According to the International Elevator Association, there are about 16 million elevators in use worldwide. The Philippines, helped by fast urban growth in Metro Manila, the expansion of SM and Ayala malls, and big projects like subways and airports, has become the fastest-growing elevator market in Southeast Asia.
In the country, the well-known “Big Eight” brands are: European and American: Otis, Schindler, KONE, ThyssenKrupp Japanese: Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Toshiba, Fujitec
These brands dominate in tall buildings, hotels, malls, and public transport. In this article, we will explain these eight brands in the Philippine market, and also look at local companies and new players.
European and American Brands
Otis
Like Ford in the car industry, the name Otis comes from Mr. Otis, the inventor of the modern elevator. For many years, Otis has held the top spot as the world’s biggest elevator maker. In 2018, it became an independent company after separating from United Technologies.
In the Philippines, Otis works through a joint venture with Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC). It was one of the first international brands to enter the market. Its elevators can be found in Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Manila Subway, and SM malls.
Because Otis is number one worldwide and has many landmark projects, developers often see it as a “safe choice.” But its prices are usually high, so it is less popular in homes and budget projects.
brand power and big projects, Otis is still the true leader.
Schindler
Schindler is a Swiss brand and the largest escalator maker in the world. In the Philippines, it leads in escalators, walkways, and value. In SM and Ayala malls, Schindler escalators are almost standard.
Schindler was one of the first foreign brands to enter the Philippines. In the 1970s, it formed a joint venture with Jardine Matheson (怡和集团). This early move gave it control of the country’s commercial escalator market.
Today, Schindler’s elevators are average, especially the low-cost machine-room-less models. But its escalators and walkways remain far ahead. Its prices are more friendly, making it a top choice for malls and shopping centers.
As one of the global giants, Schindler is still trusted for premium elevators. But in the Philippines, its biggest strength is clearly escalators in malls.
KONE
KONE is a Finnish brand with more than 100 years of history. In Finland, it was once a close neighbor and shareholder with Nokia. By 2015, its global market share was over 20%, placing it among the top elevator makers in the world.
In the Philippines, KONE’s biggest success is in high-end office towers and international hotels. In 2019, it opened the KONE Academy in Manila to train local staff and improve service.
KONE is famous for its machine-room-less elevators (MRL). Many designers and developers call KONE’s MRL the “real one,” thanks to its advanced disc traction machine. Its prices are not cheap—often 10% higher than competitors—but developers still choose it for stability and high-end image.
Today, KONE has almost no weak points and is a strong player in the Philippine high-end market.
ThyssenKrupp
ThyssenKrupp is a German industrial group known as the “king of steel.” Elevators make up only about 5% of its business, but it is still at the top of the industry.
In the Philippines, ThyssenKrupp is best known for heavy-duty escalators and special elevators. You can find them in airports, convention centers, and subway projects.
Its pricing is flexible—sometimes very high, sometimes very competitive—making it hard for rivals to guess. Its Twin Elevator (two cabs in one shaft) and horizontal elevators also help it win in special projects.
Japanese Brands
Mitsubishi Electric (IEE)
Many developers and government offices in the Philippines see Mitsubishi as the “safe choice.” In 1969, Mitsubishi entered the market through International Elevator & Equipment (IEE), making it the oldest Japanese brand in the country.
Mitsubishi elevators are widely used in commercial and residential projects. From high-rise offices in Manila to housing projects in Cebu, they are chosen for stability and strong maintenance service.
Hitachi
Hitachi focuses mainly on commercial and public projects. Its machine-room-less elevators and energy-saving designs are popular in apartments and office buildings where space is limited.
In recent years, Hitachi has used aggressive pricing to win more projects. But , its brand influence in the Philippines is still weaker than Mitsubishi.
Fujitec
Fujitec was one of the first Japanese elevator companies to go international. It has a branch in the Philippines and focuses only on elevators, not other industries. This gives it a strong reputation for reliable products.
Although its market presence is smaller than Mitsubishi or Hitachi, Fujitec is still competitive in residential and mid-size commercial projects.
Toshiba
Toshiba is positioned as a mid-market brand. Its strategy is to use lower prices to enter the market, while still carrying the trust of a big Japanese name. This makes it common in residential buildings and mid-size commercial projects.
In the high-end market, Toshiba cannot match Mitsubishi or Otis. But with its balance of brand trust and lower prices, many developers see it as a good value option.
Philippine Local Elevator Companies
In the Philippines, the “Big Eight” international brands have led the market for many years. But with the fast growth of housing, second- and third-tier cities, and small commercial projects, local elevator companies are now gaining more attention.
They cannot compete with the global giants in airports, subways, or CBD high-rises, but they are becoming more important in home elevators, maintenance services, and budget-sensitive projects. Here are some of the key local players:
Artico
Artico is a homegrown elevator company in the Philippines. It focuses on residential and small business buildings. Its position is very clear: provide affordable home elevators for customers who want safety and function but have limited budgets. You can often find Artico elevators in villas, townhouses, and small community offices.
The biggest strength of Artico is local service—fast installation, quick customer support, and transparent pricing. These simple things are exactly what the Philippine market values most. This has helped Artico build a strong reputation in the home elevator market.
But Artico mostly stays in the “small but good” category. In high-rise offices, airports, or hotels, it rarely appears. These projects are still dominated by international brands.
Kalea
Kalea was once a European brand but is now almost fully localized in the Philippines. Unlike Artico, which focuses on low price, Kalea emphasizes comfort and quality. You often see Kalea elevators in villas, private houses, or upgraded mid- to high-end apartments.
Kalea’s strategy is clear: it does not chase volume. Instead, it focuses on safety, design, and customer experience. Its customers usually care more about quality of life than just solving the problem of going upstairs.
Still, Kalea has limits. Its products are rarely used in large public projects or transport hubs, and its brand awareness is much lower than the international giants.
LIFCORE Philippines
LIFCORE is a newer company in the Philippines but has quickly grown with its wide coverage and strong pricing power. It mainly serves the residential elevator and wheelchair lift market, and is especially popular among middle-class families.
LIFCORE’s strength is in its wide product line—from small home elevators to wheelchair platforms. It also has short delivery times and flexible installation, which makes it a good fit for both cities and smaller towns.
But the limits are also clear: it lacks major landmark projects and its reputation is mostly limited to the home market.
International Elevator & Equipment (IEE)
IEE holds a special place. It was founded in 1969 as a joint venture with Mitsubishi Electric, making it one of the first elevator companies in the Philippines. Over time, it has become a “half-local, half-international” brand.
You can find IEE in many large projects such as office towers, malls, and government buildings. Unlike most local companies, IEE has both the technology of Mitsubishi and the execution of a local team. It can handle big projects, plus maintenance and modernization.
But in people’s minds, IEE feels more like Mitsubishi’s extension in the Philippines rather than a fully local brand. This “blurred identity” is both a strength and a weakness.
LIFTASIA
LIFTASIA is a newer company but offers all-around services: new elevator installation, modernization, and maintenance. Instead of fighting for landmark projects, it targets small and mid-size commercial buildings and regional markets.
Customers often describe LIFTASIA as “practical and responsive.” It has built strong experience in modernizing old elevators, which helps it stand out.
But like most local companies, LIFTASIA cannot break into the high-end market. In Manila’s CBD, its presence is limited. It often acts more as a support player.
TLCPI
TLCPI is the exclusive Philippine agent of Nippon Elevator from Japan. Its role is clear: import technology, provide local service.
It is small in scale but has stable performance in mid- to high-end residential and small commercial projects. Customers often choose TLCPI for a simple reason: Japanese technology + Philippine service team.
This “small but focused” model keeps it competitive in certain segments. But because it is an agent, its growth is limited. It cannot expand like the big eight brands, and instead stays strong only in its niche.
Other Recommendation: BDFUJI Elevator
In the Philippine elevator market, besides the “Big Eight” and local players, some new Chinese manufacturers are also growing fast. BDFUJI Elevator is one of them.
As a major elevator maker from China, BDFUJI has a complete production system and a wide product range. From residential and glass elevators to freight elevators and escalators, it covers nearly all mainstream needs. Unlike global brands with high prices, BDFUJI focuses on value and customization. For developers and users, this means you can get reliable quality while enjoying more flexible and cost-friendly solutions.
BDFUJI already has project experience in different global markets and is now entering the Philippines. For mid-size developments, villas, and housing projects, BDFUJI offers a balance between the high cost of big international brands and the limited choices of small local firms. Its presence adds more variety to the Philippine elevator industry.
How to Choose an Elevator Company?
In the Philippines—whether it’s a high-rise office in Manila CBD, a seaside home in Cebu, or a new shopping mall or hotel—elevators are now a basic need. For developers and owners, choosing the right elevator company will directly affect experience and costs.
Elevator companies in the market can be divided into five main groups:
International brands with branches or joint ventures.
Brands like Otis, Schindler, KONE, Mitsubishi, and Hitachi have local offices. They bring mature technology, strong brand reputation, and full processes. They are the top choice for high-rise offices and luxury hotels. But their buy and maintenance costs are very high, which is hard for smaller developers.
Local growing companies.
Firms like Artico, Kalea, and LIFCORE focus on home elevators, small offices, and regional malls. They are flexible, affordable, and quick to respond, making them good for projects with limited budgets. But they lack experience with large projects and have weaker brand recognition.
Local firms with international backing.
Examples are IEE (a Mitsubishi joint venture) and TLCPI (agent of Nippon Elevator from Japan). They mix global technology with local service, covering both big and mid-size projects. But their scale is limited compared to the Big Eight.
Full-service companies.
Like LIFTASIA, which offers installation, maintenance, and modernization. They are the practical choice for mid-size projects, though their strength lies in service, not branding.
New Entrants
In recent years, Chinese elevator makers have started entering the Philippine market, with BDFUJI Elevator as a key example. Their strengths are a wide product line, competitive pricing, and custom options. They provide an alternative between the high cost of international brands and the limited ability of small local firms. But their brand awareness and project record still need time to grow.
Elevator construction is a full system project. It includes design, civil works, hoistway, equipment, installation, and maintenance. If any part fails, the entire project may be affected. Choosing an unprofessional company could mean delays, higher costs, or even safety risks, with no one taking responsibility.
Tips for Choosing
Check project type
For luxury hotels, high-rise offices, and landmark projects, developers usually pick big brands like Otis. For mid-range housing, schools, or local malls, local companies like Artico, Kalea, or LIFCORE offer better value.
Look at full service
An elevator is not a one-time buy—it needs long-term care. Some small firms only sell and install but outsource maintenance, which lowers quality. Companies like IEE or LIFTASIA, which handle design, install, maintenance, and modernization, are more reliable.
Check licenses and experience
Make sure the company is legally certified and has done similar projects. Some new firms import elevators but lack experience with complex jobs like high-rises or transport systems, which can cause delays and risks.
Balance cost and value
International brands are expensive, local brands are cheaper. Companies like BDFUJI offer a middle path—meeting global standards but also providing flexible, cost-effective options. For most new homes and mid-size projects, this type of solution is worth considering.
Conclusion
The elevator market in the Philippines is growing quickly. The Big Eight global brands still lead in airports, malls, and high-rise offices. At the same time, local companies are filling the gap in homes and small projects. New players like BDFUJI Elevator give developers more affordable and flexible options.
In the end, the right choice depends on your project. If you want brand reputation, go with the global names. If you need fast service and lower cost, local firms are a good fit. And if you want a balance between quality and price, new entrants like BDFUJI may be the smart option.
FAQ
What Is the Best Elevator Brand in the Philippines?
Otis, Mitsubishi and KONE are the most popular international brands in the Philippines, while BDFUJI and Cibes stand out in the residential market due to their cost-effectiveness.
How Much Does an Elevator Cost to Install in Manila?
The price range for home elevators is roughly PHP 800,000–2,500,000 (approximately USD 14,000–44,000), while commercial elevators are more expensive.
Are There Any Local Elevator Manufacturers in the Philippines?
Asia PTS, ECOLIFT and Sigma are the leading local elevator suppliers, providing localized installation and after-sales services, and mostly using elevator components from international brands.
There are many elevator companies in the Philippines, both international brands and local suppliers, actively competing for the elevator market share. When choosing the right elevator supplier, in addition to considering brand and price, service quality, experience and compliance with safety standards are also key factors that determine the success or failure of the project.
For medium-sized commercial projects that require cost-effective, customized solutions and fast delivery, BDFUJI Elevator’s factory direct sales advantage, stable supply, and high-quality customer service make it an ideal choice.
If you are looking for a partner to provide elevator solutions for your commercial buildings or large-scale projects, feel free to contact BDFUJI Elevator. We are committed to offering professional consultation, tailored solutions, and the most competitive pricing.
