The Kyrgyz firm Sky Industrial Group emerged as a supplier of passenger and freight elevators to the Russian market. A high-level briefing from the elevator manufacturer’s leadership highlighted a new agreement aimed at 2022–2023, covering both passenger and freight elevator models, with a noticeably larger emphasis on passenger units.
According to the general manager of Sky Industrial Group, the Kyrgyz side intends to meet the agreed production volumes, stating that the arrangement is financially advantageous for the company. Specific delivery quantities were not disclosed in public statements.
In the period following February 24, several foreign elevator manufacturers terminated activities in Russia. By late June, the Finnish firm KONE, a recognized leader in the elevator and escalator sector, opted to withdraw from the Russian market by selling its local operations to senior domestic executives.
During the second half of July, the American lift equipment producer Otis announced the sale of its Russian business to the holding company S8 Capital, led by Armen Sargsyan. It is noted within the industry that Otis components constitute a significant portion of domestic elevator production, underscoring the impact of changes in ownership on local supply chains and maintenance networks.
These moves reflect a broader shift in the Russian elevator sector, where partnerships, supply arrangements, and ownership changes shape the availability of equipment and the continuity of service for both passenger and freight applications. As companies adapt to evolving market conditions, the balance between local manufacturing capabilities and imported technology continues to influence pricing, availability, and after-sales support for commercial, industrial, and residential projects across the region.
Industry observers suggest that suppliers will increasingly focus on financial resilience, regulatory compliance, and local partnerships to sustain operations amid a changing geopolitical and economic landscape. The evolving mix of suppliers—and the relative roles of Kyrgyz, Finnish, and American manufacturers—will likely influence future tendering, contract terms, and the standard features included in new elevator systems, including safety, energy efficiency, and modernization options.
Ultimately, the market dynamics point to a period of transition where maintaining reliable elevator service and modernization capacity remains a priority for building owners and developers. Stakeholders will be watching how new ownership structures, local leadership, and long-term service arrangements translate into real-world performance and cost-effectiveness for passenger and freight lift installations across Russia and neighboring markets.