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ELENET Issue #1094 | The Elevator World Weekly Industry Newsletter

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Issue 1094 | 4/09/2025 | Currently reaching 42K global contacts

ELEVATOR WORLD's April 2025 Issue
 
On the Cover: Guangzhou Baiyun Station

Features: Sun Shines on Safety; CTBUH 2025 Trends & Forecasts...

Focus on Doors and Door Operators: Door System Evolution; Opening New Doors; The Unsung Heroes of Urban Infrastructure...

Columns: Lift Al Partner Summit 2025; Master Elevator Parts; Accessibility Cap; Celebrating the Profession...

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IN MEMORIAM: TIMOTHY TOAN
Industry veteran Timothy Toan, founder of Chicago-based HydraSafe Brake, passed away in late March as a result of a freak accident at the shop. Responding to the need for an improved safety device for unintended/ascending motion, Toan devised a set of elevator disc brakes that stop on a set of guide rails, founding HydraSafe Brake in 2012. Together with former elevator consultant Kevin Cunningham, Toan developed and patented HydraSafe Brake — a combination caliper and power unit — while they were both working as consultants. Following the 2023 National Association of Elevator Contractors Convention and Exposition, the partners began working full time on manufacturing, developing and certifying HydraSafe Brake. "Tim had a crazy idea over 12 years ago to create a set of disc brakes for an elevator, Cunningham said. "I was fortunate enough to get an invite to become a partner in HydraSafe Brake. Tim's vision will live on this industry we are all proud to be a part of. Not only was Tim one of the sharpest elevator guys I had the pleasure of working and spending time with, but he was also a great provider for his family and his wife, Julie. He has three wonderful children and a granddaughter who I know miss him." Cunningham concluded by reminding everyone to hug their loved ones today and every day going forward because life is too precious and often too short. The industry showed an outpouring of condolences on social media for Toan's family, friends and colleagues, with Eli Friedman of Fundamental Elevator Solutions describing him as "a brilliant force in the industry whose impact will be felt for years to come." The family is planning a celebration of life in Toan's honor at a later date.
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.
SCHINDLER X8 UNVEILED AT MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2025
Schindler unveiled the Schindler X8 at Milan Design Week 2025, held on April 7-13 at Rho Fiera Milano in Milan, Italy. Offering unparalleled flexibility, it allows designers and architects to rethink layout, aesthetics and the user experience. With six options offering a range of stylish looks, new Schindler X8 allows the elevator to adapt to the project, removing the need for a structural shaft made out of concrete. It offers the flexibility to install an elevator in any part of a building's footprint with more environmentally friendly construction materials. No pit is required in the foundation, and there is no headroom above. Schindler X8 needs only one single cutout in the wall. The innovative drywall design and integrated doors allow for finishing the floors, ceilings and walls before the elevator even arrives on-site. "Architects have designed building interiors around an immovable, central elevator shaft for decades," Donato Carparelli, chief technology officer on Schindler's Group Executive Committee, said. "With the Schindler X8, we are removing that limitation and bringing new levels of simplicity and accessibility to design."
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.comjeff.eaton@liftbusiness.com
OTIS INDIA TO EQUIP FIVE PROJECTS WITH 178 ELEVATORS
Otis India, a subsidiary of Otis Worldwide Corp., announced on April 1 it secured an agreement with Aparna Constructions to provide innovative elevator solutions for five ultra-luxury residential projects situated in the heart of Hyderabad, India. According to Otis India, the collaboration promises to redefine vertical mobility in some of the city's most desirable residential complexes that will blend sophisticated architecture, innovative design, quality and sustainability with contemporary elevator solutions. Otis will provide 178 units. Read more here.
 
DESIMONE ACQUIRES SAN FRANCISCO-BASED KP ELEVATOR CONSULTING
DeSimone Consulting Engineering, headquartered in NYC, announced on April 2 it acquired San Francisco-based KP Elevator Consulting, part of an ongoing strategy to broaden its multi-service platform. The acquisition will enable DeSimone to offer a full range of vertical-transportation (VT) consulting services from due diligence and concept development to final construction of VT solutions for new, renovated and converted buildings. Read more here.  

SCHINDLER R.I.S.E USED ON FIRST-EVER U.K. PROJECT
For the first time, one of the five Schindler Robotic Installation System for Elevators (R.I.S.E) construction robots is being deployed on a U.K. project – the all-electric 105 Victoria Street development in central London, The Construction Index reports. Schindler R.I.S.E is a self-climbing robot that is designed to maneuver itself within a building's lift shaft to install elevator components. Read more here
 
FERRAN JOINS DIVISION OF ALLRISE ELEVATOR CO. AS PRESIDENT
David Ferran announced this month he has joined AllRise Elevator Co., in the Kansas City, Missouri, metropolitan area, as president of Kansas City area operations. Ferran joins AllRise, a division of Elevator Service LLC (ESI) after "12 rewarding years" at TK Elevator (TKE). Read more here

Julius Blum's Elevator Cab Components in aluminum, bronze, stainless steel, and nickel silver are available for prompt shipment. Request our Elevator Brochure for complete product listings and technical specifications. Contact us today for more information.

ESSE-TI ACQUIRES U.K.-HEADQUARTERED SYNTIUM LIFTS
Esse-Ti, part of the Innovalift Group, announced it acquired 100% shares in Kent, U.K.-headquartered Syntium Lifts, expanding its geographical reach for lifts and elevators. Syntium is a leading U.K. specialist distributor of lift communication products for elevators, primarily for the growing modernization segment. Founded in 2010 by Dave O'Brien, Syntium sells complete lift communications solutions such as autodialler units, evacuation intercom systems and routers with associated SIM card services. The company has net sales of GBP2 million (US$2.5 million), exclusive to the U.K. and Ireland, and profitability well above Innovalift Group owner Latour's wholly owned industrial operations. Syntium Managing Director O'Brien said he is confident the company, customers and employees will benefit from "the resulting collaboration across all the sister companies."
 
OTIS TAIWAN TO SUPPLY 65 VT UNITS FOR MRT EXTENSION
Otis announced in March Otis Taiwan will supply 65 vertical-transportation (VT) units — 50 escalators and 15 Gen2® elevators — for the extension of the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Red Line RLC01. Scheduled for completion by 2030, the Red Line RLC01 extension will include three stations. The heavy-duty escalators are designed to meet the needs of high-traffic environments, while the best-selling Gen2 elevator replaces conventional ropes with coated steel belts. 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
ESI NAMES GHOSN REGIONAL SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Elevator Systems, Inc. (ESI) announced it named John Ghosn sales and business development manager for Chicago and the Midwest. With more than 30 years' experience in field sales and branch operations, Ghosn brings a deep understanding of elevator products and applications. Prior to joining ESI, he served as a general manager for KONE covering services and solutions in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Read more here.
 
KINGS III ACQUIRES LIFTNET
Kings III Emergency Communications, a leading provider of emergency communications headquartered in Coppell, Texas, announced on April 2 it has acquired LiftNet, formerly a Hyperion Solutions brand. LiftNet is a cloud-based remote elevator and escalator monitoring provider known for its 35-year legacy of innovation and commitment to system uptime. 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
SCHINDLER TO PROVIDE 60 VT UNITS FOR VANCOUVER SKYTRAIN EXPANSION
Schindler announced on April 4 it will provide 60 vertical-transportation (VT) units — 20 elevators and 40 escalators — for the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project, a 16-km expansion of Metro Vancouver, Canada's, SkyTrain rapid transit system. Connecting some of the region's fastest-growing cities, the project includes eight new stations and three new transit exchanges. The high-performance, midrise elevators and escalators are designed specifically for public transport. Read more here.
 
KONE TO PROVIDE ESCALATORS FOR PARIS METRO EXTENSION
KONE announced on April 3 it won an order to provide at least 84 escalators for five suburban stations on line 15 West of the Grand Paris Express Metro network. Driven by Société des grands projects, line 15 will span 14 municipalities, forming a ring around Paris. KONE will equip the six-story La Défense Station — situated in Europe's largest business district and accommodating up to 160,000 daily riders — with 40 escalators. Read more here.
METRO ELEVATOR OPENS AN OFFICE IN IOWA
Delivering industry-leading elevator service for more than 40 years, Metro Elevator opened an office in Iowa this month, further strengthening its Midwest presence. Metro Elevator Iowa serves the entire state, including key cities such as Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Mason City. The new office is being led by President Todd Christensen and Vice President of Operations Craig Clabaugh. Read more here.
 
PASSION FOR ACTING LEADS TO VT CAREER
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in aspiring actor Douglas Diaz Jr.'s part in the hit TV series Ozark being reduced to a single scene. What he thought would be his big break came two years after playing a role in the Tyler Perry movie Nobody's Fool, but the pandemic's impact on Ozark production told Diaz, a Cuban-American born and raised in Miami, that it was time to pivot career-wise. Read more here.
Looking to maximize elevator door performance? Upgrade to the MOVFR3 Next-Gen Door Operator from GAL for reliable, quiet and precise performance. Featuring a 1/2 HP motor, quick plug-and-play installation, and seamless closed-loop operation. Perfect for demanding applications. Works with all OEM and independent cabs and doors with optical closed loop feedback. Experience intelligent design and proven reliability. Learn more at https://www.vantageelevation.com/movfr3-harmonic-door-operator/
SOUTHWEST ELEVATOR WELCOMES SOUTH FLORIDA SERVICE MANAGER
Southwest Elevator Co., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, announced in March it named Elisha Mueller as South Florida service manager, based in Miami. Mueller joins Southwest from Otis, where she was manager of field operations in Miramar, Florida, overseeing a team of 14 and ensuring safety compliance for nearly nine years. A training manager for the U.S. Coast Guard for more than 25 years, Mueller holds a Master of Science in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University and a B.A. in sociology from the University of Washington. Read more here.
 
EFESME PARIS ROUNDTABLE CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY
The European Federation for Elevator Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EFESME) held a roundtable in conjunction with French national member Association Nationale des PME de I'Ascenseur (ANPA) on April 4 in Paris, part of a series of events to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. The roundtable gave attendees the chance to meet and talk with members of the French lift sector, its small and medium-sized enterprises and its workers, as well as entities involved with the sector. Read more here.
SOUTHWEST ELEVATOR WELCOMES SOUTH FLORIDA SERVICE MANAGER
Southwest Elevator Co., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, announced in March it named Elisha Mueller as South Florida service manager, based in Miami. Mueller joins Southwest from Otis, where she was manager of field operations in Miramar, Florida, overseeing a team of 14 and ensuring safety compliance for nearly nine years. A training manager for the U.S. Coast Guard for more than 25 years, Mueller holds a Master of Science in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University and a B.A. in sociology from the University of Washington. Read more here.
 
EFESME PARIS ROUNDTABLE CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY
The European Federation for Elevator Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EFESME) held a roundtable in conjunction with French national member Association Nationale des PME de I'Ascenseur (ANPA) on April 4 in Paris, part of a series of events to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. The roundtable gave attendees the chance to meet and talk with members of the French lift sector, its small and medium-sized enterprises and its workers, as well as entities involved with the sector. Read more here.
Enhance your elevator interiors with Inpro's patented interlocking aluminum clip fastening system, designed for easy installation to save time and reduce downtime. Fasteners and seams are concealed with a reveal strip that prevents tampering while enhancing the overall aesthetic. Trust Inpro for innovative solutions crafted with installation and design in mind.
FUJITEC DX CERTIFICATION RENEWED BY METI
Japan-based Fujitec, Co. Ltd., announced on March 28 its national Digital Transformation (DX) certification has been renewed by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) through February 28, 2027. First acquired by Fujitec in 2023, the certification was granted primarily in recognition of the OEM's DX initiatives and appropriate disclosure of information to stakeholders. Read more here.
 
FOUR NEW KONE ESCALATORS COMING TO EAST-LONDON DLR STATION
Four new energy-efficient escalators connecting the three floors of the Cutty Sark Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station in south-east London are expected to be in service by next spring, Rail UK reports. In the meantime, the station will be closed due to limited space. KONE is handling the work, according to DRL documents. Read more here.
NAEC 2025 Convention & Exposition – Now Open! Get ready for an experience of networking, learning, and industry innovation! Registration is now open, along with exclusive sponsorship opportunities to showcase your brand to those in the industry. Don't miss out—secure your spot today! Register at: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/c8fb7083/1ZHl7VYH2k_askJcHUtEWA?u=https://register.rcsreg.com/r2/naec2025/ga/clear.html 
HITACHI ELEVATOR TO FOCUS ON SMART BUILDING IN CHINA
Hitachi Elevator (China) Co. Ltd. will focus on developing the smart building business in China by accelerating its efforts in digitalization, intelligence and green initiatives, according to a senior company executive, China Daily reports. Numerous new applications in the fields of technology and industrial reform have emerged in China, following a new round of development focusing on green, digital and intelligent solutions, according to Jia Yuhui, president of Hitachi Elevator (China) Co. Ltd. Read more here.
 
U.K.'S VM ELEVATORS SECURES CHAS ELITE CERTIFICATION
VM Elevators, headquartered in Woodford, East London, U.K., announced in March it achieved CHAS Elite certification, the highest level of certification offered by Veriforce CHAS, the U.K.-based provider of compliance and risk-management solutions. CHAS Elite certification consolidates multiple requirements into a single, recognized certification, enabling VM Elevators to streamline procurement, saving time and reducing administrative burdens. Read more here.
The 2025 Elevator Industry Field Employees' Safety Handbook is here! The 220-page pocket-sized, spiral-bound 2025 edition of the Elevator Industry Field Employees' Safety Handbook is designed as a resource for safety information and written processes for elevator industry field employees to help prevent injuries and illnesses resulting from unsafe acts and conditions found in the elevator industry. Order your copy today at: https://elevatorbooks.com/shop/new-products/2025-elevator-industry-field-employees-safety-handbook/
CALIFORNIA FIRE DEPARTMENT PRACTICES TECHNICAL ELEVATOR RESCUES
The Chico Fire Department of Chico, California, conducted a specialized training exercise simulating a rare, high-risk elevator rescue scenario on April 1, KRCR reports. The drill, performed at Chico State's Whitney Hall, consisted of lowering crew members from three floors above the ground level down an elevator shaft. The drill was specifically aimed at the 12 members of the department's technical rescue team. Philip Stelle, Chico Fire captain, said: "Calls for people stuck in elevators is fairly common. Significant rescues like we simulated today are extremely uncommon; they fall under the 'low frequency-high risk' criteria. We wanted to come down here and get some practice on how to do that safely and effectively."
 
54-STORY CITY OF LONDON TOWER APPROVED
RSHP has won approval for a 54-story skyscraper in London's Square Mile, Architects' Journal reports. The 93,000-m2 scheme for Brookfield Properties involves demolishing an existing building and replacing it with a 254-m-tall office block with cafés and shops at ground level, along with a standalone six-story cultural pavilion, dubbed Open Gate, with a map of London on its outer veil, accommodating creative and community uses. Read more here.
 
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