| ELEVATOR WORLD's January 2025 Issue
 On the Cover: ELEVATOR WORLD'S 27th ANNUAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR: Nine winning projects from around the world are featured.
Features: 15th Symposium on Lift and Escalator Technologies
Focus on Safety: Elevating Safety and Maintenance Practices: How Lift Technology Fundamentals Impact Safety and Maintenance in CARICOM Nations Through Globalization and Consolidation; Not Just a Priority But a Necessity... Columns: Looking Forward and Back; Equity Theory... Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW MARCH TO FOCUS ON SUSPENSION MEANS AND MATERIALS, NEW YORK
ELEVATOR WORLD's March 2025 issue will focus on Suspension Means and Materials (ropes, belts, clamps, sheaves, plastic gears, rack and pinions systems and more) with a Special Regional Section on New York and bonus distribution at the NAEC Spring Conference. The article submission deadline is January 15, and the advertising deadline is February 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. | | 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 | | | | WISCONSIN ELEVATOR SYMPOSIUM 2025 DATES SET
Dates for the annual NAESA International Wisconsin Elevator Symposium have been set. To be held once again at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the symposium is planned for September 25-26, 2025, preceded by the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation golf outing on September 24. Read more here
SECOND LIFT EXPO ITALIA HELD
The second Lift Expo Italia was held in Milan, Italy, on December 4-6, 2024, by the Italian National Association of Elevator Components Industries (ANICA). Organized for the second time by ANICA, the umbrella organization of leading Italian manufacturers in the lift industry, the event attracted great attention. One hundred and thirty-five companies from 12 countries opened stands. Read more here | | | IN MEMORIAM: OLIVER HENRY SNYDER IV
Oliver Henry Snyder IV, who cherished his elevator career and retired gracefully from the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local #10 in Lanham, Maryland, after 34 years, passed away on November 10, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Snyder worked for Otis, Millar Elevator, Schindler and, most recently, Elcon Enterprises, Inc. A member of the Knights of Columbus, Snyder enjoyed teaching aspiring elevator mechanics in the classroom. In his spare time, he liked to spend time with his wife and family and work on his 1972 Plymouth Duster and 1978 Chevrolet Corvette with his sons. Survivors include wife, Teresa; children, Jennifer, Corbett, Oliver V, Andrew, Lisa, Christopher, Benjamin, Emily, Tracey, Trisha and Dea; and 18 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the George Pugh Fund, a nonprofit scholarship fund for the children of IUEC members, at 9600 Martin Luther King Jr. Highway, Lanham, Maryland, 20706. | | Gain a little more Freedom with Canton Elevator's full package Traction line. Canton's offerings are based on a wide range of capacities, platform designs, travel, and speed with both geared and gearless machines. The Freedom series allows elevator contractors and their customers to work through standard and custom applications. For more information visit www.cantonelevator.com or feel free to reach out and talk to Cindy Samek 864-328-9278. If you would like to request a quote for an upcoming project, please send in all information to info@nidec-canton.com. Advertisement | | | | TEI GROUP ACQUIRES ORLANDO, FLORIDA-BASED TAKA ELEVATOR
NYC-based TEI Group announced on January 3 that it has acquired TAKA Elevator Co., LLC, established by Mary and Patrick Lalchandani in 2012 and based in Orlando, Florida. "Our future in the Southeast is brighter than ever before," said TEI Southeastern Regional Vice President Chad Posey. Only a year after establishing itself in the Southeast, TEI has been thoughtfully expanding its footprint, and the alliance with TAKA marks a significant milestone. The Lalchandanis will report directly to Posey. Read more here
AKE PROJECT MANAGER TRANSITIONS FROM TÜRKIYE TO GERMANY
AKE Aufzuge & Fahrtreppen GmbH Project Manager Çağri Kanar announced on LinkedIn he has "officially swapped kebabs for pretzels" and is assuming the same position for AKE in Germany. "After nine amazing years with my company in Türkiye, I'm thrilled to bring my experience to the German organization," Kanar said. "It's a new country and a great team." Kanar holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Trakya University in Edirne, Türkiye. Before joining AKE, he served as a project engineer for ETAN Asansör Hizmetleri in Samsun Province, Türkiye. He joined AKE as an Istanbul-based project manager in 2016, specializing in escalators and disabled-access systems. | | 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 | | | | TÜRKIYE'S 2024 EXPORT CHAMPIONS OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
In the "Büyüme Makinesi" bulletin published in Türkiye on December 24, 2024, the Machinery Exporters' Association announced Türkiye's export champions based on their performance. Association member companies were listed according to their performance in their sub-sectors, and 160 plaques were awarded in 32 categories. Read more here
JPMORGAN CHASE'S NEW SUPERTALL HQ COMING TOGETHER IN NYC
A hive of construction activity can be witnessed at 270 Park Avenue in Midtown East, Manhattan, NY, site of JPMorgan Chase's new 1,389-ft supertall headquarters (HQ), ahead of anticipated completion in summer 2025, New York YIMBY reports. The 60-story tower, designed by Norman Foster of Foster + Partners and developed by Tishman Speyer, will house 2.5 million ft2 of office space and become the tallest building in NYC powered entirely by hydroelectric energy. 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: STEPHEN FALL
Stephen Fall, managing director, International, of Lerch Bates (LB) with offices in Europe, the U.K., India and Dubai, passed away suddenly on December 23, 2024, of natural causes. Based in the U.K., Fall had more than 44 years' vertical-transportation (VT) industry experience encompassing installation, project management, new development, modernization and maintenance. He held an MBA from the University of the West of England and was involved in major projects including The Shard and 110 Bishopsgate in London; the Dubai Airport and Dubai Central Metro System in Dubai; and Hyatt hotels across Europe. He began his tenure with LB nearly 25 years ago, guiding the company's non-U.S. operations as his leadership and expertise resulted in multiple promotions. Fall played a major role in LB's acquisition of Dewar Partnership in 2014 and was named MD, International, in 2019. In 2022 he received LB's prestigious V. Quentin Bates Award, joining fewer than a dozen fellow award recipients in the company's 80-year history. Survivors include his wife, Liz and children, Sam and Sarah. | | 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 | | | | INSPECTORS FACE UNIQUE CHALLENGES IN WAR-TORN ISRAEL
Yuval Valiano-Rips of Israel-based elevator inspection and consulting firm Rips Elevators Group says his team of elevator safety inspectors are facing the unique and challenging task of assessing elevators in buildings damaged by rocket strikes as a result of the Israel–Hamas war — an ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups. Read more here
ATTA ELEVATORS COMPLETES REBUILD OF SCHINDLER UNITS IN OTTAWA
ATTA Elevators, a full-service independent elevator and escalator company based in Ontario, Canada, announced it has completed rebuilding two Schindler inclined moving walks in collaboration with Leading Edge Escalators (LEE). ATTA acquired LEE in 2020. The units serve a Loblaws® grocery and pharmacy in the three-story Rideau Centre on Rideau Street in Ottawa, Ontario. Read more here | | | PETERSBURG SUBWAY GRAND OPENING ENDS IN VT MALFUNCTION
Gorny Institute, the first Petersburg, Russia, subway to open in five years, was unveiled on December 27 to swift failure at its inauguration, due to vertical-transportation (VT) issues, reports MSN. Just 6 min after the station was inaugurated, the escalators broke down. The escalators going down stopped first, and 2 min later, those going up also stopped functioning. Read more here
ELEVATOR TO ENHANCE ACCESSIBILITY AT SEATAC AIRPORT
Sound Transit, the public transit agency for the Seattle, Washington, metropolitan area, announced that, starting on January 8 through the beginning of 2026, there will be ongoing construction at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) Airport Station as a new elevator is added. Read more here | | Outfit or modernize your elevator with Inpro, the global leader in interior architectural products. Backed by over 40 years of expertise, we deliver durable, stylish cab solutions. Rest easy knowing your elevators can take an impact – and make an impact. Click here for more information. Advertisement | | | LIBERTY ELEVATOR SYSTEM FOR NEW MANHATTAN RESIDENTIAL TOWER
Liberty Elevator Corp., headquartered in Paterson, New Jersey, provided a two-elevator system for 200 East 75th Street, an 18-story luxury residential building in the Lenox Hill area of Manhattan's Upper East Side. Liberty Elevator's Dru Brooks tells ELEVATOR WORLD the elevators are part of a duplex system with gearless 1:1 traction machines. One car has 3500-lb capacity and the other, 2500-lb capacity. Read more here
TAIPEI CITY COMPLETES 100TH SUBSIDIZED ELEVATOR INSTALLATION
Taipei City's Urban Regeneration Office has announced the completion of its 100th subsidized elevator installation in older apartment buildings, International Community Radio Taipei reports. The subsidy program was launched in 2015 with the aim to extend the lifespan of older buildings and meet the needs of elderly residents and those with disabilities. Read more here | | Right on the Button! From the most simple incandescent backlit button to our almost bulletproof Bruiser design, every push button device we manufacture is reliable and built to the highest standards of quality to meet or exceed ADA and ANSI A17.1 compliance as well as state and local codes. That's why when you choose any Innovation push button, you'll be right on the button…every time. innovationind.com Advertisement | | | SENSORS TO COMBAT ESCALATOR DELAYS TO BE INSTALLED AT MUMBAI RAILWAY STATIONS
Sensors that will be used to restart escalators remotely will be installed on all 164 escalators on Mumbai, India, Central Railway (CR) routes over the first two months of 2025, the Hindustan Times reports. According to Rajnish Goyal, Divisional Railway Manager of CR's Mumbai division, more than 150 escalators at suburban stations were shut down nearly 21,000 times every month on average, with approximately 18,000 of the incidents being attributed to misuse of the stop button. Read more here
MONGOLIA SCHOOL TO GET ELEVATOR DUE TO GRANT
A secondary school in the Bayanzurkh district of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, will get an elevator under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects of the Government of Japan, the Mongolian National News Agency reports. Governor of Bayanzurkh District Jargalsaikhan Ganbaatar and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia Igawahara Masaru signed a Project Agreement to install an elevator at Secondary School No. 55 for students who require assistance moving between floors. Read more here | | New York Build (March 12-13, Javits Center) is the largest construction & design show for New York. The show features 40,000+ registered visitors, 500+ world class speakers across 14 conference tracks and AIA workshops, Government Hub, exclusive networking events, 500+ exhibitors and the Tri-State's biggest Festival of Construction. Advertisement | | | COST, PRACTICALITY CONCERNS PLAGUE D.C. AREA TRANSIT PROJECT
The Purple Line, a transit project in the Washington, D.C., area connecting parts of Montgomery and Prince George counties in the Old-Line State, is more than five years behind schedule and more than US$4 billion over its original US$5.6 billion budget, the Washington Examiner reports, citing the Washington Post. Read more here
1981 MANHATTAN OFFICE TOWER TO CONVERT TO RESIDENTIAL
A little over a year after a 1981 office tower in Midtown East Manhattan, NY, underwent an extensive makeover, it is now poised to be among the first such towers to be converted to residences under the City of Yes, the most ambitious zoning code update for NYC since 1961, outlets including The Real Deal report. The legislation changes conversion eligibility from buildings built before 1961 to those built by 1991. Combined with the city's new 467-M tax exemption incentive, "every conversion" is now more viable, Metro Loft Developers founder and CEO Nathan Berman said. Berman partnered with Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer of Quantum Pacific to purchase the 330,000-ft2, 40-story property at 767 Third Avenue for US$88 million. Now roughly half empty, the tower was originally designed by architect FXCollaborative, with Fogarty Finger handling the renovation completed in September 2023. | | NAEC 2025 Education Conference and NexGen Retreat is just 10 weeks away! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. If you haven't registered yet, make sure you do so now to secure your spot at https://www.naec.org/conference/ Advertisement | | | FIJI HOSPITAL PATIENTS FACING ELEVATOR DELAYS
Patients at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji, who need surgery are not getting their operations on time due to faulty elevators, fijivillage reports. Hospital employees have indicated to the source that the hospital needs an in-house set of engineers to focus solely on elevator maintenance. Read more here
NEW ELEVATOR TO BE INSTALLED AT CORYELL MUSEUM IN TEXAS
The Coryell Museum and Historical Center, a museum of Texas history located in Gatesville, Texas, will soon close to the public for the installation of a new elevator, The Gatesville Messenger reports. According to museum board member Ray Ashby, "The reasons for getting a new elevator are many, but mainly because the current lift is old and outdated. If it were to break down, it would be impossible to find parts to repair it." Read more here | | TOWER PROJECT ASPIRES TO PUT ASUNCIÓN ON PAR WITH OTHER SOUTH AMERICAN CAPITALS
Petra Imperiale, a recently approved project that includes a 73-story residential tower in Asunción, Paraguay, aims to put the capital on par with other South American capitals, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat reports, citing La Nacion. The 250-m tall skyscraper is set to house apartments ranging from studios to penthouses starting at approximately US$66,900, as well as an NH Collection hotel that would be the luxury European brand's first in Paraguay. Read more here
LONGSHORE HOSPITALITY ELEVATOR ISSUE ENDS IN PROMISE OF RESTORATION
In Westport, Connecticut, accessibility issues in the community have become a main focus, led by the contentious remodeling plans of an elevator for the Inn at Longshore, the Westport Journal reports. The town-owned building is set to undergo $8 million worth of renovations under a 30-year lease granted to the Longshore Hospitality Group. However, Planning and Zoning Commission members refused to sign off on a final aspect of the project until the group agreed to restore an elevator. According to the lease holders, the elevator was removed from the initially approved project because of the cost. Westport's Commission on People with Disabilities wrote a letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission expressing concerns about the lack of an elevator in the renovated inn, causing Longshore Hospitality officials to issue a promise to restore the elevator. Now the community is focused on making other areas of the community more accessible. | | THE 2025 EW MEDIA KIT IS HERE! Download the ELEVATOR WORLD Media Kit to see EW's upcoming feature stories, focus topics, special sections and editorial and advertising submission deadlines here. Join us as we continue to celebrate and support the industry in 2025! 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 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 2025 © Elevator World, Inc., 354 Morgan Avenue, Mobile, AL 36606, phone: 251-479-4514, www.elevatorworld.com. | | | | |
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