Thyssenkrupp Marks Century of Escalator Innovation
May 23, 2026
Imagine urban landscapes without the steady ascent of escalators—how complex our daily commutes would become. Thyssenkrupp, as an innovator in vertical transportation, has redefined urban convenience through technological excellence and relentless innovation. Let us explore the remarkable world of Thyssenkrupp escalators, where ordinary machinery conceals extraordinary possibilities.
On March 15, 1892, Jesse Reno patented the world's first escalator. This "inclined elevator" debuted at New York's Coney Island Old Iron Pier on January 16, 1893, lifting passengers seven feet at a 25-degree angle. Within two weeks, 75,000 riders had experienced this marvel. Today, America records over 100 billion annual escalator rides. Thyssenkrupp has advanced Reno's legacy through continuous innovation, deploying escalator solutions worldwide that transform urban mobility.
Connecting all Thyssenkrupp-installed escalators would create a vertical climb equivalent to a 500-kilometer mountain or span 1,000 kilometers horizontally. The company's longest installation stretches 53.68 meters at Moscow's Okruzhnaya Metro Station, while Europe's record-holder—a 43.6-meter system in Prague Metro—also bears the Thyssenkrupp signature. Conversely, their compact models measure just 90 centimeters, frequently deployed in museums and historic palaces.
From Alpine peaks to ocean depths, Thyssenkrupp escalators serve diverse environments. Ski resorts utilize specialized anti-slip models, while London's Harrods department store features Art Nouveau-facaded escalators that became design icons. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium visitors glide through transparent underwater tunnels aboard Thyssenkrupp systems, marveling at marine life during their seamless transit.
The company's bespoke solutions include "Royal Mode" escalators for palace use—activated by single-button control. For tropical climates, models feature cooled handrails for passenger comfort. Mobile airport escalators operate independently with emergency generators, eliminating reliance on terminal power. These innovations demonstrate Thyssenkrupp's commitment to tailored mobility solutions.
Beyond conventional designs, Thyssenkrupp combines escalators with moving walkways (like ACCEL technology) to create hybrid "up-over-up" systems. Antwerp Central Station hosts their longest 10-meter horizontal connector, while Hamburg's Alsterpavillon restaurant employs single-handrail models for waitstaff maneuvering trays. Westminster Court's suspended escalators—anchored to domed ceilings—crisscross atrium spaces as architectural statements.
During a Riyadh state visit, Thyssenkrupp delivered and installed two escalators within two weeks—a feat achieved through air transport. While not matching aircraft velocity, their Prague and Moscow Metro escalators reach 0.9 meters/second, ranking among the industry's fastest systems.
Thyssenkrupp's oldest operating escalator—installed by Wimmel & Landgraf in 1906 at Wertheim department store—predates New York's Macy's historic system by four years (though the latter was manufactured by competitor Otis). Until 1950, all Thyssenkrupp escalators were field-assembled before Hamburg factory production commenced. These systems became retail essentials, connecting multi-level stores and catalyzing commercial growth.
As Germany's sole remaining escalator manufacturer, Thyssenkrupp's Hamburg facility represents unique domestic production capacity. Technicians typically maintain 30-40 units monthly, with systems requiring modernization or replacement after 20-30 years of service. Despite standardized frameworks, each escalator undergoes customization—adjusting dimensions, incline, speed, and energy efficiency to client specifications. The European market installs approximately 5,500 new units annually, reflecting steady industry growth. Notably, Thyssenkrupp equipped New York's One World Trade Center with 12 escalators alongside North and South America's fastest elevator systems, serving the landmark's workforce and visitors.