HKCEC – Helping with the heavy lifting
When the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) – one of Hong Kong’s most iconic landmarks and a premier destination for international events – needed to modernize two of its heaviest-duty cargo elevators, which had been in service since 1988, they turned to us. Throughout the project, we worked closely with the HKCEC's engineering team.
If you've ever attended a large exhibition, you've probably wondered, "How did they get that in here?"
The answer: heavy-duty elevators.
The HKCEC offers over 90,000 square meters of rentable space across four floors. However, the two 45-ton heavy-duty cargo elevators serve only Phase 1 of the center, which comprises two exhibition halls, one convention hall, and two theatres. These elevators are among 10 service lifts in the facility, yet they are the only ones capable of handling the heaviest loads.
We sat down with the HKCEC's engineering team to discuss the modernization of these two critical elevators and learn what it was like working together.
Firstly, how important are these heavy-duty cargo elevators to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre?
These two elevators are essential to the smooth running of HKCEC’s events. Without them, some of HKCEC’s events would be impossible to organize. As the main vertical transportation for loaded trucks and lorries, our transport logistics are fully reliant on their operation.
What first made you consider modernization?
Given how important these elevators are to the Convention Centre, reliability is key – we need them to always be up and running. The original container elevators had been in service for over 30 years, having been installed in 1988, and were showing signs of age. As a result, reliability was becoming a growing concern.
From your perspective, what has made this project a success?
Planning and delivery.
The project was well organized, and the steps were clearly communicated throughout the process. When challenges or issues arose, the Schindler team always found a way to solve the problem. They even sent a Technical Engineer from Europe to Hong Kong to assist with on-site troubleshooting.
We discovered that many of the original parts were no longer in production, so they couldn't simply be replaced. The Schindler team was able to assess our requirements and redesign the mechanism using more efficient, readily available parts.
The team also made a consistent effort to understand our needs and keep disruptions to a minimum, allowing us to continue operating while the modernization was underway.
Looking back, were there any aspects that confirmed you had chosen the right partner?
There are four areas that come to mind that made a big difference:
Reliability in service: Scheduled maintenance and urgent repairs were always handled promptly and without disruption – this greatly reinforced our confidence in the partnership.
Safety assurance: Seeing the elevators pass inspections smoothly after servicing confirmed that safety standards were being upheld.
Proactive communication: We received clear updates, reminders, and recommendations for preventive measures. This demonstrated a genuine customer-focused approach.
Long-term consistency: The reliable performance of the equipment since modernization has validated that the partnership continues to deliver value.
If you had to sum up Schindler’s value on this project, how would you describe it?
The Schindler team has been an excellent partner throughout the entire project. From planning and installation through to ongoing maintenance, they have consistently provided outstanding service.