CLC Elevator, Georgia’s leading elevator import, installation and service company, is set to launch the first Georgian elevator manufacturing facility in Tbilisi this year.
Founder of the company Nodar Kapanadze told Golden Brand that the company has invested 3 million USD in the new factory, which he said will have “no rivals” in the country.
“We will bring a lot of machinery and equipment to Georgia in the near future with the support of the state program Produce in Georgia. It is important for the state to stand by business. Together we can create more jobs and employ more people.
“After the opening of the factory, CLC Elevator will be the first company in the history of Georgia to manufacture the main parts of the elevator: elevator cabin, doors, frames, etc.,” he said.
Kapanadze said that launching production of elevator parts in Georgia would be a “positive stimulus” to the Georgian economy.
“More people will join the CLC team, more citizens will be employed. Local production will take place and dependence on imports will decrease in this area. This is a success for both our company and the country.”
In an interview with Golden Brand, Kapanadze reviewed the company’s activities in Georgia and shared his impressions of being the winner of the Golden Brand in the category of “favorite elevator and services” provider.
Q. Please summarize 2022, as the Golden Brand was awarded to the company following successful operations of the previous year. What were the main achievements of 2022?
A. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the company Global Idea for organizing the Golden Brand award ceremony and giving the companies the possibility to enjoy this recognition from customers as well as experts.
Founded in 2018, CLC Elevators is a premium class elevator importing company and in this short time it has completed hundreds of successful projects. Since its establishment the company has been focused on progress, development and advancement. This award and recognition is a sign for the company that it is developing in the right way and that our tireless work and activities are appreciated.
2022 was a year full of challenges. It started with the Russia-Ukraine war, which in itself put a strain on the world economy, including Georgia. It became difficult to receive cargo from suppliers, which slowed projects down. But thanks to smart decisions made in a short period of time, CLC Elevators quickly overcame the crisis caused by the global problem and continued working at a normal pace.
Overcoming the crisis in a short time brought the company even more credibility among partners and even more new projects. The growth of sales in the crisis period led to laying the foundation for a new project. In 2022 the construction of the elevator factory was planned, which is unique in Georgia. So I would summarize 2022 as a successful and challenging year.
Q. Golden Brand is not the only award for CLC Elevator. Last year CLC Elevator was nominated the Leading Company of the Year at an award ceremony organized by the National Business Ratings Association and the Swiss Rating Association. Tell us how the company managed to become market leader and be recognized in such a short period of time.
A. I think the main reason for our success in such a short period of time is that CLC Elevator carries out each project with great responsibility and high professionalism.
I would separately praise the employees of our company, who are highly qualified, conscientious and professional. Each of them strives for continuous development. We are never satisfied with what we have achieved, we adapt to new technologies. We often send our company’s employees to elevator manufacturing plants and carry out practical work on site, which leads to their constant growth. I would like to sincerely thank each and every employee of CLC Elevator for their attitude to the job, for otherwise the company would not be so successful.
In addition to the above, I think another determinant of success is striving for continuous development. If you are satisfied with what you have achieved and stop moving forward, it will definitely backfire. It is necessary to have an ambition and plan to pursue it.
Q. Could you please tell us how many projects CLC Elevator has carried out since 2018 and how many are going on now?
A. Since 2018, the company has completed hundreds of successful projects. Of course, the first projects, the first steps from which we started, are especially memorable. I would highlight the elevator installed in the Sioni Dam, a reservoir in eastern Georgia, located in the middle of the river Iori, where the elevator moves about 80 meters below the ground.
Elevators installed for people with disabilities in schools and kindergartens are especially important to us. We are glad that we contribute to the creation of an adapted environment for people with disabilities.
Currently we are involved in 20 projects.
Q. Please describe the competition on the market and tell us what CLC Elevator’s competitive advantage is.
A. It can be said that there is healthy competition in the market. About ten large companies are in the field, and we have a business relationship based on mutual respect.
Our company is one of the prominent and major players in the market, which is confirmed by the awards of the leading company of the year and the Golden Brand. We think that our advantage is reflected in the fact that we never stop. Continuous progress and focus on development is our advantage.
Q. Passenger, freight, panoramic, hospital elevators, moving walkways, elevators for people with disabilities, and for cars, construction baskets and hydraulic platforms, are among CLC Elevator’s products. Which are most in demand?
A. At this stage passenger elevators are most in demand, which are mainly ordered by development companies. But we also cooperate with construction companies that serve state facilities, such as schools, kindergartens, etc. We also install platforms designed for the disabled. Hospital elevators and freight elevators are also frequently commissioned.
In addition to elevators, the company also installs and imports escalators. We plan to increase involvement in the latter soon.
Q. CLC Elevator participated in an international exhibition of elevators in the city of Istanbul, where company representatives held meetings with partner companies. What were the results of these meetings?
A. CLC Elevator representatives attend similar exhibitions in different parts of the world two or three times a year. Such exhibitions are an opportunity to have your finger on the pulse of the field, to keep up with events, to learn about innovations, new approaches and technology.
The international exhibition of elevators held in Istanbul was no exception. Company representatives held introductory meetings with elevator manufacturers. Many new visits were planned and means of cooperation were discussed. Partner manufacturers of CLC were also at the exhibition, where current projects were discussed.
For a company that has the ambition to be a leader in the field, I think we should not spare resources to participate in similar events.
