A.S.T. Aufzüge & Service Thieme Silex becomes new member of AVD

Shortly before Christmas, Schindler Germany announced another acquisition. Since 1 January 2026, a lift manufacturer from Saxony has been part of the German Lift Association (AVD).

Schindler Germany has taken over A.S.T. Aufzüge & Service Thieme Silex GmbH from Leipzig and integrated it into the Aufzugsverbund Deutschland (AVD) as of 1 January 2026. A.S.T. was founded in 1995, according to a press release from Schindler.

In 2009, business operations were relocated to its own office and warehouse premises – now the company's headquarters in the Nordost industrial park in Leipzig. Founder Torsten Silex had already stepped down from operational business in 2024 for health reasons. Co-founder Silvio Thieme will remain with the company in a new role.

Sustainable further development of the business

‘After successfully establishing and expanding our company, we were faced with the task of reliably securing the future of A.S.T. Aufzüge & Service under changed conditions,’ said Silvio Thieme and Torsten Silex, explaining the sale of their 35-person company. ‘The strategy of Aufzugsverbund Deutschland respects and strengthens the identity of A.S.T. while at the same time opening up opportunities for the sustainable development of the business.’

‘With A.S.T. Aufzüge & Service, Aufzugsverbund Deutschland is gaining another long-established company that has enjoyed an excellent reputation in its region for many years – with experienced and highly competent employees and proven expertise in new installations, modernisation and service,’ says Christian Steinigk, Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at Schindler Germany.

More informations: AVD in brief: Aufzugsverbund Deutschland (AVD) is an association of local and regional lift companies founded by Schindler Germany in 2024, comprising over 20 companies.

In an exclusive interview with LIFTjournal, Christian Steinigk (Head of Mergers and Acquisitions) talks about the acquisitions and the strategy of Schindler Germany.

schindler.de
aufzugsverbund.de
ast-leipzig.de