The elevator industry is changing rapidly. New technologies, digitalization, and a growing demand for modernization make knowledge development more important than ever. At the same time, there is a shortage of experienced technicians and specialized knowledge is disappearing from the market. At Fortadio, we believe that you understand technology not only by reading about it but especially by working with it. That is why we have set up a training center where mechanics literally get hands-on with the technology.
In our training center, everything revolves around practice. No theory detached from reality, but directly working with systems as they appear in the field. Among other things, we have the latest Kollmorgen controller, the MPK4D. Additionally, several MPK411 controllers are set up, on which participants can connect themselves, for example via their phone. This way, they directly experience how systems respond and how to control them. This aligns with our market perspective: technology must not only work, you must also understand it and be able to influence it.
To give a realistic picture of the practice, we work with components from various manufacturers. Think of control blocks from: ALGI, GMV, Bucher Hydraulics (LRV and iValve), and Blain.
In addition, we have a test lift running with an aggregate and control block from Bucher. This installation can be switched from hydraulic to traction. In traction mode, the lift runs with a Ziehl-Abegg frequency converter, controlled by a Kollmorgen controller. These kinds of setups ensure that technicians not only get to know individual parts but also the interaction between systems.
Some things you only really learn when you can see them. That is why, for example, we have set up an open cylinder from Omar. This immediately shows how a cylinder is constructed and how parts such as the transport ring function. We also have simulation doors with door control from Langer & Laumann, so that malfunctions and adjustments can be realistically simulated.
An important part of the work of an elevator mechanic is troubleshooting malfunctions. That is why we built a traction simulation with a small traction motor. This is connected to a Kollmorgen controller and a Ziehl-Abegg frequency converter. With this, we can simulate and analyze malfunctions. Mechanics learn not only what goes wrong, but especially why and how to solve it structurally.
The investment in our training center is not a one-off activity. It is a conscious choice. The market demands more knowledge, better solutions, and more efficient maintenance. At the same time, we see that digitalization and data play an increasingly important role in elevator management and modernization. By training technicians practically, we ensure that they:
The training center forms the foundation of what we call the Fortadio Academy. Here we not only train our own mechanics, but also share knowledge with partners and other professionals in the industry.
The elevator industry is shifting from pure technology to a combination of technology, data, and insight. Those who want to stay in control must keep learning. Our training center is an important step in this. Not theory from a distance, but practice that you can apply immediately.