In the Chinese market, Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevators (SMEC) and Mitsubishi Electric Shanghai Electric Elevator (MESE) are both part of the Mitsubishi Group ecosystem in Japan, but they are not the same company. The two companies have different roles and follow different brand strategies under Mitsubishi Electric in China. So, if you are a customer concerned about quality, price, and after-sales service, what factors should you consider when comparing SMEC and MESE?

Differences between Shanghai Mitsubishi (SMEC) and Mitsubishi Electric Shanghai Electric elevator (MESE)

Relationship between SMEC and MESE elevators

Although both involve Mitsubishi Electric Japan and Shanghai Electric, Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator (SMEC) and Mitsubishi Electric Shanghai Electric Elevator (MESE) are two independent companies with different shareholding structures, development directions, and roles in Mitsubishi’s strategy in China.

1. Differences in shareholding structure

Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator (SMEC) was established in 1987 as a joint venture between Shanghai Electric, Mitsubishi Electric, and other partners. Meanwhile, MESE was established in 2002 with the participation of Mitsubishi Electric and Shanghai Electric, with the aim of building a specialized manufacturing facility for Mitsubishi Electric-branded elevator products.

Due to differences in their ownership structures and operating objectives, the two companies are positioned in distinct roles rather than competing directly with each other.

2. Differences in development direction

Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator (SMEC) is a large-scale company that handles a comprehensive range of activities, from research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and sales to elevator installation and maintenance. With modern manufacturing facilities and an extensive distribution network, SMEC has ranked among the leading elevator manufacturers in China in terms of production volume and market share for many years.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Electric Shanghai Electric Elevator (MESE) focuses on manufacturing Mitsubishi Electric’s high-end elevator lines, particularly high-speed elevators, elevators for super-high-rise buildings, and projects requiring advanced technology. MESE’s products are developed based on the technical foundation, manufacturing processes, and quality standards of Mitsubishi Electric Japan.

3. Differences in market strategy

One notable difference is that MESE does not establish an independent sales network in the Chinese market. Instead, products manufactured by MESE are distributed through Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator (SMEC), together with SMEC’s nationwide network for sales, installation, and after-sales services.

In simple terms, MESE can be understood as a manufacturing unit for Mitsubishi Japan, while SMEC serves both as a manufacturer and as a market development and comprehensive solution provider for customers.

Why do many people confuse SMEC and MESE as the same company?

Both carry the Mitsubishi brand

The most noticeable similarity is that both companies have the words Shanghai and Mitsubishi in their company names, with only the word order being different. This leads many people to assume that Shanghai Mitsubishi (SMEC) and Mitsubishi Electric Shanghai Electric Elevator (MESE) are simply two different names for the same brand.

Both manufacture in China

Unlike Mitsubishi Electric in Japan, both Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator and MESE have manufacturing facilities in China. This leads many people to believe that their products are manufactured at the same factory or by the same company.

However, in reality, each company has its own factory system, production lines, and development direction.

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Should you choose Shanghai Mitsubishi or Mitsubishi Electric Shanghai Electric?

In reality, this is not a choice between two competing brands, as SMEC and MESE are both part of Mitsubishi Electric’s development strategy in China. Each company plays a different role in the value chain, focusing on different product lines and usage requirements.

While Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator (SMEC) stands out with a diverse product portfolio, serving needs ranging from residential buildings, apartments, hotels, and hospitals to shopping centers, MESE focuses on developing high-speed elevator lines and elevators for super-high-rise projects.

One notable point is that MESE does not establish an independent sales network in the Chinese market. Products manufactured by MESE are distributed, installed, and maintained through the network of Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator. This allows customers to benefit from a consistent after-sales service, maintenance, and technical support system in accordance with Shanghai Mitsubishi’s standards.

Therefore, when choosing an elevator, project owners should not rely solely on the names Shanghai Mitsubishi or Mitsubishi Electric Shanghai Electric, but should also consider the product line, technical specifications, speed, rated capacity, building height, and supplier. These are the factors that determine which solution is suitable for the project’s actual requirements.

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Viet Chao – 20 years as a Shanghai Mitsubishi elevator agent in Vietnam

Viet Chao focuses its resources and specialized expertise on the Shanghai Mitsubishi elevator line – a globally recognized elevator brand. We not only supply imported elevators but also provide comprehensive technical solutions for the Vietnamese market:

• Proven reputation through thousands of projects: As SMEC’s largest official dealer since 2009, Viet Chao has extensive hands-on experience in shopping centers, office buildings, hospitals, and private residential projects nationwide.
• Optimized pricing: As a leading strategic partner, we are confident in offering competitive pricing and attractive market incentives for genuine SMEC elevators.
• Up to VND 1 billion in risk insurance: We demonstrate our highest level of responsibility through an insurance package of up to VND 1 billion per incident, providing customers with peace of mind that few other providers can offer.
• Comprehensive services & specialized technical expertise: With a team of engineers professionally trained by the manufacturer, Viet Chao provides comprehensive solutions ranging from design consultation and installation to professional maintenance in accordance with international standards.
• Nationwide office branches and 24/7 support: Our technical team can be on-site within 20 minutes after receiving a service request.

With more than 22 years of experience in the elevator industry, Viet Chao is proud to be an official distributor of premium imported elevators from leading global brands such as Shanghai Mitsubishi and Xiolift, as well as European elevator brands such as MP Lifts. We are committed to providing complete imported elevator cabins with refined finishing, meeting a wide range of aesthetic requirements, from modern styles to luxurious designs. At Viet Chao, every product is a combination of international safety technology and professional, dedicated after-sales service.

Contact Viet Chao, the exclusive agent in Vietnam, via hotline 0898 55 28 88 to receive the latest offers early!