[Press Release] Otis Takes Majority Stake in WeMaintain, Supporting Growth and Innovation in Service Technology
This year marks 8 years since we started the company with a simple belief: making maintenance more reliable and transparent by combining human expertise with great technology. A vision we’ve built alongside you, and that we now deploy across Europe and Asia. Our vision has always been to empower the people behind the machines with the tech tools and autonomy they need, turning traditional maintenance into seamless, data-driven operations. We’re not just maintaining buildings; we're leading the transformation of building operations. Today, we’re happy to announce that Otis has acquired a majority stake in WeMaintain. We want to be clear that this is a strategic investment, not a merger. WeMaintain will continue to operate as an independent and autonomous company. This step is a strong recognition of the model we’ve built together: our field teams, our tech tools, and our ambition to transform a still largely traditional industry. Otis and WeMaintain leadership teams. Pictured left to right at the top is: Matthieu Lafleche, Chief Product Officer at WeMaintain; David Griot, Chief Financial Officer at WeMaintain; Tom Harmsworth, VP Global Services at WeMaintain; Nora LaFreniere, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Benoit Dupont, Chief Executive Officer WeMaintain; Marine Astorg, Managing Director France WeMaintain. BOTTOM: David Fain, Chief Technology Officer WeMaintain; Judy Marks, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Jade Francine, Chief Growth Officer, WeMaintain. What does this mean for our community? For our team: Same mission, same "startup mindset," but with a global powerhouse in our corner. For our clients: The same agility and transparency you love, backed by world-class industrial stability. For the industry: A new standard for what a modern, tech-enabled service company looks like. What does this mean concretely? First and foremost: what makes WeMaintain stays the same. Our teams: the same points of contact, dedicated engineers, and close collaboration for your maintenance operations and your modernisation projects. Our approach: the same high standards of service quality, responsiveness, and transparency, with technology at the core Our Independence: We remain a standalone entity, continuing to offer our equipment and brand-agnostic solutions to all our clients You’ll continue working with the WeMaintain you know, now with the added stability of a global industry leader. Huge thanks to every WeMaintainer who made this possible and a big thank you to our customers and the early investors who believed in WeMaintain when we were just slides and ambition: Arnault Brac de la Perriere, Amédée Maingard, Maryline Kulawik, Michael Benabou, Benoît Raillard, Eurazeo, RAISE Verve Ventures, Red River West Bpifrance, Groupe ADP, CDP Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, MTR Lab Company Limited. Read on to read the official press release below! Official Press Release FARMINGTON, Conn., April 13, 2026 –Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the world’s leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, service and modernisation, and WeMaintain today announced that they have closed an agreement under which Otis will acquire a majority stake in WeMaintain, a fast-growing, technology-enabled service company for the elevator and escalator industry. The investment reflects Otis’ continued focus on advancing service and service technology to deliver the best possible solutions for customers. “Service is the foundation of our business, and innovation in how service is delivered is increasingly important as customers seek greater reliability and better visibility into performance,” said Judy Marks, Chair, CEO and President, Otis Worldwide Corp. ”WeMaintain has built a strong technology platform and agile operating model that reflects how quality service is delivered in a fast-paced, digital and customer-centric environment. We are confident in their growth potential and believe this investment supports their continued success while creating long-term value for both organisations.” “Otis’ investment allows us to stay focused on what we do best – continuing to build and advance our technology and scale our business as an independent company,” said Benoit Dupont, WeMaintain CEO. “With the stability and support of the global industry leader, we are well-positioned to strengthen our offering while maintaining the close customer relationships and high standards that have always defined our approach.” Otis and WeMaintain will operate as separate entities, and WeMaintain will continue to offer its agnostic IoT and AI-based solution to its current and future customers. About Otis Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation, service and modernisation of elevators and escalators, we move 2.5 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.5 million customer units worldwide – the industry's largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world's most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 45,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo. About WeMaintain WeMaintain was founded in 2017 by Benoit Dupont and Jade Francine on the belief that building maintenance could be smarter, more transparent, and more impactful. We combine AI-driven insights, IoT-powered data, and on-the-ground expertise to deliver real-time visibility, enhanced operational efficiency, and increased asset reliability for building owners and operators. With operations across Asia and Europe and more than 350 employees, we provide services and solutions for elevators, escalators, automatic doors, and fire safety systems. Our human + tech approach sets a new standard for service quality, customer experience, and growth. Follow us on LinkedIn.
End of 2G/3G Networks: What If Your Auto dialer Stopped Working?
Telecom operators have begun the progressive shutdown of 2G, 3G and PSTN (landline) telephone networks. These technologies will disappear in the coming years — and this directly affects lifts: auto-dialers still connected to these legacy networks will soon stop functioning. Key dates you should know: The UK shuttering of 3G networks is nearly complete: most major operators (EE, Vodafone, Three) shut off 3G in 2024, and the last operator (O2) is expected to complete shutdown by end of 2025. The public switched telephone network (PSTN / copper landlines) is scheduled to be fully switched off by 31 January 2027: this means traditional analogue landline connections will cease to exist nationwide. 2G networks are also being phased out across the UK; although there is no single nationwide “off” date, operators have agreed to phase them out by 2033. Consequence: if a lift’s emergency auto-dialer remains connected to 2G, 3G or PSTN, it may soon stop working entirely. If someone becomes trapped in the lift, it might become impossible to call rescue or maintenance services. Why Are 2G/3G and PSTN Disappearing? Operators are steadily shutting down 2G and 3G networks to make room for more advanced technologies such as 4G and 5G, which have now become the standard. Similarly, the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) – the old copper landlines – is being phased out. This legacy system is being replaced by IP telephony (VoIP), which works via an internet box (fibre or ADSL). For private individuals, these changes are often barely noticeable. But for a lift, whose telealarm still relies on these old networks, the consequences can be critical: in the event of a breakdown, it may become impossible to call for help. How Can You Tell If Your Lift Is Affected? 1. Ask your maintenance provider This is the simplest and most reliable option. Your maintainer can check in just a few minutes whether the auto-dialer is still using PSTN, 2G or 3G, and confirm if a replacement is required. 2. Check the O&M manual (Operations & Maintenance file) The building’s O&M documentation usually specifies which type of connection is used for the auto-dialer (PSTN, 2G/3G GSM, IP…). Useful if you want to check it yourself before planning any works. 3. Look directly at the auto-dialer Some auto-dialers have a label indicating the technology they use. However, be aware that on many older models, the information may not be displayed — or may no longer be accurate. What Are the Risks If You Don’t Act? Service disruption: the auto dialer could stop working overnight. Non-compliance with regulations: the law requires that lifts be fitted with an operational emergency line. 👉 If the auto dialer no longer works, the maintenance provider is required to take the lift out of service until it is compliant again. Risk for users: a breakdown with no way to call for help can have serious consequences. The Solution: Upgrade to a 4G/5G Compatible System The good news is that there are now 4G auto dialer specifically designed to replace old 2G/3G or PSTN systems. They offer many benefits: Compatible with all brands: they can be adapted to any lift model, regardless of the manufacturer, so you won’t have to replace all your equipment. Open to competition: the auto dialer remains independent from the maintenance contract. You keep the freedom to change service provider without having to change the equipment. Reliable and future-proof: by using 4G, they benefit from a robust and long-lasting network, designed to remain active for many years. Integrated digital tools: thanks to mobile apps and online platforms, it’s possible to monitor the status of auto dialers, check connectivity and receive real-time alerts. Installation with no interruption: replacements are carried out gradually, with a tested and validated switchover, to prevent any service disruption for users. In short, upgrading to 4G ensures service continuity, regulatory compliance and passenger safety, while preparing your equipment for technological developments in the coming years. What We Offer 👉 Replacement of your gateways/auto dialer with latest-generation 4G models 👉 Phased scheduling to avoid any service interruptions 👉 Immediate compliance with regulations How to Prepare? Identify lifts still connected via 2G/3G or PSTN Plan their replacement now to avoid last-minute emergencies Request a quotation and schedule tailored to your portfolio In Summary The end of 2G/3G and PSTN networks is an unavoidable deadline. If your lift auto dialer still rely on these technologies, it’s urgent to replace them with 4G models. It’s a matter of safety, compliance… and above all peace of mind for your users. At WeMaintain, we support this transition by helping our clients upgrade their equipment and adopt more reliable and sustainable connected solutions. Modernising lifts shouldn’t be seen as a burden, but as an opportunity to improve the safety and performance of your facilities. 👉 Are you a building manager or affected by this transition? Let’s talk now to avoid any unpleasant surprises. 🚀
How Smart Tech Keeps Hotels Running Smoothly This Summer
Introduction Summer is the busiest time of year for hotels. Rooms are fully booked, guests expect perfection, and systems run nonstop. While travelers relax in polished lobbies and comfortable suites, hotel teams are under pressure to keep everything working smoothly. Supporting them behind the scenes? Smart, tech-enabled maintenance. At WeMaintain, we help hotels manage this pressure with a model that blends technology, data, and field expertise. Because in hospitality, operations don’t just support the guest experience — they shape it. Why Maintenance Matters More in Summer Hotel occupancy increases by 20–30% in many markets during the summer. Properties like the Hyatt Regency London often reach more than 90% occupancy. Elevators and automatic doors are in constant use, especially during check-in and check-out, when guests move with luggage and timing matters most. Under this pressure, even small failures can ripple across operations and affect dozens of guests. And when expectations are highest, even a short delay can leave a lasting impression. That’s why reactive maintenance doesn’t cut it. Hotels need real-time insights, predictive tools, and smarter, faster interventions. 3 Common Challenges Hotels Face — and How We Help 1. Unexpected Downtime Lift or escalator failures create queues, delays, and frustration, especially at peak traffic hours. The impact isn’t just operational; it affects the guest journey and can trigger poor reviews. Our solution: IoT sensors track equipment performance in real time. When an anomaly is detected, an alert is triggered before the issue escalates.This allows for preventative maintenance, reducing unplanned downtime and avoiding visible disruptions. 2. Limited Visibility and Control When maintenance is outsourced, it can be hard for hotel teams to know what’s really happening on site — whether a visit took place, what was done, or when the next intervention is planned. Our solution: With WeMaintain, engineers log every visit directly through the mobile app, and the report is instantly available on the customer platform. Hotel teams get real-time visibility into completed work, upcoming visits, and asset performance, all in one place. No more chasing updates or waiting for reports: everything is transparent, up to date, and accessible when you need it. 3. Poorly Timed Repairs Maintenance during busy hours or guest rest periods creates noise, inconvenience, and sometimes, complaints. Our solution: WeMaintain coordinates maintenance around hotel operations, scheduling visits when rooms are empty or guest traffic is low. Engineers know the site, the patterns, and the expectations, so interventions are discreet and timed right. Real-World Results: Hyatt Regency London Before WeMaintain's involvement, the Hyatt Regency team often faced three-day repair delays for lift failures, unacceptable during high-occupancy periods. After installing IoT sensors and assigning a dedicated engineer, lift availability jumped to 98%, even at peak capacity. “WeMaintain has given ownership to its engineers. This was a big game changer for us.” — Peter, Director of Engineering, Hyatt Regency London Now, most lift issues are invisible to guests, and the operations team can focus on service, not emergencies. Read the full use case Supporting Hotel Operations with Precision At WeMaintain, we do more than fix problems — we help hotels run better. Our model combines advanced tech with local field expertise to improve asset performance without disrupting hospitality. Whether it’s anticipating high-traffic periods or adjusting maintenance schedules to guest rhythms, our systems are designed to enhance—not interfere with—the guest experience. 💡 And the benefits go beyond operations: Fewer disruptions = better reviews Smarter, proactive maintenance means less downtime and happier guests. Higher uptime = greater accessibility Reliable elevators and doors ensure seamless mobility for everyone. Efficiency = sustainability Our tech supports energy savings of up to 30%, helping meet your ESG goals. We also support long-term asset planning. With real-time dashboards and centralized reporting, hotel managers get full visibility across sites, making it easier to prioritize CAPEX, stay compliant, and make decisions based on live data — not guesswork or delayed third-party reports. Future-Proofing Through Modernisation Summer peaks can expose the cracks in ageing infrastructure. That’s why WeMaintain also helps hotels plan and execute modernization projects, from lift upgrades to energy efficiency improvements. We provide tailored guidance based on equipment condition, usage patterns, and guest experience goals. Whether it’s enhancing accessibility or replacing outdated systems, we help teams take a proactive, strategic approach to building performance, and avoid costly surprises down the line. 👉 Discover how we support modernisation projects A Human-First Approach to Maintenance WeMaintain’s field engineers are full-time employees — not anonymous subcontractors. They’re multi-brand experts, professionally trained, and equipped with the best tools. But more importantly, they bring a deep sense of responsibility and care to every visit. You’ll know them by name, and they’ll know your site inside out. That means work is done quietly, precisely, and always with your guests’ comfort in mind. While most providers still rely on fragmented subcontracting models and outdated systems, our approach gives hotels a true partner: accountable, visible, and committed to quality service. Global Reach, Local Expertise WeMaintain supports hotel operators across Europe and Asia, partnering with groups like Accor, Hyatt, IHG, Premier Inn, and NOBU. Whether in London, Singapore, Paris, Lisbon or Hong Kong, our model adapts to local constraints and maintains high performance — every season. Want to Summer-Proof Your Hotel? High season puts buildings under pressure, and guests expect perfection. If you're looking for smarter ways to reduce downtime, improve visibility, and keep your operations seamless when it matters most, we can help. 📩 Get in touch via our contact page or email us at sales@wemaintain.com to learn how WeMaintain supports leading hotels with tech-enabled, operations-first maintenance. Let us help you stay ahead, all summer long.
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Maximize Guide
The “Maximize Guide” outlines WeMaintain’s IoT-based solutions for optimizing building operations, offering predictive maintenance, real-time alerts, and energy-saving strategies for equipment like lifts and escalators. It showcases how machine learning and data insights enhance reliability, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency.