Issue 1034 | 2/14/2024 | Currently reaching 35K Global contacts

ELEVATOR WORLD's February Issue

On the Cover: Champagne, Castles and Collaboration

Features: GEE Milan; Accessibility on the Fast Track; and more…

Focus on Sustainability: Accelerating Decarbonization; Ultra-Thin, Acid-Etched High-Strength Glass; and more…

Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more.

EW TO FOCUS ON DOORS AND DOOR OPERATORS
ELEVATOR WORLD's April 2024 issue will focus on Doors and Door Operators with bonus distribution at the National Association of Elevator Contractors Spring Conference in Miramar Beach, Florida, in April. The article submission deadline is February 15, and the advertising deadline is March 1. To participate or for more information, contact the EW Editorial Department at phone: 251-479-4514, ext. 30 or editorial@elevatorworld.com. To advertise, contact ext. 31 or advertising@elevatorworld.com.

OTIS MODERNIZING 16 ELEVATORS AT JPMORGAN CHASE BUILDING IN SAN FRANCISCO
Otis was awarded a comprehensive modernization contract that includes 16 elevators serving the JPMorgan Chase building at 560 Mission Street in San Francisco, Otis President, Chair and CEO Judy Marks said on an earnings call in January. Completed in 2002, the 31-story minimalist office tower wrapped in black steel was designed by César Pelli and has been described by the SF Gate as "an outdoor slip of manicured heaven" accented by terraces, bamboo groves and potted maples. Read more here

SCHINDLER PROVIDING 338 UNITS TO XIAMEN XIANG'AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Schindler announced on February 5 it is providing 76 passenger and freight elevators, 100 escalators and 62 moving walks to the new Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport taking shape on Dadeng Island in the southeastern Chinese province of Fujian. To become the region's main airport, Xiamen Xiang'an International Airport is projected to serve 62 million passengers and 1 million t of cargo annually by 2030 and 85 million passengers and 2 million t of cargo annually by 2040, according to its operator. Read more here

Draka EHC, a brand of Prysmian Group, is a global manufacturer and supplier dedicated to sustainability and developing innovative solutions for the vertical transportation industry. Our diverse portfolio of high-quality elevator products includes travelling cable, compensation cable, hoistway cable, wire rope, coated steel rope, rope brakes, wireway, harnessing, and lubricants. For escalators and moving walks we offer essential handrail solutions, field splicing services, skirt brushes, rollers, replacement parts and more. Elevator & Escalator Solutions Catalog | www.DrakaEHC.com Advertisement

CHAMPION ELEVATOR SECURES US$60-MILLION MODERNIZATION CONTRACT IN BRONX, NY
Champion Elevator Corp. announced it has been awarded a US$60-million, 22-week modernization job for the garage elevators at Co-Op City in Bronx, New York. Led by Robert Masterson, Frank Feniello and Don Gelestino, Champion Elevator is no stranger to Co-Op City, the world's single largest housing cooperative, built between 1966 and 1973, with 35 high rises and 200-plus townhomes. The company, along with partners that include United Vertical Group (UVG), has handled large-scale jobs there before. Set to begin in May, the contract involves full-service maintenance of 180 elevators and modernization of 16 passenger cars. The 2000-lb capacity, overheard gearless roped 1:1 elevators are "vital for the daily operations within Co-Op City, and will undergo a comprehensive transformation to enhance their safety, efficiency and reliability," Champion observed. Masterson will lead the engineering, and Feniello will supervise eight teams working to revamp eight cars simultaneously in two phases. Existing TK Elevator (Northern) overhead geared traction machines will be replaced with Hollister-Whitney gearless machines with emergency brakes and rope grippers. Upgrades will extend to the controllers, door equipment and fixtures to optimize functionality and the user experience. UVG will also install new stainless-steel cabs and entrances.

KONE RECEIVES "A" SCORE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE PERFORMANCE
KONE Corp. has been recognized for leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change by the global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its annual "A List." Based on data reported through CDP's 2023 Climate Change questionnaire, KONE is one of a small number of companies to achieve an A out of the more than 21,000 companies scored. Read more here

TKE RECEIVES MULTIPLE TOP SUSTAINABILITY RATINGS
TK Elevator (TKE) has been awarded with the top grade "A" in CDP's annual climate ranking for the fourth time in a row. Furthermore, TKE received the EcoVadis Gold Medal for the second time, only awarded to the top 5% of all companies assessed. The company further improved its score, now ranking among the top 2%. Read more here

SCHINDLER ELEVATOR SYSTEM FOR BRAZIL'S TALLEST TWIN TOWERS
On February 12, Schindler highlighted a major project in Brazil that marked several firsts for the elevator company, the country and the client. Completed in 2022, YACHTHOUSE by Pininfarina on Brazil's southern coast in Balneário Camboriú, is, at 281 m and 81 stories, the tallest twin-tower development in Brazil. It is served by the country's fastest residential elevators: Schindler 7000 units that travel at up to 6 m/s, transporting residents from the ground floor to the top level in approximately 45 s. In all, Schindler delivered 22 elevators to client Pasqualotto & GT for YACHTHOUSE, including four — two in each building — that serve the development's luxury penthouses. The elevator system includes the PORT destination-dispatch system and Lobby Vision remote-monitoring system. To guide the project, Schindler used its Top Range Excellence project-management system for the first time in Brazil. Schindler Project Manager Anderson Rugero said phased construction and teamwork resulted in delivering the project on time and to customer satisfaction.

NAEC TO HOST ZOOM MEET & GREET, CONTINUES RECRUITMENT DRIVE
The National Association of Elevators Contractors (NAEC) will host a Valentine's Day Virtual Meet & Greet on February 14 at 2 p.m. EST. Organized to celebrate the industry and the NAEC, the Zoom meeting is an opportunity to hear from NAEC leaders about the benefits of being part of the association. Read more here

JAY ZAMAL RETIRES FROM UNITEC
UNITEC recently announced on LinkedIn the retirement of Jay Zamal in February. Zamal has more than 34 years of Otis experience and parts knowledge having worked in warehouse operations, electro-mechanical assembly, machine shop, purchasing and UNITEC. "He knows Otis Elevator parts and enjoys finding the right parts for his customers," according to the post. Read more here

Maven Group, LLC is the premier choice for owners of independent elevator companies who consider selling their business. We understand the daily challenges of independent companies and we know what buyers are looking for. To maximize your return, we provide hands-on help when you prepare for the complex mergers & acquisitions process. For confidential advice, please contact Dominik Sachsenheimer at dominik@mavenelevator.com / 561-225-3320 or Bill Beaury at bill@mavenelevator.com / 239-253-4500; www.mavenelevator.com Advertisement

OTIS' CHINA MANUFACTURING ACHIEVES ZERO WASTE CERTIFICATION
Otis Worldwide has achieved Gold-level TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) zero waste certification for all of its five manufacturing facilities in China. This makes Otis the first elevator company in China to earn a TRUE Gold rating. Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), TRUE certification confirms that more than 90% of waste is diverted from landfills, incineration and the environment. Read more here

NEW DELHI, INDIA, OFFICIAL: MOST ESCALATORS OUT OF SERVICE AT KEY LOCATION
Following public complaints, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairman Satish Upadhyay visited the subways at Connaught Place — one of the Indian city's main financial, commercial and business centers — and found that most of its 22 escalators were out of service, The Week reports. The escalators connect the area to major thoroughfares and retail and office buildings. Upadhyay demanded those in the electricity, civil and security departments take immediate action to ensure that visitors, residents and local merchants are not inconvenienced by the nonfunctional units.

BIDS FOR MARYLAND RENOVATION PROJECT COME IN OVER BUDGET
Bids for an elevator and escalator reconstruction project at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland, came in over the US$1.74-million budget, OC Today reported in January. Four companies submitted bids for the project, separating the cost for the elevator renovation from the escalator renovation. Read more here

PAPL CORP. ANNOUNCES U.S. AND SINGAPORE SUBSIDIARIES
PAPL Corp. President and CEO Krishna Kumar Ravi announced in February the opening of U.S. subsidiary PAPL Inc. and Singapore subsidiary SINGAPORE PTE LTD. PAPL Corp. has operated for 17 years in India and the Middle East, and the new subsidiaries represent a "pivotal step toward the future" of the company. Read more here

Lift Business Advisors in the last 3 years has successfully represented the sellers of more than 25 elevator contractors and suppliers in the elevator industry to a broad range of acquiring companies. Since our inception in 1998, we have provided hands on support to help improve profitability and optimize value for an eventual exit. Contact Jeff Eaton for a confidential discussion and complimentary strategic review. www.liftbusiness.com, jeff.eaton@liftbusiness.com Advertisement

HYPRLIFT INC. CLOSES FIRST PRIVATE FOUNDING ROUND
Silicon Valley-based tech startup Hyprlift Inc. closed its first private funding round for an undisclosed amount in December 2023. The largest investment came from Johnson Lifts, Pvt. Ltd., India's largest elevator manufacturer. "Johnson Lifts' investment in Hyprlift represents one part of a boarder strategic partnership agreement between the two companies," Hyprlift said. Read more here

UTTAR PRADESH GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES ELEVATOR BILL
India's Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly was set to introduce a bill on February 6 making it mandatory to obtain permission from the Energy Department before installing any lifts and will require the annual servicing of elevators to maintain safety standards, Law Trend reports. Additionally, the bill says that elevators must have emergency alarms and CCTV cameras. Read more here

Introducing the TSG-V4 Universal Door Operator from Wurtec and Langer & Laumann. This operator is designed to drop right in to the existing elevator system without requiring the replacement of any other components. The TSG-V4 installs in just hours, meaning you save time, save money, and get building owners back in business with minimal disruption to tenants. Read the brochure to learn more about the TSG-V4 from Wurtec and Langer & Laumann. Advertisement

FATALITY REPORTED AT MEXICO CONSTRUCTION SITE
The body of a man believed dead for four days was located at the bottom of an under-construction elevator shaft of an apartment building in central Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the Riviera Maya News reports. Police confirmed that the 35-year-old victim was a bricklayer and worker at the site. Read more here

THIRD-ANNUAL LOUIS J. MEZZO GOLF OUTING PLANNED AT NEW VENUE
Dynasty Elevator President John Mezzo has announced the third-annual Louis J. Mezzo Golf Outing will be taking place on June 13 at a new venue: Harrison Meadows Country Club (formerly the Willow Ridge Country Club) in southern Westchester County, NY. Founded by John Mezzo in memory of his late father, the event includes lunch, a cocktail reception, dinner and a show. Event proceeds will go toward the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Joseph Mileto of AJM Property Consulting said he is looking forward to a wonderful outing. "It's a good cause with good people and great golf," Mileto said. "Let's ask your dad to put in a word about great weather this year!" To RSVP, contact John Mezzo at email.

Tough. Bright. Choices. Innovation's extra tough Bruiser Halo Series push buttons offer a bright, vivid splash of illuminated halo colors with an infinite range of cut-through characters. Flush or projecting in stainless steel, muntz, or copper, each push button is built on our durable and proven positive stop design for the most demanding applications. innovationind.com Advertisement

ARITEC NEW MATERIALS GROUP ANNOUNCES ZIEHL-ABEGG COLLABORATION
Luzern, Switzerland-headquartered Aritec New Materials Group AG on February 12 announced a collaboration with Ziehl-Abegg SE, the Germany-based global electric elevator motor specialist, that entails Ziehl-Abegg including Aritec's ARIBELT elevator belt in its motor systems. Read more here

OTIS INDONESIA TO MODERNIZE 10 ELEVATORS AT JAKARTA HOTEL
The Otis Indonesia team will undertake the comprehensive modernization of 10 elevators at the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta. Otis will install Gen2^®units selected to further enhance the "artistic ambiance" of the Borobudur Hotel with custom materials, lighting and accessories within the cabin. Read more here

The 2023 EIAT (Elevator Industry Aptitude Test) contains 75 math, verbal, and mechanical questions. Since 2007, JobTestPrep has helped over 5,000 candidates prepare for their EIAT test and is the one-stop-shop for acing the EIAT: free test, sample questions, and full practice. Take a free EIAT sample test to maximize your chances of getting an apprenticeship and to learn more about JobTestPrep! Advertisement

ACTION ELEVATOR NAMES BONA COMPLIANCE MANAGER SUPPORTING MID-ATLANTIC REGION
Action Elevator Co., with offices in Baltimore and Delmarva-Ocean City, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and northern Virginia, recently named Lisa Bona compliance manager supporting the Mid-Atlantic region. Bona has 23 years of elevator industry experience, holding roles at Otis for 12 years that included project manager and testing coordinator. Read more here

NYC-BASED DYNASTY ELEVATOR WELCOMES VIETRI AS ACCOUNT MANAGER, SERVICE
NYC-headquartered Dynasty Elevator recently welcomed Rachel Vietri as account manager, service. Vietri comes from an elevator family and brings years of customer service and managerial experience to her new role. Read more here

Elevator World's 2024 SOURCE Directory is the key reference publication for the elevator industry, and is used worldwide by government agencies, educators, building owners and facility managers to locate companies, specify products and purchase goods and services - giving you access to more than 1,200 industry specialists and products/services. Order your copy today! Advertisement

EDITORIAL AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: Editorial submissions, reprint permission requests and subscription/removal requests should be sent to editorial@elevatorworld.com. ELENET Editorial staff: Angela C. Baldwin, Kaija Wilkinson, Lindsay Fletcher and Kathleen Farrell.

ADVERTISEMENTS: To advertise and reach ELENET's readership of 35,000+, contact the Advertising staff at phone: 251-479-4514 or e-mail: advertising@elevatorworld.com.

Download the ELEVATOR WORLD magazine Editorial Calendar to see EW's upcoming feature stories, focus topics, special topics, special sections and Editorial/Advertising submission deadlines here.

ELENET is a registered trademark, and all rights are reserved. Copyright 2024 © Elevator World, Inc., 354 Morgan Avenue, Mobile, AL 36606, phone: 251-479-4514, fax: 251-479-7043, Internet: www.elevatorworld.com.