maintained for over 150 years.

Elevators Tailored To Your Specific Project

Otis offers a comprehesive line of elevator choices designed to meet the vertical transportation needs of every type and design. Whether you need a low-rise hydraulic elevator or energy efficient machine-roomless elevator, Otis supplies an array of elevators to meet your project's needs.

Selecting the Right Elevator

Selecting the right elevator for your project begins with knowing the needs of your building. Please click on the product icon below that best suits your needs.

Escalators & Moving Walkways

Our pioneering escalator technology and efficient, reliable moving walkways make travel safe and smooth. From airports to shopping centres and transit systems, Otis offers an array of product options for both public and commercial applications.

Services

Service comes first at Otis. We take pride in delivering prompt, professional service, the maximum level of equipment availability for riders and building owners and proactive communications to our customers. Our offerings make use of the latest technologies as well as the deep knowledge, experience and skills of our people.

Modernisation

Enjoy the benefits of a new elevator without the expense. Modernisation makes an elevator safer, more efficient and more attractive. As a result, the building itself gains a more modern image and inherently more value. The riders’ experience improves as well, through reduced waiting time, better comfort and improved reliability — all leading to increased confidence and greater peace of mind.