Future-proof elevator control

Over 35 years of KLST – continuity, expertise and new momentum for the elevator industry

Innovative technology from KLST: Tailor-made control systems featuring HSE 2.0 with touch display, including both standard installations and customized frame solutions. Integrated gateways enable flexible connectivity for modern elevator systems. Photo: © Offenblende/Jannes

Since 1989, KLST has stood for tailor-made control systems, control cabinets and components for the elevator industry. Founded by Detlef Klinkhammer, the company has developed in Zülpich, with around 60 employees, into an established and reliable partner for manufacturers and operators. With the change in management and a strategic realignment, the company is now entering its next phase of development – structured, technologically ambitious and clearly geared toward growth.

Preserving values – evolving leadership

At the beginning of 2025, Mition GmbH Mittelstandsbeteiligungen acquired KLST as part of a succession plan prepared over the long term. Founder Detlef Klinkhammer initially remained Managing Director before Markus Labruier fully assumed operational responsibility on October 1, 2025.

With the management transition, the organization has been and continues to be systematically developed. Decision-making processes are now more team-oriented, responsibilities are clearly defined, and strategic topics are bundled more effectively. Product development, standards strategy, sales and commercial management are working more closely together. Investments are prioritized in a structured way, and innovation projects are implemented along a clear roadmap.

Markus Labruier brings 25 years of experience in marketing, sales and executive management in the SME mechanical engineering sector. His goal is to integrate market requirements into development processes earlier and to manage technological progress strategically. Mition is supporting this path as a long-term partner for medium-sized businesses. The aim is to strengthen competitiveness sustainably and to further develop established structures – with a clear perspective for the future.

Advancing proven technology consistently

For 35 years, KLST has been developing practical control solutions. This commitment remains unchanged – as does the focus on technical reliability. With the new system generation centered around HSE 2.0, Open Gateway and smart hybrid solutions, the company combines standardization with customer-specific configurability. With its new system solutions, KLST combines the best of two worlds: “Well-thought-out standardization and modular adaptability.”

Alongside the progress now being driven forward, KLST continues to uphold one of its core principles: backward compatibility. Existing systems can be modernized with the new technologies without requiring fully functioning system architectures to be replaced entirely. This creates investment security, reduces conversion effort and supports the sustainable development of existing installations.

At the same time, regulatory developments are taken into account at an early stage. The requirements of ISO 8100 are already being incorporated into product development today. Compliance with standards is therefore not a reactive adjustment, but an integral part of the technical strategy.

Service as a clear differentiator

As system complexity increases, reliable support becomes even more important. KLST deliberately relies on direct contacts instead of anonymous ticketing systems. Technical expertise is immediately accessible.

At the same time, the products remain intuitive to operate. New control systems follow the logic of proven systems, keeping training requirements and barriers to entry low. The goal is to combine technical innovation with practical usability – in other words, to develop future technology in a way that works immediately in the day-to-day reality of the elevator industry.

How this strategic realignment will take shape in concrete terms, which technological steps will follow next, and what role leadership, standards development and service will play in this process will be explored in the coming issues.

KLST Online Find out more about KLST following this link.