| ELEVATOR WORLD's April Issue
On the Cover: Let There Be Light . . . And Accessibility
Features: New Options for Door Equipment in North America…
Focus on Doors and Door Operators: Improving All the Time; Locking in on Elevator Safety…
Continuing Education: Elevator System Weights — A Critical Mass…
Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW TO FOCUS ON BUILDING CONVERSIONS
ELEVATOR WORLD's July 2024 issue will focus on Building Conversions. The article submission deadline is May 15, and the advertising deadline is June 3. To participate or for more information, contact the EW Editorial Department at phone: 251-479-4514, ext. 130 or editorial@elevatorworld.com. To advertise, contact ext. 131 or advertising@elevatorworld.com.
NIPPON OTIS PILOT PROJECT INTEGRATES SERVICE ROBOT WITH ELEVATOR FOR MAIL DELIVERY
Nippon Otis Elevator Co., in collaboration with robotics provider FIG Corp., has integrated a service robot with an existing Otis Gen2® Prestige elevator as part of a pilot project at the Oita Prefectural Government Office, in Oita, Japan. To improve delivery efficiency and free employees for more value-adding tasks, the Oita Prefectural Government Office has launched the pilot of mail delivery by robot. Read more here | | SOLUTIONS Engineering is a professional lift consultant experienced in acquisitions, partnerships and the establishment of new business with in Turkey, the Middle East, India and the Balkans. We have extensive knowledge in the lift and elevator sector for more 20 years. Contact with Suleyman Ozcan to set up a no obligation consultation. Suleyman.ozcan@solutions-engineering.net www.solutions-engineering.net Advertisement | | | LIFTINSTITUUT PRESENTS CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE TO HYDRONIC LIFT
Liftinstituut recently presented Italy's Hydronic Lift S.p.A with a Certificate of Compliance according to American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19 for its hydraulic buffer. ISO 17025-calibrated measurement devices were used to check the speed and deceleration of the hydraulic buffer during the tests. Read more here
INVERTEK CELEBRATES THREE-MILLIONTH VFD PRODUCTION
Welshpool, U.K.-based Invertek Drives Ltd., a global innovator and manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, recently celebrated producing its three-millionth VFD, which are designed and manufactured at the company's headquarters. The landmark arrives just three years after the two-million milestone, demonstrating rapidly growing demand for Invertek's energy-saving solutions. 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 | | | TEI GROUP'S SOUTHEAST EXPANSION CONTINUES WITH HIRE OF MONETTE
NYC-headquartered TEI Group continues its Southeast expansion with the hire of Jim Monette as a regional sales consultant. Monette brings decades of hands-on experience as an elevator salesman, coupled with a "keen understanding of market dynamics across major U.S. cities from his previous roles at Otis, TK Elevator (TKE) and KONE," TEI stated. Prior to joining TEI Group, Monette was a senior modernization sales manager for Otis, based in Tampa, Florida. He also held roles including TKE senior account manager, based in San Diego, California, and KONE service sales consultant, based in Detroit. Monette holds a degree in general business and marketing from Haworth College of Business in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
IN MEMORIAM: JOHN FICHERA
John Fichera, co-founder of NYC-based TEI Group, passed away on April 3 at his home in Moorestown, New Jersey. Fichera built a successful career in the elevator industry, starting as a helper and eventually helping launch TEI. His retirement in 2016 was short-lived: He quickly returned to the industry as a part-time consultant until his diagnosis with bile duct cancer. Nothing was more important to Fichera than family, and he spent his final days poring over paperwork to ensure his children and grandchildren would find stability and peace in his absence. Fichera was predeceased by the love of his life — his wife, Donna. Survivors include children, Tina, Michael and Angelo; his mother, Patricia; brother, Jeffrey; and five grandchildren. "The elevator industry has suffered a huge loss," said TEI Group. Fichera began his career at Archer Elevator in 1979 under the leadership of Edward L. Bonardi, going on to dedicate a total of 40 years to the industry — including 27 at TEI Group. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that anyone who knew Fichera commit one very intentional act of generosity, whether it benefits a friend, stranger or charitable organization. In other words, simply put a dose or two of good into the world, and think about Fichera for a minute. | | CAMBRIDGE ELEVATING ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP
Canada-based provider of residential elevator solutions Cambridge Elevating announced in April that its senior leadership team, including Jamie Hamilton, president; Josh Bruce, vice president (VP) of Operations; and Richard Wright, VP of Finance, has acquired the company from longtime owner Derek Hamilton. Read more here
ITALY'S PRYSMIAN ACQUIRES U.S.-BASED ENCORE WIRE
Italy's Prysmian Group, which includes the Draka Elevator business, on April 15 announced a US$4.15-billion deal to acquire U.S. firm Encore Wire, outlets including Reuters report. "M&A is in our DNA," observed Prysmian CEO Massimo Battaini, who on April 18 is set to inherit the role from previous CEO Valerio Battista. Battaini said the acquisition will make Prysmian "even more relevant" in North America, which, with the inclusion of Encore Wire, will "account for more than 30% of Prysmian's core earnings," according to the source. The group continues to focus on organic growth powered by market trends. Encore Wire's products include the ABR Flexible Conduit that can be used in elevators, hoistways, escalators and industrial machinery. Prysmian acquired Netherlands-based Draka in 2011. The Encore Wire deal is expected to close in the second half of 2024. | | 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 | | | MAXTON MANUFACTURING EARNS TOP SAFETY RECOGNITION FOR 10TH YEAR
The Safety Consultation and Training Section (SCATS) of the State of Nevada's Division of Industrial Relations recognizes Maxton Manufacturing Co. in Minden, Nevada, for the successful renewal of the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Read more here
LIFTINSTITUUT HOSTING WEBINAR ON NEW MACHINERY REGULATION
Liftinstituut is hosting a webinar titled Transition to the New Machinery Regulation - Spring 2024 on April 25 and May 16. The webinar will be hosted by certification specialists Willem Kasteleijn and Tijmen Molema with a focus on manufacturers, from components manufacturers to complete systems manufacturers. 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 | | | FUJITEC BECOMES SILVER SPONSOR OF WHEELOG ACCESSIBILITY NONPROFIT
Japanese vertical-transportation (VT) OEM Fujitec Co., Ltd., has signed a Silver Sponsor agreement with WheeLog, a nonprofit dedicated to achieving "a world in which anyone can go anywhere." Among WheeLog's initiatives is the WheeLog! app that provides a user-generated VT accessibility map. Read more here
NEW PLATFORM AIMS TO DEMOCRATIZE ELEVATOR DESIGN ACCESS
In a move to democratize access to elevator designs, Themis Stamatiou, MSc, a seasoned industrial designer and elevator production manager, has launched Elevator Plans. This new platform aims to connect micro-manufacturers and freelancers with a supply of high-quality and production ready elevator plans, previously accessible only through extensive time and financial investment. Read more here | | PENNSYLVANIA CHURCH, HISTORIC LANDMARK TO GET ELEVATOR
St. Matthews A.M.E. Zion Church on the corner of Thorn and Walnut streets in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, is improving its accessibility with the addition of an elevator, TribLIVE.com reports. The church is the oldest African American church in Sewickley and is designated a historic landmark by the Pittsburgh History & Landmark Foundation. The renovations are expected to be completed this year and are being funded through contributions from community members, the Sewickley Valley Historical Society, the Sewickley Community Fund and Sewickley Presbyterian Church. An additional estimated US$60,000 is required to finalize the elevator project, according to the source. | | Mongrain Vertical Transport current products include the complete range of hydraulic elevators as well as the Emarelle hydraulic machine-room-less elevator system. Each is custom tailored to meet demanding design and performance standards as specified by building owners, architects, and installers. For more information, please email us at info@mvtinc.com or visit us online at www.mvtinc.com. Advertisement | | | KONE WINS ORDER FOR PANDA TOWER IN CHENGDU, CHINA
KONE Corp. has won an order to supply a suite of vertical-transportation solutions for the new 489-m-high mixed-use Panda Tower (officially Chengdu Tianfu Supertall) in Chengdu, Western China. Towering to a height of 95 floors, the iconic structure will provide office, hotel and retail space. The order comprises the installation of 24 KONE MiniSpace™ and five KONE MonoSpace® elevators. Read more here
GERMANY-BASED NONPROFIT CIA RE-ELECTS BOD
The nonprofit CAN in Automation (CiA) association, based in Nuremberg, Germany, re-elected its Board of Directors (BoD) on April 9. They are Magnus Hell from Infineon, technical director; Christian Schlegel from CHS Consulting, business director; and Holger Zeltwanger as managing director. Read more here | | Looking for traction elevator machines? Choose HAIDER DRIVE - where customers always come first! Haider Drive is brought to you by Delco Elevator Products. This full line of CSA-approved traction elevator machines has been created to meet the demands of the North American market. With every Haider Drive machine purchase, YOU GET: 10-12 weeks lead time, 5-year warranty, 10% off components, simple logistics, dedicated project manager, technical support, cost-effective pricing and a proven track record. Learn more about Haider Drive: https://rb.gy/hdjdwu Contact us at 1.866.900.3727 or info@delcoelevator.com. Advertisement | | | OTIS HONG KONG AWARDED OUTSTANDING ELEVATOR BUSINESS AWARD
Otis Hong Kong was awarded the "Outstanding Elevator Business Award" at the prestigious 01 Gold Medal Awards 2023. This award recognizes Otis' achievements in promoting innovations in vertical transportation and significant contributions to advancing technology and service excellence in Hong Kong, furthering the city's smart city initiatives. Read more here
KONE SCOUTING FOR SMALL SERVICES COMPANIES
Finland-based KONE Corp. is scouting for acquisitions of small services companies across the world, KONE Global President and CEO Philippe Delorme told reporters while participating in KONE India's 40th anniversary celebrations, The Hindu reports. The company will also try to participate in industry consolidation but does not have a set budget for it. Read more here | | Elevate your space with Inpro's Elevator Interiors, featuring sleek aluminum ceilings and durable fully wrapped panels. These cutting-edge materials not only promise easy installation but also ensure a modern, tamper-resistant finish that stands the test of time. Transform your elevator into a statement of style and functionality with Inpro. https://www.inprocorp.com/brochurerequest?docid=a4P4V000001xCG4UAM Advertisement | | | THEA BOWMAN HOUSE BREAKS GROUND ON ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTION
Thea Bowman House in Utica, NY, held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 3 to kick off the installation of a new elevator at its DeSales Center, The Central New York Business Journal reports. The US$1.2-million project will make the center accessible. The new elevator will also open rental possibilities on the building's top floor, which houses several rooms that would be suitable for nonprofit tenants. Read more here
ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR GILLESPIE ADDRESSES ELEVATOR SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY
According to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, State Senator Ann Gillespie has advanced legislation that would allow elevators to remain operational during upgrades or repairs that address minor, non-safety-related deficiencies. Senate Bill 3694 allows the state fire marshal to issue a temporary certificate permitting elevator usage during minor repairs or upgrades. These 30-day certificates would only be granted if the elevator does not pose a safety risk to those using or working on the elevator. Current regulations require full compliance before an elevator can be used, which can lead to extended periods where elevators are out of service. Individuals who rely on elevators are impacted by the outages, which restrict their ability to access essential services. Senate Bill 3694 passed the Senate and moves on to the House for consideration. | | SHANGHAI MOVING WALK INCIDENT RESULTS IN SERIOUS INJURIES
A woman in China was seriously injured and may require an amputation after she got stuck in a moving walk at a supermarket in Shanghai, the Independent reports. The woman fell feet-first into the moving walk after the malfunction of the system that automatically fixes plates, or pedals, in place along with the failure of the automatic stop mechanism. Read more here
23-YEAR-OLD MAN DIES IN ILLINOIS ELEVATOR INCIDENT
The Joliet, Illinois, Police Department announced that a 23-year-old worker died on April 9 after falling down an elevator shaft at an old industrial building on the city's east side, Patch reports. According to officials, Joliet police responded to the building for a report that someone was injured after falling into an elevator shaft. Read more here | | Vision Plus has been developed as our most intuitive system for concise door control and paramount safety. The system is a door safety solution certified under the ASME 2022 code. It meets the requirements for object detection in both 2D and 3D without the need for extra devices, seamlessly integrating into the existing edge profile for quick and simple installation. https://www.formula-systems.com/products/vision-plus/ Advertisement | | | 12TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST OPEN UNTIL MAY 24
Photo submissions are open for the 2024 Photo Contest until May 24. This year's contest offers a new category: NAEC (National Association of Elevator Contractors) Through the Years (in celebration of the association's 75th anniversary). Other categories include Projects In Action, Elevators/Lifts (Commercial), Elevators/Lifts (Private Residence), Escalators & Moving Walkways, Machines & Components, City Skylines and Tall Buildings, Historical/Legacy Equipment (pre-1965), Who Reads Elevator World?, Elevator Company Factories/Facilities, Hoistways and Illustrations. The nomination period will be followed by public voting, and winners will be featured in our August 2024 issue. Send us your best shots, and you could win one of many great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine! We look forward to viewing the elevator world through your unique lens. For more details, rules and to submit your photos, visit our website. | | Interested in a gearless traction machine with a laser-focus on safety and longevity? Hollister-Whitney products are designed with the customer in mind. That means superior value and painless serviceability for decades of operation. The GL171X is a cost-effective, gearless solution designed to fit through 27-inch doors. Learn more about its powerful, energy–efficient performance. 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, Internet: www.elevatorworld.com. | | | | |
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