A Firm Grip Around the World

Semperit has been manufacturing handrails for more than 70 years – first in Austria and later also in China and the U.S. Today, they are used worldwide. What sets Semperit handrails apart is their ability to perform reliably even under the most extreme conditions – at nearly 50 °C in Delhi, India, as well as at winter temperatures of minus 20 °C in the Austrian Alps.

Some people reach for them without even thinking about it. Others lean on them gratefully. Some tap out little melodies with their fingers; others hold on firmly and securely. Children explore them cautiously at first, then with growing confidence. For many older people, they provide support every day. What appears to be a simple, easy-to-grip strip barely eight centimeters wide is in fact a highly engineered product. The demands placed on handrails are high. Over their average lifespan of about seven years, they must withstand approximately 40 million bending cycles – without abrasion, cracks or material fatigue. At the same time, they must work reliably at extreme temperatures and withstand speeds of up to one meter per second. “Failure is simply not an option,” says Bernd Schlegl, who heads the FORM business unit at Semperit as Managing Director.

From Vienna to Washington and Delhi: one in three handrails comes from Semperit

Especially in high-traffic areas, escalators must operate reliably around the clock. Therefore, the products are put through rigorous testing on a regular basis. These tests examine tensile strength, adhesion and sliding properties, aging behavior and resistance to ozone exposure. Today, Semperit handrails are in use on escalators and moving walkways in more than 80 countries. Whether at Vienna Central Station, at China’s newest mega-airport, Chengdu Tianfu, within Washington’s extensive escalator network, the largest in North America, or in Delhi’s modern metro network with its many outdoor installations: they ensure that people can get around quickly, safely and comfortably everywhere. “About one in three handrails worldwide comes from Semperit,” says Schlegl.

However, customer requirements vary by region. In Asia, design aspects play an important role alongside technical performance for various drive systems. Glossy surfaces and colored handrails are in high demand. In Europe, the focus is on sustainability. And in the North American market, one thing matters above all else: availability. From its plant in Newnan, Georgia, Semperit supplies customers throughout North America and offers delivery models with exceptionally short lead times. Depending on customer requirements, orders can be delivered within 24 hours, 72 hours or one week.

Innovation drives growth

Companies that want to expand their leading position worldwide cannot rest on their laurels. That is why Semperit continuously invests in product development and focuses on solutions tailored to regional needs. A recent example is the hybrid handrail. With this product, Semperit combines the best of both worlds – the high flexibility and durability of rubber with the glossy surface of plastic. “The hybrid handrail is an innovation that addresses long-standing market demand in Asia. It not only meets all technical requirements but also the design preferences of our customers in China, Japan and South Korea, who prefer shimmering surfaces and custom color schemes,” says Schlegl.

In turn, Semperit appeals to sustainability-conscious customers with its new ReVate handrail. “It is the first on the EU market to consist of more than 40 percent bio-based, renewable and recycled rubber. Our innovation is generating a great deal of interest across Europe. ReVate is currently being put to practical use by our first customers in Sweden,” reports Schlegl. With innovations like these, Semperit is consistently advancing the development of its handrails. The eight-centimeter-wide strip – which millions of people use every day without a second thought – contains far more technology, expertise and experience than meets the eye.