ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR SOLUTIONS
Companies are working on training and innovative solutions for elevators in anticipation of better times ahead.
What were your major accomplishments in Colombia in 2017?
WAGNER Domínguez Fortunately, we were successful there in 2017. We exceeded our budget expectations in terms of sales and operating revenues, and it was a great year in terms of consolidating the strategy we defined three years ago for Colombia. Our sales increased by around 15% and the construction sector by around 3.5-4%; therefore, we had great results in 2017. We did great work and saw growth in the new facilities and modernization markets. We are also working on the development and implementation of new standardized solutions for partial upgrades and complete replacements that allow us to cover practically the entire modernization sector with achievable solutions organized by our salespeople, which in turn can be executed accurately by our engineers in Colombia during the order phase, customer satisfaction is our number-one priority.
ANDRÉS RAMÍREZ BUITRAGO We expected some drops in the market; however, it was not as large as we expected. When we formulated our business plan for 2017, we projected a 10% reduction in sales. Our business is based on the Japanese calendar that runs from April to March. From April to September 2017, we sold 10% more units than we expected. Our targets are high-end buildings, and in Bogotá we have few projects in those buildings. Construction in small and medium-sized cities is not as large as Medellín, Bogotá, Barranquilla, or Cali. Construction in Bucaramanga fell significantly as well for offices and high-end residential projects. The main market that is growing is the middle market. The total demand in Colombia is more or less similar to 2016, though the units are located in the middle to low market.
What initiatives is the company taking in order to be more sustainable?
WD This is part of the Schindler strategy worldwide. Now, all the products we offer for new installations and for modernization projects have technology that supports sustainability in some way. Year after year Schindler obtains patents for new solutions, products, and components that we use in our escalators and elevators. Some 80% of our elevators are recyclable. In high-rise buildings, our elevators turn off when there is not much foot traffic. Another aspect in which we are contributing is our port system, which generates the most efficient traffic management in buildings with high populations and allows more people to be transported on fewer trips, thereby consuming less energy.
ARB A decade ago, Japan introduced eco-changes and initiated changes to the production line to be more sustainable. It sought to make equipment last a longer time, making our lines more efficient. We are also significantly reducing our power consumption by 25-30% compared to the previous model via a PM-Moto permanent magnet motor, the most efficient power supply reduction. For elevators, we install PCNV, which can generate energy to the building. In our factory, we are changing many of our processes and taking better care of the systems we have in place. The efforts began in Japan, though companies all over the world are working to be more eco-friendly.
What are your main targets and goals in Colombia for 2018?
WD We need to reconsider our internal procedures to improve our market share by our goal of 5%. The construction industry may be impacted in 2018, and this means we could see the market go down in 2019. The construction industry waited on the outcome of the elections before deciding on what it will invest and continue to build in the coming year. We are launching worldwide the Schindler Ahead, which is the internet for elevators and escalators, offering fully digital solutions, opening doors to multiple possibilities, and generating advantages for our maintenance customers that were difficult to imagine before.
ARB It is difficult for us to compete with price; therefore, we want to compete in service. We have 1,200 people and almost 10,000 units under our care. We hire people every year and must train them to the highest standard. In 2017, we plan a great deal of material to train people in order to standardize the process. We are the only elevator company with a factory in Colombia. We have a training center in Medellín and are working on plans to open a training center in Bogotá. We are in discussion with our headquarters on its location though we expect the training center to be completed in 2019.
ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR SOLUTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Guest Speaker
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, Canada
TBY talks to François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade of Canada, on making globalization work for all Colombians and Canadians, supporting the environment and mutually progressive causes, and increasing technological and educational ties.
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Juan Gabriel Pérez, Executive Director, Invest in Bogotá
TBY talks to Juan Gabriel Pérez, Executive Director of Invest in Bogotá, on rounding a turning point, the opportunities for foreign investment in infrastructural PPPs, and finding the perfect investors for adding value on a local scale.
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Patricia Tovar, Executive Director, Colombian British Chamber of Commerce (Britcham)
TBY talks to Patricia Tovar, Executive Director of Colombian British Chamber of Commerce (Britcham), on finding new strategies in trying times, supporting Colombians investing in the UK, and the rising importance of ecotourism.
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Orlando Velandia Sepúlveda, President, Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH)
TBY talks to Orlando Velandia Sepúlveda, President of Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH), on Tax Refund Certificates, developing pedagogical programs, and the Territorial Strategy of Hydrocarbons.
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Diego León Vélez Velásquez, General Manager, Ingeniería y Gestión Administrativa (IGGA)
TBY talks to Diego León Vélez Velásquez, General Manager of Ingeniería y Gestión Administrativa (IGGA), on predial management, virtual technical file, and working with different economic models.
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Iván Herrera, Vice President , Business Solutions and Government of Huawei Colombia
TBY talks to Iván Herrera, Vice President of Business Solutions and Government of Huawei Colombia, and Cao Wei, Country Manager of Consumer Business Group of Huawei Colombia, on their growth plans for the country.
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Carlos Alberto García Montes, General Director, National Institute of Roads (INVIAS)
TBY talks to Carlos Alberto García Montes, General Director of the National Institute of Roads (INVIAS), on developing Colombia's road networks, linking intermodal transport, and establishing private partnerships.
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María del Carmen Araujo Grijalva, Executive President, Hidalgo e Hidalgo (HeH) Colombia
TBY talks to María del Carmen Araujo Grijalva, Executive President of Hidalgo e Hidalgo (HeH) Colombia, on contributing to productivity and growth in Colombia, working closely with local communities, and areas of opportunity.
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Santiago José Castro Agudelo, Rector, Universidad La Gran Colombia
TBY talks to Santiago José Castro Agudelo, Rector of Universidad La Gran Colombia, on providing first-rate affordable education, constantly innovating whilst remaining true to one's values, and changing Colombia's risk-adverse culture.
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Andres Hernandez, General Manager, Mareauto Colombia S.A.S,
TBY talks to Andres Hernandez, General Manager of Mareauto Colombia S.A.S, AVIS Colombia, on outgrowing the market by legions, providing customers with an unforgettable experience, and offering a timeless premium service.
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City of Gold
Colombia's regulatory policies are generally regarded as welcoming to foreign investment, as seen by the World Bank's 2018 Doing Business report, which ranked the country's business environment 59th globally. Chief among the country's appeal to foreign investors are its stable political and economic system, rich natural resources, and geographically important location at the crossroads of two oceans and continents.
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