Finnish lift firm sees rising prospects in nation

Finnish elevator and escalator company Kone Corp plans to expand its business in China and aims to recruit thousands of employees over the next few years, as it sees big opportunities from the nation's commitment to opening-up, digital manufacturing and the transition to carbon neutrality, a senior executive said.

Joe Bao, managing director of Kone Greater China, said in an interview with China Daily that "China remains a strategic focus for Kone, and we understand that our success is tied to China's success".

Bao said the Chinese mainland is the Helsinki-based firm's largest individual market worldwide, accounting for 26 percent of its global sales in its fiscal year of 2023. The country also hosts Kone's largest manufacturing base and its largest overseas research and development center, which has over 200 valid patents to its name.