KONE SWOT Analysis, Competitors & USP

KONE Corporation

Construction Services

Real Estate and Construction

Dedicated to people flow

Global leader in elevator and escalator industry

Based on Geography – Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, Australia

Based on business type

Predominantly Western European markets; meagre target market in other parts of the world

Targets businesses that require elevator and escalator solutions

A company that enables people to move smoothly, safely, comfortably and without waiting in buildings in an increasingly urbanizing environment

Below is the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats (SWOT) Analysis of KONE. Strengths are:

1. Alliance with Toshiba - helps KONE’s growth in the Asian markets with production collaborations for the Chinese markets and reduction in costs through joint research and development projects
2. Vast resources - Economies of scale reduce costs and raise barriers to entry reducing the threat of competition. Specialised staff and research and development keep the company at the forefront of technology strengthening the company and increasing its competitiveness
3. Strong brand/market leader - Its strong brand and leading market positions place the company in a stronger position and goes some lengths to guaranteeing future sales
4. Strong acquisition strategy – KONE believes in both inorganic and organic growth as key to its success. In 2002 KONE acquired over 20 companies mainly across Europe and Asia helping to strengthen the company

Here are the weaknesses in the KONE SWOT Analysis:

1. Fluctuating exchange rates - This can be very apparent in the developing countries in which it operates such as the Asian markets
2. Reliance on Europe - Whilst the company has entered many markets around the world it is still very reliant on Europe, and more specifically Western Europe for the majority of sales

Following are the Opportunities in KONE SWOT Analysis:

1. Strong growth in Asia and Australia - Order intake increased in the Asia-Pacific area for elevators and escalators. These growth opportunities need to be taken advantage of by the company, especially with relative current stagnation in more developed markets
2. Strong R&D operations - KONE has vast R&D resources and continually looks to developing innovative new technologies

The threats in the SWOT Analysis of KONE are as mentioned:

1. Declining US Markets – the market for elevators and escalators is declining over the years in US, affecting KONE’s business
2. Strong competition - Many of KONE’s competitors are equal in size or bigger with as much or more resources and experience. Whilst barriers to entry are relatively hard the threat from existing companies is still a danger to KONE
3. Product Cannibalization - Whilst KONE spends and develops its R&D programs well in search of new technology innovations new markets are not always found. Often these new technological advancements succeed in taking away sales from other areas of the business creating the threat of product cannibalization

Below are the top 4 KONE competitors:

1. ThyssenKrupp Group
2. Schindler Group
3. Otis Elevator Co.

4. Mitsubishi Elevator