150 years Schindler
A fascinating story …
Born out of a small workshop in Lucerne in 1874, we’ve spent the last 150 years moving up in the world – quite literally. From manufacturing heavy machinery in Switzerland to becoming a global powerhouse in elevators, escalators, and moving walks, we’ve not just kept up with the times – we’ve helped define what it means to be a sustainable urban mobility provider and a global employer of choice.
1874
Robert Schindler and Eduard Villiger establish the collective joint partnership: Schindler & Villiger.
1883
They move to the newly built plant at Sentimattstrasse in Lucerne, Switzerland.
1892
The first electric elevator with belt drive is built.
1901
Robert Schindler sells the company to his nephew Alfred Schindler.
1906
Schindler & Cie. o.H.G, the first subsidiary outside of Switzerland, is established in Berlin, Germany.
1915
Schindler starts production of elevator motors.
1936
The first escalator installation by Schindler is completed in Basel, Switzerland.
1937
Schindler opens its first subsidiary and production facility outside Europe – in Brazil.
Following the death of Alfred Schindler, his son, Alfred F. Schindler, takes over the management of the company.
1952
Schindler launches the Directronic drive.
1957
The company transfers to new headquarters in Ebikon, Switzerland.
1965
The Dynatron drive is launched.
1970
The establishment of Schindler Holding AG.
1971
Listing on the Swiss Stock Exchange.
1974
Joint venture with Jardine Matheson & Co. Ltd. in Hong Kong.
1980
First industrial joint venture of the People’s Republic of China with a Western company. China Schindler Elevator Co. is established in Beijing.
1981
Schindler Group establishes a subsidiary in Australia.
1985
Alfred N. Schindler, Luc Bonnard, and Dr. Uli Sigg take over the management of the company.
1989
Schindler acquires Westinghouse’s elevator division in the USA.
1990
World’s first hall call destination system, Miconic 10, is launched.
1992
The company establishes a subsidiary in Turkey.
1996
Schindler is one of the first foreignowned elevator companies to start operating in Vietnam.
1997
The global launch of Schindler 9300, a new, modular escalator system.
1998
Schindler establishes a subsidiary in India.
1999
Schindler acquires a majority share in Elevadores Atlas S.A., São Paulo, Brazil.
2002
Schindler 700 (today Schindler 7000) is launched – a global elevator system for high-rise, high-performance buildings.
2005
Introduction of seven new elevator product lines and Schindler 3300, the company’s first global, pre-engineered elevator product line.
2009
Introduction of cutting-edge proprietary transit management system Schindler PORT.
2014
Schindler acquires a majority in joint venture with XJ-Schindler (Xuchang) Elevator Co. Ltd., China, and opens new factories in China and India.
2018
Launch of breakthrough Schindler Robotics Installation System for Elevators, Schindler R.I.S.E.
2021
Schindler commits to only using electricity generated by renewable resources by 2025.
2022
Schindler commits to being net zero by 2040, with targets approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).
2023
Introduction of Schindler MetaCore to facilitate the repurposing of buildings.
2024
Rollout of the new standardized modular elevator platform, with launch of new Schindler 1000, 3000, 5000, and 6000 product lines.
2024
Schindler celebrates its 150th anniversary.
We marked a century and a half in style, with colleagues and customers alike – proudly reflecting on our history of Swiss precision and quality, ingenuity, and dedication, and looking ahead with excitement for what’s to come.
History in motion
Schindler’s pride and joy is an elevator with a wooden cabin in the center of Lucerne, which has been operating smoothly since 1912.
The art deco building on Hirschengraben is steeped in history. Visitors gaze in awe at the historic elevator as it makes its descent. It creaks as it moves down the wooden guide rails, held by a pulley. The elevator grille opens to reveal a base plate engraved with the name of the company that built and installed this piece of Swiss elevator history more than a century ago.
Service technician Philipp Stucki takes care of the oldest passenger elevator in Switzerland and is responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers in the six-story building. “It’s very cool to have this elevator in our portfolio. It is, however, a unique and sensitive creature. I need help from a colleague to maintain it because I can only access the cabin roof using a removable maintenance platform.” Philipp services the elevator four times a year – two of which are major checks. More frequent maintenance isn’t needed because this elevator makes fewer journeys than those in public buildings – and dates from the less complex analog era. Back then, only the better hotels and businesses in Lucerne had elevators – and they were a real luxury in residential buildings. In 2007, the building owner renovated this art deco jewel and it became a listed building – meaning that the original Schindler elevator became a protected feature of the property. Philipp says: “I’m proud when I see that an elevator can operate for such a long period of time. That really is quality craftsmanship!”
Technicians Philipp Stucki and Patrick Lüscher en route to service the oldest elevator in Switzerland.
