Otis China will build a new elevator test tower in Shanghai as part of a new global research and development facility. Planned at approximately 270 meters (885 feet) in height, the new test tower is anticipated to be the tallest above-ground test tower in the world upon completion. Currently, the tallest is the ThyssenKrupp elevator test tower in Rottweil, Germany at 246 meters (807 feet).

Otis’ new test tower, together with the R&D facility, will support development of new technologies for use in elevators for versatile market segments, delivering higher efficiency and smaller footprints. The innovative tower design uses a flexible configuration that can easily adapt to test new components and systems as they evolve.

“Building our new test tower and R&D Center in Shanghai underscores our continuous commitment to satisfy customers in China and around the world,” said Otis President Philippe Delpech. “As the industry leader that introduced safe elevator technology, this is a strong example of how we are investing to accelerate innovation and technology development for our next generation elevators and service.”

The new facility will be part of a network of research facilities and test towers that span across four continents. Otis has been playing an instrumental role in elevating iconic high-rise buildings around the world, including the 828-meter Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world’s tallest building; the 599-meter Ping’An Financial Center in Shenzhen, one of the highest buildings in China when completed this year; the 555-meter Lotte World Tower in Seoul, the tallest in South Korea; 553-meter CN Tower in Toronto, the highest in North America and the 324-meter Eiffel Tower, the iconic symbol of Paris.

The new facilities are scheduled to be operational by the end of 2018.