Products16 October 2026 8 min read

Kleemann vs KONE: Custom European Engineering vs the Big Four Global Leader

KONE MonoSpace, UltraRope and DX smart lifts versus Kleemann's bespoke shaft engineering and panoramic architectural elevators — how to choose for your project.

Company profiles at a glance

KONE, founded in Helsinki, Finland in 1910, is one of the Big Four global OEMs alongside Otis, Schindler and TK Elevator. It operates in 60+ countries with more than 1.6 million units under service and pioneered the world’s first successful Machine-Room-Less elevator — the MonoSpace® — in 1996. Kleemann, founded in Kilkis, Greece in 1983, is a leading European specialist that exports to 100+ countries and has built its reputation on bespoke, highly tailored elevator systems rather than standardized mass production.

Target market and application

KONE excels on high-density, large-scale developments — high-rise towers, international transit hubs, hospital networks and major commercial complexes where ultra-high-speed transit, heavy traffic-flow management and brand recognition matter. Kleemann is highly versatile across low-to-mid-rise commercial, luxury residential, industrial applications and retrofits — its strength is projects where standard, out-of-the-box elevator models cannot fit due to tight shaft dimensions, non-standard structural constraints or custom architectural finishes.

Technology and innovation

KONE leads in energy efficiency, digital integration and elevator mechanics: KONE EcoDisc® gearless hoisting for major energy reduction; KONE UltraRope® light carbon-fiber rope for travel heights up to 1,000 m; and the KONE DX Class with built-in connectivity for smart-building integration, IoT remote monitoring and robot delivery access. Kleemann focuses on versatile hydraulic and gearless traction systems, compact MRL designs, engineering to fit tight or irregular shafts, modernization kits that reuse existing shaft structures, and custom cabin design partnerships (e.g. with Andreas Zapatinas) for distinctive interiors.

Customization and architectural flexibility

KONE offers a wide selection of sleek, standardized design and finish packages, but shaft geometry and heavily bespoke structural components outside the modular catalog can be costly or restricted. Kleemann is built around flexibility — custom cabin shapes, panoramic glass lifts, round shafts and non-standard door configurations are core business rather than exceptions.

Head-to-head summary

Headquarters: KONE — Finland, 1910; Kleemann — Greece, 1983. Market position: KONE — top-tier Big Four global leader; Kleemann — leading European custom specialist. Best suited for: KONE — high-rises, major infrastructure, high-traffic commercial; Kleemann — low-to-mid rise, luxury residential, unique shaft retrofits. Signature technology: KONE UltraRope®, EcoDisc® and DX smart lifts; Kleemann custom shaft fitting and specialized hydraulic and MRL engineering. Customization: KONE — high selection of modular options; Kleemann — extreme structural and aesthetic customization. Footprint: KONE — direct service in 60+ countries; Kleemann — exports to 100+ countries via a strong distributor network.

The verdict

Choose KONE for high-rise towers, high-traffic commercial buildings and infrastructure projects that need ultra-high travel speeds, predictive IoT maintenance and industry-leading energy metrics. Choose Kleemann for tailored elevator solutions in low-to-mid-rise buildings, private residences and existing sites with challenging shaft dimensions — especially where custom aesthetic design, panoramic glass cabs or quick turnaround on non-standard specs are decisive.

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