| 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... Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW JULY TO FOCUS ON CABS AND CAB ACCESSORIES
ELEVATOR WORLD's July 2025 issue will focus on Cabs and Cab Accessories The article submission deadline is May 15, and the advertising deadline is June 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.
13TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST OPEN, NOW ACCEPTING VIDEOS
Submissions are open for ELEVATOR WORLD's 2025 Photo Contest until May 30. This year's contest offers video submissions, which can be submitted for any category. Video links can be shared from any of the following platforms: YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch, Wistia, Vidyard, BitChute and Mixcloud. This year's 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, Inclined Lifts and Illustrations. The nomination period will be followed by public voting, and winners will be featured in our August 2025 issue. Send us your best shots, and you could win one of many great prizes and be published in EW! We look forward to viewing the elevator world through your unique lens. Please email with any questions. | | Hilliard offers its customers two styles of spring applied electric released brakes that can be easily fitted to "A" frame elevator drives. These brakes are designed to apply when unintended travel of the car occurs. Hilliard offers a friction disc plate-style brake that attaches to the drive shaft of the pulley and a caliper-style that acts on a ring attached to the pulley. These brakes are an alternative to a rope gripper when performing a modernization job which requires lifting or moving a drive or extra construction to the elevator. Hilliard offers certain models of these two styles of brakes that meet CSA approval. For more information, visit www.hilliardcorp.com Advertisement | | | MADRID AIRPORT FIRST FULLY REMOTE-OPERATED HUB WITH TKE SYSTEM
TK Elevator (TKE) has successfully implemented its MAX Automate system at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in Spain. This advanced technology establishes Madrid as the world's first major airport to remotely operate a total of 129 Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBBs) across its five terminals. By enabling centralized PBB control, MAX Automate significantly streamlines processes, bolsters safety through advanced sensor and camera technology and promotes sustainability by minimizing vehicle movements and associated emissions on the apron. At Madrid Airport, the Remote Control System is operated from three dedicated control rooms, allowing staff to connect to and control all 129 PBBs. This approach optimizes docking procedures, significantly reduces turnaround times – a major cost factor in the industry – and eliminates the need for operators to move between stands. As Spain's largest airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport ranks among the top five European airports and is one of the top 20 busiest airports globally. With 66.2 million passengers in 2024, the introduction of MAX Automate is set to transform both operational efficiency and the passenger experience.
WITTUR GROUP WELCOMES SCHÜRHOLZ AS CFO
Wittur Group, with global headquarters in Germany, recently welcomed Markus Schürholz as its new chief financial officer (CFO). Schürholz has more than 30 years' experience in various finance departments at companies including Haniel Group, Douglas, Escada and the SAG Group. Most recently, he served as CFO for CABB Group. 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 | | | | APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NAESA SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, NAESA International's Board of Directors awards four scholarships: one in honor of Floyd J. Rommel, one in honor of Marie McDonald, one in honor of Robert S. Caporale Sr. and one in honor of George W. Gibson to the child or grandchild of NAESA International members in good standing. The application period for these scholarships is now open and lasts until May 31, and the amount of each scholarship to be awarded in 2025 is US$3,000. A Scholarship Selection Committee of industry professionals has been appointed to review applications. Applicants must be seniors in high school at the time of application. In addition, the NAESA Canadian Region will award three scholarships in memory of John Steele. The scholarships will be awarded to the child or grandchild of a NAESA Canadian Region member in good standing. The CAD$1000 (US$719) scholarships will be awarded to the top four candidates. The officers of the Canadian Region will review applications, and the application deadline is July 15.
INDIA'S STAG ELEVATORS EXPANDS TO DUBAI
Bengaluru, India-headquartered Stag Elevators announced it has expanded to Dubai, offering energy-efficient, custom elevators for homes, penthouses, villas and bungalows in the growing U.A.E. market. Stag founder and CEO Sai Rakesh Sriram said the company's products deliver "European-style safety and reliability in every lift." Read more here | | MENSINGA PROMOTED TO GM AT FUJITEC CHICAGO
Kevin Mensinga was recently promoted from his previous operations role to general manager (GM) at Fujitec Chicago. Mensinga is an accomplished GM with extensive experience in both sales and operations and more than 14 years' total industry experience, including in the field. Prior to joining Fujitec in 2022, Mensinga held roles in special projects, service operations, sales and general management. Read more here
LMA TO BECOME AVIRE DISTRIBUTOR IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Lift Material Australia Pvt. Ltd. (LMA), part of Dewhurst Group, announced it will officially become the new exclusive distributor of Avire lift and escalator products in Australia and New Zealand on May 1. The last day for orders via Avire is April 17, and the final dispatch from Avire is April 25. All Avire orders will then be placed from LMA's Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, branches. Read more here
ORONA REALIZES SIGNIFICANT GROWTH AMID CHALLENGES
Hernani, Spain-headquartered Orona, Europe's fifth-largest vertical-transportation (VT) provider now covering 13 countries, announced on April 11 it realized significant growth in earnings in a challenging 2024 environment. EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization) reached EUR168 million (US$190.1 million), surpassing previous 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 | | | UNITEC ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY CLOSURE
Unitec Parts Co., the OTIS OEM provider headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, announced it will close temporarily on April 17-18. Unitec, a provider of top-quality elevator and escalator replacement parts for both Otis and non-Otis elevators and escalators, is closing for inventory updates and a revamp of its systems. Unitec's announcement stated, "We appreciate your patience as we strive to deliver faster shipping, clearer communication and greater customer satisfaction." Unitec will still be available for inquiries via its newly upgraded website.
OTIS INDIA TO SUPPLY 65 ELEVATORS FOR PATNA METRO
Otis India announced on April 10 it won a contract to install 65 Gen2® Nova elevators manufactured at its Bengaluru, India, factory for the Patna Metro project, the first in the state of Bihar. Otis will supply, install and maintain the units, which will also be equipped with accessibility features for people with reduced mobility. With a planned 26 stations and two lines covering approximately 30 km across the state capital, the Patna Metro is a key component of the Indian government's high-priority infrastructure initiative. 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 | | | VT PART OF LONDON RAIL STATION TRANSFORMATION PLAN
A multimillion-pound proposal by Network Rail to transform London's Liverpool Street station includes vertical transportation (VT), specifically, eight new lifts and six new escalators, the Independent reports. Britain's busiest station, Liverpool Street dates to 1875 and serves more than 118 million passengers a year. Network Rail aims to make it a "landmark gateway to the City of London" that can accommodate more than 200 million passengers annually. Read more here
SOUTH KOREA'S MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR AND SAFETY TO CONDUCT ELEVATOR SAFETY SURVEYS
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety of South Korea announced on April 9 it will conduct a safety management survey of newly installed elevators until December, Chosun Biz reports. The survey will target manufacturers and importers and focus on companies that installed new elevators this year or violated safety certification standards last year. Read more here | | TSSA IMPOSING PENALTIES FOR ELEVATING DEVICES
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), Ontario, Canada's public safety regulator, will impose administrative penalties for certain issues with residential elevating devices starting on June 9. The penalties apply to specific non-compliances related to passenger elevators in residential buildings, including rental buildings, condominiums, long-term care facilities and student residences. Read more here
REGIONAL WINNERS OF OTIS' MADE TO MOVE COMMUNITIES CHALLENGE ANNOUNCED
Otis announced the four student teams that are the regional winners of its fifth year of the Made to Move Communities™ student challenge, each earning their school a US$20,000 grant. The annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) competition consisted of more than 250 students from 28 schools who, with the guidance of Otis volunteer mentors, designed and proposed innovative ways for AI to improve inclusive urban mobility in their communities. Read more here | | | Global Elevator Exhibition (GEE) is the event dedicated to the latest innovations in elevators, escalators, moving walkways and components sector, that will be held in Rho fieramilano (Italy, Milan) from November 19-21, 2025. As part of the Milan International Building Alliance (MIBA), it contributes to foster sustainability and smart solutions in the building sector. Discover more about the exhibition! Advertisement | | | TKE OFFICIAL ELEVATOR PARTNER OF WORLD STADIUMS AND ARENAS SUMMIT
Ahead of the April 29-30 event at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, organizers of the World Stadiums and Arenas Summit announced TK Elevator (TKE) as the official elevator partner. Bringing together local and international sports facility developers, architects, sustainability experts, engineers and more, the annual Summit serves as a hub for Saudi Arabia's plan to establish world-class stadiums. Read more here
LIFT ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES SPARKS SAFETY CONCERNS IN INDIA
Three women were hospitalized following an elevator fall at an apartment complex in the Murad Nagar locality of Hyderabad, India, on April 6, outlets including Munsif Daily report. According to preliminary reports, the elevator's traction cable snapped as it was ascending from the ground to the fourth floor, with the lift falling from the fourth floor. Two children inside the lift were unharmed. Read more here | | | Bring It On! Neither rain, sleet, snow, dirt or corrosive environments can stop our NEMA 4X push buttons, fixtures, hall stations or position indicators from doing their job. All our NEMA 4X products are built from heavy-duty materials and components to ensure continuous operation in harsh or potential high abuse applications. Year after year after year. www.innovationind.com Advertisement | | | METRO TAIPEI ADJUSTS ESCALATOR SPEEDS FOR EFFICIENCY
Metro Taipei in Taiwan increased the speed of some escalators at high-traffic stations to improve efficiency, reports Taiwan News. The speed of 47 upward escalators at 29 major stations will gradually increase from 0.5 m/s to 0.65 m/s to boost each escalator's capacity by an additional 22 passengers per minute. Read more here
"MEGA" BILL PASSES FIRST READING IN NC HOUSE
House Bill 559, also named "Make Elevators Great Again (MEGA)," was filed in the North Carolina House on March 27, CBS 17 reports. The bill aims to adjust fees higher for inspections on elevators and "amusement devices" and is sponsored by seven Republican representatives. The bill would also give the Commissioner of Labor the power to waive or amend the American National Safety Standards in relation to the qualifications of inspectors if the Commissioner sets "alternative standards that are reasonably equivalent." Read more here | | PASSENGERS TRAPPED IN FAILING ELEVATOR IN INDIAN GOVERNMENTAL BUILDING
A few people were trapped in an elevator in the old collectorate government building in Margao, India, on April 9, bringing attention to governmental buildings' failing elevators, The Times of India reports. The elevator was evacuated safely before the fire brigade could arrive, but the incident emphasized the poor conditions of several elevators in public office buildings. Read more here
PORT SAN ANTONIO BOD MOVE INNOVATION TOWER TO FINALIZATION PHASE
The Port San Antonio Board of Directors (BOD) in San Antonio, Texas, unanimously approved US$7.5 million to move its Innovation Tower project from its preliminary phase to the finalization of architectural plans, budget and schedule in March. The 11-story Innovation Tower will be a US$275-million office tower that will mark the next chapter in the development of the site of the former Kelly Air Force Base. 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/ Advertisement | | | 77-YEAR-OLD DIES AFTER FALLING ON ESCALATOR IN INDIA
A 77-year-old man succumbed to injuries after falling on an escalator at Pune Railway Station in Pune, India, Pune Pulse reported on April 11. The man was traveling to Nagpur with his family when he lost his balance stepping onto the moving escalator. After he fell, his family members called out for help, but eyewitnesses reported that no immediate help was given. His wife said, "It was only after a significant delay that two strangers and eventually two railway policemen responded." The man was admitted to a local hospital and then transferred to a private hospital where he died after nine days of specialized treatment. The incident triggered widespread concern and criticism of the apparent lack of emergency response and support for elderly individuals from advocacy groups that are now calling for urgent reforms, including improved accessibility features, trained staff and quicker emergency response mechanisms at railway stations. | | 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. | | | | |
Comments
Post a Comment