Aug’25 Sydney, Australia – As part of their ongoing work with global partners, Lift Experts recently visited multiple top-end manufacturing facilities in the industrial areas of China. The trip revealed why China continues to set the pace for the worldwide lift industry.
“Seeing the industry up close in China really puts things into perspective,” said the PR team at Lift Experts. “The scale and sophistication are unlike anything else we’ve experienced.”
Global dominance in numbers:
China is responsible for around 63% of all new elevator installations worldwide.
oBy comparison, South Asia, India, and Australia together account for just 8%.
China is projected to produce over 2.3 million units in 2026 and is home to an estimated 800 manufacturers.
Almost all of the major international elevator brands manufacture in China, which has accelerated the industry’s technical expertise and global reach.

From our firsthand experience, here’s what stood out most:
Unmatched demand driven by rapid urbanisation: Cities like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Jinan are expanding at an extraordinary pace. With much of the population now living in high-rise apartments, the demand for elevators continues to surge.
Unmatched demand from urban growth: With cities like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Jinan expanding rapidly, high-rise living has become the norm. This urbanisation fuels extraordinary demand for new lifts.
Regional specialisation and scale: Manufacturing clusters create centres of excellence. For example, Shanghai and Suzhou are hubs for electric elevators, while Jinan has become a specialist centre for hydraulic models.
Cutting-edge facilities: The team toured spotless, highly mechanised factories equipped with advanced robotics and precision tools. They also saw extensive testing facilities where engineers push components to extremes - for instance, buttons tested for more than 2 million presses and doors designed to withstand over 3 million openings… and still being tested.
Specialist expertise and compliance: Many companies have carved out niches. One supplies heavy-duty commercial and cargo lifts under strict Chinese government standards. Another focuses on the Australian market, meeting commercial and disability compliance standards. Others align with European regulations through their parent companies.
Partnering with world-class leaders: Lift Experts confirmed that their partners are among the very best in the global market - offering solutions across every segment and specialisation. Some of these manufacturers deliver up to 30,000 elevators annually, backed by state-of-the-art facilities and technical expertise that set international benchmarks.
Heritage and proven reliability: What impressed Lift Experts most was the depth of experience within these companies. One manufacturer, for example, has been building lifts since 1979 - a legacy that reflects not only heritage, but also long-term stability and trust in the industry.
“China’s elevator industry isn’t just about volume - it’s about technical depth, innovation, and the ability to meet diverse international standards,” Lift Experts added.



About the Company:

Lift Experts is Australia’s partner for end-to-end lift solutions - from consulting and sourcing through to delivery, installation, and ongoing support. By working with multiple manufacturers, we take the complexity out of comparing options and ensure you get the right lift for your project without the hassle.
Specialising in B2B clients such as builders and architects, we streamline the lift process to reduce costs, improve quality, and simplify your build. For homeowners, this same model brings the benefit of tailored solutions and expert guidance.