Elevator maker Otis is set to build the tallest elevator test tower in the world in Shanghai as part of its latest research and development facility, the company said on Tuesday, May 10.

The company is looking to tap into China's interest for skyscrapers. The anticipated elevator test tower will be the world's tallest above-ground elevator, standing at 270 meters high.

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Otis' new test tower will play a key role in its new global research and development operation. The facility is expected to start operating in 2018, according to GB Times.

"Building our new test tower and R&D Center in Shanghai underscores our continuous commitment to satisfy customers in China and around the world," Philippe Delpech, Otis president, said during a press conference.

The company aims to support emerging technologies for adaptable industries, deliver efficient and premium safety, comfort, and convenience for clients and their passengers.

"As the industry leader that introduced safe elevator technology, this is a strong example of how we are investing to accelerate innovation and technology development for our next generation elevators and service," a statement from the company said.

Otis is behind the elevators of some of the well-known skyscrapers in the world such as the world's tallest 828-meter Burj Khalifa in Dubai structure; Shenzhen's 599-meter Ping'An Financial Center; South Korea's tallest 555-meter Lotte World Tower in Seoul; North America's highest 553-meter CN Tower in Toronto; and Paris' iconic 324-meter Eiffel Tower.

The largest elevator manufacturer in the world currently moves over two billion people a day and maintains around two million elevators, moving walkways and escalators in over 200 locations.

Otis, which has been creating safety elevator for over 160 years, is a subsidiary unit of United Technologies Corp., an American international conglomerate that researches, develops, and creates cutting-edge products including aircraft engines, elevators, moving walkways, escalators, building system, to name a few.

Tagsskyscrapers, elevators, escalators, Otis, Burj Khalifa, Ping'An Financial Center, Lotte World Tower, CN Tower, Eiffel Tower, R&D Center