| ELEVATOR WORLD's November Issue
 On the Cover: "Easy Living Home Elevators," photo by Dijana Vojvodic. This photo placed third in the Elevators/Lifts (Private Residence) category of the 2024 EW Photo Contest.
Features: Safety Forward; Finding Its Niche in Denmark; Alaskan Accessibility...
Focus on Special-Operation Lifts: Trends, safety, KPIs and more are explored in this section... Columns: Corrosion in Vertical-Transportation Equipment; Elevator Safety Code Compliance — Elevator Brakes; Safety in Numbers... Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW FEBRUARY TO FOCUS ON DIGITALIZATION
ELEVATOR WORLD's February 2025 issue will focus on Digitalization (AI, automation, simulation, BIM, digital twin and more). The article submission deadline is December 16, and the advertising deadline is January 2. 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. | | 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 | | | | VANTAGE ELEVATOR SOLUTIONS WELCOMES NEW CCO TOMASINO
Vantage Elevator Solutions, headquartered in Bronx, NY, announced that Justin Tomasino has joined the company as chief commercial officer (CCO). Tomasino has more than 35 years' experience in the elevator industry, having worked for KONE and Otis. At Otis, he advanced through various roles in sales, sales management and general management. Read more here
STANNAH WINS NETWORK RAIL LIFT AND ESCALATOR SERVICE CONTRACT
Stannah, headquartered in Andover, U.K., announced it signed a new, potentially GBP50-million (US$63.7-million) five-year contract with Network Rail to service its lifts and escalators. Significantly, the contract includes escalator maintenance for the first time, representing a significant addition to Stannah's portfolio. "Winning the tender is a testament to the incredible hard work of the Stannah team throughout the current 10-year contract." Read more here | | | SCHINDLER LIFTS AUSTRALIA PROMOTES MONTRESOR TO MD
Schindler Lifts Australia has promoted Stefano Montresor to managing director (MD) of Schindler Lifts Australia, where he had a 14-year-long career in various positions. In 2010, Montresor joined the company as the Existing Installation & Systems manager. During this time, Montresor launched FieldLink, a digital tool case for service technicians in the field, in addition to working on various reliability and efficiency initiatives. Read more here
ATIS EXPANDS FOOTPRINT IN VERMONT THROUGH ACQUISITION
ATIS has acquired the assets of Vermont Elevator Inspection Services (VEIS), according to Thompson Street Capital Partners (TSCP), a private equity firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, Morningstar reports. Founded in 2005, VEIS is a leading provider of elevator inspection services across the state of Vermont. Read more here | | Draka EHC, a brand of Prysmian, 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. DrakaEHC.com Advertisement | | | | SIMS4LIFTS NAMED FINALIST FOR UK BUSINESS AWARDS
Lift sim company Sims4Lifts has been recognized as a finalist for the prestigious UK Business Awards. Known as The Dons after author and journalist Don Hale, the UK Business Awards celebrate the long-term, sustainable successes of British businesses from all sectors. Having been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Product or Service Development category, Sims4Lifts has been recognized for its contributions to both the lift and commercial property industries, impressing judges with a solution that guarantees there's always a stable emergency connection. Judges were likewise impressed by the growing company's sim management platform, which makes the installation, activation and monitoring of sims much easier for users. By 2027, U.K. lifts will no longer be able to use landlines, making the inclusion of such capabilities essential if companies are to eliminate the risk of lift passengers not being able to establish an emergency connection.
LECARDI NAMED METRO ELEVATOR VP OF MODERNIZATION
James LeCardi was recently named vice president (VP) of Modernization at Metro Elevator. Based in the NYC metropolitan area, LeCardi joins Metro Elevator from Schindler, where he held roles including manager, territory project operations; senior project manager; and project superintendent, all based in the NYC area, over nearly nine years. 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 | | | | IN MEMORIAM: THOMAS STACK
Vertical-transportation consultancy VDA, Inc., announced the passing of industry pioneer Thomas Stack in November 2024. Stack was one of VDA's original four owners following the purchase from John Van Deusen in 2010. Stack started his career at Central Elevator in 1978, where he quickly became its most skilled and trusted adjuster. His expertise and troubleshooting skills made him an industry leader and a go-to for support, even from competitors. Van Deusen took note of Stack's special traits and asked him to join VDA in 1989. He accepted the offer and didn't stop there. Stack was identified early on as one of the next owners of VDA, becoming instrumental in its growth in the existing installation market. Having served on the NYC Elevator Code Advisory Committee, Stack helped shape the local elevator landscape, advising on additions and revisions to city code. At the time of his passing, Stack was the longest-tenured VDA employee, and he will be greatly missed. Former VDA Partner and CEO Mike Smith described Stack as a "truly unique man who I was blessed to call a friend for more than 30 years." Said Smith: "His humor made you smile, and his brilliance made you think." Stack's survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Deborah; daughter, Kimberly; siblings, Kathleen, John and Robert; his "furever" friend, Buddy; his "grand-animals," Daisy, Gracie, Kitty and Ophelia; nieces and nephews; and countless friends. — submitted by VDA
SCHINDLER TO PROVIDE ELEVATORS FOR CAIRO NAC PROJECT
Cairo, Egypt-based MGB Developments announced on November 11 it has inked an agreement with Schindler to provide elevators for the new PUKKA residential project in Cairo's New Administrative Capital (NAC). The agreement includes the installation, operation and maintenance of an unspecified number of energy-efficient elevators. 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 | | | | KOREA REPORT SHOWS VT ACCIDENTS INCREASING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
A report by the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) shows the annual number of accidents involving senior citizens on automated transportation, including vertical transportation (VT), has been increasing since 2020, The Korea Herald reports. A total of 1,507 such accidents involving those older than 65 were registered at the Korea's Consumer Injury Surveillance System from 2020 to September of this year, and the annual figure for these accidents has increased every year from 116 in 2020 but shot up to 646 in 2023. Read more here
AUTONOMOUS ROBOT COMPLETES 110,000-PLUS ELEVATOR RIDES
Diligent Robotics recently announced that its flagship product, Moxi the Robot, has completed 110,000 autonomous elevator rides and counting at health systems across the U.S., Robotics Tomorrow reports. Moxi has a humanoid form factor, with an arm for manipulating the environment, opening doors and pushing elevator buttons. Moxi is the only robot to accomplish this feat in a generalized way that is working 24/7 in U.S. hospitals. While many robotics projects are still in beta or confined to structured environments, Moxi is in the field, navigating unpredictable spaces and riding elevators and badging into secure areas — all without human intervention. Elevators are challenging for robots due to the unpredictability of human presence, dynamic paths and the need for precise, reliable manipulation and navigation. "Moxi's ability to perform these rides autonomously across various health systems sets a new standard for autonomy in healthcare," according to the source. From delivering supplies to transporting lab specimens, Moxi has become a reliable teammate for health care workers, improving operational efficiency and allowing staff to focus on patient care rather than routine transport tasks. As Diligent Robotics expands across health care systems, the demand for robotic automation is expected to grow significantly. | | | CECA: POSTAL WORKER STRIKE TO AFFECT TSSA MAIL
The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) tells members that the strike announced by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on November 15 will disrupt mail services and impact regulated clients of Ontario's Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) that depend on mail for TSSA services. These services include invoicing, statements, applications and authorizations (certificates, licenses, registrations and permits). Read more here
HUASHENG FUJITEC ELEVATOR WINS NY PRODUCT DESIGN AWARD
HUASHENG FUJTITEC Elevator Co., Ltd., the Shanghai-based production arm of Fujitec, received the Silver Winner Award for the DF-f destination floor registration unit in the 2024 NY Product Design Awards, a worldwide design competition honoring product designers, design teams and manufacturers, Fujitec announced on November 15. Read more here | | Deadline Alert: Renew Your CET/CAT Certification! The clock is ticking! Renew your NAEC CET and CAT certifications by December 31, 2024. For More Info, Contact NAEC's Certification Department at certification@naec.org. Stay proactive, stay certified—renew today! Advertisement | | | MP LIFTS HOSTS MP OPEN DAYS FOR U.K. AND IRELAND PROFESSIONALS
MP Lifts organized the MP Open Days event for consultants, construction project managers and lift companies from the U.K. and Ireland. These seminars, held in Seville, Spain, in October, were attended by 50 people from different towns such as Manchester, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin, Galway, Ennis and Cork, who were able to see first-hand all aspects related to the company, products, services, manufacturing facilities and, in the R&D laboratory, the wide range of bespoke solutions. Thanks to this initiative, MP has reinforced its image of a solid and transparent company among the sector's British and Irish professionals. Attendees had the chance to learn about the work of the Valentín de Madariaga Foundation and his commitment to promoting his legacy regarding cultural, business and social entrepreneurship, as well as visit some of the city's historic places.
BUCHER HYDRAULICS ACQUIRING FINLAND'S HYDMAN OY
Bucher Hydraulics, the Germany-based global provider of innovative hydraulic drive and control technology for applications including elevators, announced on November 13 it is acquiring Hydman Oy, based in Tampere, Finland. Founded in 2008 and well-established in the Nordics market, Hydman develops and manufactures tailored hydraulic manifold systems. Read more here | | Elevcon 2025, the international congress for the elevator and vertical transportation industry, is organized and led by the International Association of Elevator Engineers (IAEE) takes place June 17–19, 2025 at the Altis Grand Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal. Now in its 24th year, Elevcon has become a premier gathering for vertical transportation professionals, offering three days of specialized professional education, expert-led lectures, and networking opportunities. For more information visit: https://elevcon.com/ Advertisement | | | KEY INDIA RAIL HUB OPENS ESCALATORS AND NEW BOOKING OFFICE
Newly constructed booking office and escalators at the second entrance of Kottayam Railway Station in India were inaugurated and opened to the public on November 12 by the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri George Kurian to a crowd of officials and civilians, Kerala Rail News reported. Featuring bi-directional escalators, the new second entry building is part of a development project for Kottayam Railway Station. Read more here
WEST HOLLYWOOD PARKING STRUCTURE TO GET UPDATED ELEVATOR
The City of West Hollywood in California will begin an elevator modernization project at the West Hollywood Park 5-Story Parking Structure located at 625 North San Vicente Boulevard in December, the WEHO Times reports. Construction is anticipated to be completed by the second week of January 2025. Read more here | | 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 | | | BXP POSTPONES CONSTRUCTION OF 27-STORY BOSTON OFFICE BUILDING
Due to unfavorable financial conditions, Boston Properties (BXP) has postponed the construction of a 27-story, 660,000 ft2 office building at 171 Dartmouth Street in Boston's Back Bay. During the company's third-quarter earnings call, BXP President Douglas Linde stated that the rental rates do not justify the borrowing and construction costs at this time, making the project financially unfeasible to start in 2025. Read more here
ABEDIAN PLANS US$580 MILLION AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTIAL SKYSCRAPER
Abedian & Co, the family's private development company that has been developing the Gold Coast's skyline for 40 years, has filed plans for three towers in the past week, reports The Urban Developer. Abedian's latest proposal is for a US$580-million high rise that will include 115 apartments over 47 stories at Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia. Read more here | | DON'T FORGET to book your space in the 2025 Elevator World SOURCE. You won't want to be left out of the industry's most important directory. Advertisements start at $899 and include a free listing. Final deadline is November 25, 2024. Contact advertising@elevatorworld.com to book your ad today! Advertisement | | | ONTARIO OFFICE-TO-RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION ACT VOTED DOWN
The Ford Government of Ontario, Canada, voted down the Commercial-to-Residential Conversion Act 2024, which would have cut red tape and sped up such conversions by up to two years as office vacancy rates — along with the need for housing — rises, outlets including Storeys reported on October 25. Read more here
TOROMONT INDUSTRIES PROPOSES MASSIVE 17-BUILDING PROJECT IN VAUGHAN
The City of Vaughan, Ontario's skyline is gearing up for a major change at the hands of Toromont Industries, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat reports, citing Storeys. The development company plans to construct 17 new mixed-use residential buildings, from 43 to 74 stories, which will add more than 10,000 new residential units to the area. The plans include four mixed-use development blocks, four public parkland blocks, the extension of two roads and the creation of two new ones. Two "signature buildings," at 69 and 74 stories, would sit on Millway Avenue and Highway 7 as a gateway to the complex. Toromont's plans are seeking the approval of an Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendment and Plan of Subdivision application. If approved, the plan would transform the southwest corner of Jane Street and Highway 7 West in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Currently occupying the site, Toromont's head office and industrial buildings would be replaced. | | 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 Sophie Goodwin. ADVERTISEMENTS: To advertise and reach ELENET's readership of 41,000+, 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, www.elevatorworld.com. | | | | |
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