KONE opens 1st PH training facility for elevator technicians
Finnish firm KONE, a manufacturer of elevators and escalators, has launched its first KONE Academy in the Philippines.
This is a dedicated training campus in Mandaluyong City aimed at developing a highly skilled workforce to support the country’s smart city ambitions and rapid urban growth.
Currently, the facility trains 620 elevator and escalator (E&E) professionals yearly, with plans to expand its capacity to 800 by 2027.
By 2030, KONE aims to certify 4,400 professionals to significantly strengthen the country’s infrastructure talent pipeline.
This milestone complements KONE’s broader commitment to talent development in the
Philippines, which includes initiatives such as the Service Operations Apprenticeship Program for high-potential graduates and the Delivery Operations Development Program for future operations leaders.
“The KONE Academy is not just a training center—it’s a launchpad for the Philippines’ smart city aspirations,” said Petteri Kyrklund, managing director of KONE Philippines.
“By empowering local talent with the expertise to keep elevator and escalator systems safe, efficient, and future-ready, we are actively shaping the future of urban living and seamless people flow,” Kyrklund said.
According to KONE, the Academy’s opening comes at a pivotal moment for the Philippines, where nearly 102 million residents are projected to live in cities by 2050.
With 70 percent of urban local government units preparing smart city programs and 61 percent already piloting initiatives, the facility directly supports the country’s need for intelligent infrastructure and skilled professionals.
“The KONE Academy sits at the heart of our “Rise” strategy, driving digital innovation in the E&E sector and equipping technicians with the skills to modernize infrastructure,” said Edward Loy, managing director of KONE Southeast Asia.
Trainees receive hands-on instruction in installation, commissioning, maintenance and modernization. They will also gain exposure to real-world scenarios using advanced simulation systems and smart building technologies, including API-enabled robotics, smart access systems and connected elevator technologies.
Beyond training, the Academy will also function as a Customer Experience Center, welcoming clients and prospects to experience KONE’s latest innovations.
There is also KONE 24/7 Connect, which supports remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, helping reduce downtime and enhance safety.
