There are two types of companies in our business:
Major and Independent.

Major companies are large companies that are known worldwide. These companies usually have manufacturing plants in many countries and have offices in all major cities. Each of the smaller branches reports to a higher division that is in the larger cities who in turn report to the main offices.

Service calls are usually taken by an operator in a large call center in a different state or even another country. These operators have little or no knowledge about elevators and only know you by your account number. They are trained to ask a list of questions and record your answers and then to report the call to someone who will get the information to your local branch. These companies usually sell and install their parts, and only their parts. The plans for these parts are held only by the company and make it hard to leave their support for another since only they can maintain them.

Independent companies are locally and sometimes family-owned and operated. They usually have few branch offices and have localized service areas. These companies don't just know you by an account number but by name and face. These companies usually form long term relationships with clients that are beneficial to both parties. If you have a problem you can contact the owner directly and have it solved quickly rather then waiting for a service request to be processed.

Independent companies usually sell non-proprietary parts. These parts are easy-to-service and, unlike the parts you would get from major companies, the plans are available to all companies. The advantage to this is that if you do not like your service you can transfer over to another company because the parts can be maintained by any quality company. See our Architects Info page for more information.