Core Insights - KONE has been deeply rooted in the Chinese market for nearly 30 years, establishing the largest manufacturing base and the second-largest R&D center globally in Kunshan. The company is now focusing on service digitalization, urban renewal, and sustainable development as new growth drivers amid a market adjustment phase [2][3]. Group 1: Company History and Market Position - KONE entered China in 1996, with Kunshan being its largest elevator and escalator manufacturing facility and the second-largest R&D center globally. China is KONE's largest single market, benefiting from the rapid urbanization over the past 15-20 years [3][4]. - The company initially focused on new elevator installations, achieving over 20% growth during China's infrastructure boom. However, with a significant decline in new projects post-2021, KONE is shifting its strategy [3][4]. Group 2: Strategic Focus Areas - KONE's strategy now emphasizes three main areas: 1. Digitalization and efficiency in service maintenance, which has become the largest business segment in China [4][5]. 2. Urban renewal, particularly the installation of elevators in old buildings and the modernization of equipment over the next 15-20 years [5]. 3. Sustainable development and the adoption of green technologies, with energy feedback technology expected to save approximately 1200 RMB per elevator annually [5][6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Pricing Challenges - Local brands are aggressively expanding in lower-tier cities, impacting KONE's profit margins. However, KONE maintains a commitment to safety, quality, and compliance, leveraging its local supply chain to compete effectively [7][8]. - KONE employs a dual-brand strategy to cater to different market segments, with its second brand focusing on niche applications such as freight and rural areas [8][9]. Group 4: Global Supply Chain and Market Strategy - KONE's supply chain remains primarily based in China, which is crucial for maintaining competitive production costs. The company has also established manufacturing capabilities in India, Italy, and Mexico to serve nearby markets [9][10]. - Despite geopolitical challenges, KONE's commitment to the Chinese market remains strong, viewing it as a critical hub for innovation and growth [9][10]. Group 5: Digital Transformation and Workforce Development - KONE's digital transformation involves three phases: data collection, predictive maintenance, and AI-assisted operations. The company is also investing in retraining its workforce to adapt to these changes [11][12]. - The company aims to balance its new equipment and service business, moving from an 80:20 ratio to a more sustainable 50:50 structure [10][11]. Group 6: Future Outlook - KONE views China as a priority market, focusing on residential product development and leveraging local insights for global operations. The company believes that despite slowing growth, China remains the center of the global elevator industry [14][15].

Group 1 - The sixth Multinational Corporation Leaders Qingdao Summit was held from June 18 to 20, signaling China's commitment to expanding openness and welcoming foreign investment amidst rising unilateralism and protectionism [1] - The summit featured 570 guests from 135 Fortune 500 companies and 330 industry-leading enterprises, highlighting the importance of the Chinese market and the confidence in China's economic prospects [1][2] - The report released at the summit indicated that profits of foreign-invested industrial enterprises in China are projected to increase from 1.6 trillion RMB to 1.8 trillion RMB from 2019 to 2024, with profit margins consistently outperforming the national industrial average [2] Group 2 - The theme of the summit was "Multinational Corporations and China - Linking the World for Win-Win Cooperation," reflecting a new trend of multinational companies exploring opportunities in China [3] - Factors contributing to this trend include a stable policy environment, a multi-dimensional opening-up strategy, a large-scale consumer market, a complete supply chain system, and the maturation of new sectors such as digital economy and green technology [3] - China is positioned as an ideal, safe, and proactive investment destination for foreign businesses, with an increasingly favorable business environment and expanding opportunities regardless of international changes [3]