| 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. | | 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 | | | TKE CONSIDERING US$22.7-BILLION IPO IN U.S. IN 2026
Germany's TK Elevator (TKE), the fourth-largest elevator maker in sales behind U.S.-based Otis, Switzerland's Schindler and Finland-based KONE, is considering an initial public offering (IPO) in the U.S. in 2026, Reuters reports. The source cited three individuals familiar with the matter who wish to remain private. The U.S. accounts for approximately 35% of TKE's total EUR9.3 billion (US$10.5 billion) 2023-24 sales, and the company is likely to be valued at more than EUR20 billion (US$22.7 billion) in an IPO. Read more here
OTIS ACQUIRES EIGHT URBAN ELEVATOR LOCATIONS
Otis acquired eight Urban Elevator Service locations in the U.S., Maven Group, which served as financial advisor to Urban Elevator, announced on April 21. All eight locations will be under the ownership and operation of Otis, while several locations will retain Urban Elevator branding. Established in 1985 in Chicago, Urban Elevator will maintain ownership of its three Illinois and Indiana locations. Otis Americas President Tracy Embree said the acquisition enables Otis to provide a broad range of modernization solutions and service offering to fuel its service-driven model. "The Urban Elevator team is well-respected within our industry, and we welcome their colleague to Otis," Embree said. Urban Elevator CEO Tim Cook thanked all its dedicated employees and said he is proud to continue the company legacy. | | 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 | | | | EXPRESS ELEVATOR ACQUIRES ASCEND ELEVATOR
Express Elevator has announced the acquisition of Ascend Elevator, an independent elevator service provider based in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. This strategic acquisition strengthens the company's presence in the Milwaukee area. Express Elevator is a division of ESI (Elevator Service Inc.), a parent company dedicated to fostering the growth and long-term success of independent elevator service providers. Read more here
ACME HOME ELEVATOR RESPONSIBILITY SHIFTS FROM STANNAH TO ARROW
Stannah, the U.K.-based home accessibility leader, and Arrow Lift, with four California, U.S., locations, announced in March responsibility for ACME Home Elevator's home elevator and repair business in central and northern California will shift from Stannah to Arrow. The transition is designed to ensure continued service support for ACME customers, according the Stannah, which will focus on its core business of manufacturing stairlifts and expanding its Uplifts shaftless home elevator line. Read more here | | WEEF HOLDS SECOND IN-PERSON MEETING IN FRANKFURT
The World Elevator and Escalator Federation (WEEF), founded in 2019, held its second in-person meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 7. The first meeting took place in Shanghai in 2023. The most recent meeting further accelerated cooperation among members and facilitated information exchange about top priorities such as consolidation of the global technical harmonization process based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards and their uniform adoption worldwide. Read more here
PETERS RESEARCH WELCOMES KACZMARCZYK
U.K.-based Peters Research recently welcomed Prof. Stefan Kaczmarczyk to its consultancy team. Kaczmarczyk has more than 45 years' experience in mathematical modeling, mechanical engineering testing, systems/applied dynamics and vibration with particular applications to vertical transportation (VT) and material handling systems. He has been involved in collaborative research with a number of national and international partners and has an extensive track record in consulting and research in VT and lift engineering. Kaczmarczyk has a master's degree in mechanical engineering and a doctorate in engineering dynamics. He is emeritus professor of Applied Mechanics and Postgraduate Program leader for Lift Engineering at the University of Northampton. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
| | 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 | | | TEI GROUP AWARDED MAJOR 30-UNIT CONTRACT AT THE TORCH
NYC-headquartered TEI Group announced on April 17 it has been awarded a major 30-unit contract at The Torch, a supertall hotel skyscraper also known as 740 Eighth Avenue that will rise 1,067 ft above Times Square in Midtown Manhattan. TEI Group said it is "honored to collaborate on this massive landmark," designed by ODA Architecture and developed by Extell Development Co. Read more here
PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND DOOH ADVERTISING TO PREMIUM LOCATIONS
Captivate, a leading North American digital out of home (DOOH) video network, has partnered with London, U.K.-headquartered VIOOH, a premium DOOH supply-side platform, expanding the latter's footprint across the U.S. and Canada. VIOOH connects buyers and sellers in the DOOH space, offering a streamlined programmatic advertising experience. 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 | | | AXXIOM ELEVATOR COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF EVOLUTION ELEVATOR
South Florida-headquartered Axxiom Elevator completed its acquisition of Evolution Elevator & Escalator Corp., based in Staten Island, NY, with offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Maven Group, which facilitated the deal, announced on April 15. Evolution, a respected elevator and escalator service provider in Southeast Florida, will continue to operate in New York and New Jersey. Read more here
OTIS DEDICATED TO INVESTING IN DIGITAL FUTURE IN CHINA
Otis Elevator Co. says it is dedicated to enhancing R&D efforts in China to serve both local and international markets and is seeking further adoption of personalized AI solutions, Sally Loh, president of Otis China, said in a recent interview, reported by SHINE. China currently has approximately 10 million escalators and elevators in use with close to 1 million units in use for more than 15 years. Read more here | | LABOR SHORTAGE DELAYS NYC ELEVATOR ACCEPTANCE TESTS
Consultancy VDA, Inc., issued a notice that scheduling acceptance testing for new elevator installations and modernizations in NYC is significantly delayed due to a labor shortage in the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Multi-dwelling properties with a single elevator are not subject to these tests and may be self-certified by the elevator contractor. For everyone else, it is ideal, according to VDA, to have a professional consultant present to ensure all tests are properly completed in accordance with applicable codes and that the client receives additional credit of Category 5 full-load inspection testing. Property owners and managers involved in new construction or modernization projects that include elevators should plan proactively, and be aware that "despite advanced labor efforts, turnover of the elevator may be impacted by these conditions," VDA stated. Current DOB service levels may be found here. | | | MONTANARI NORTH AMERICA, the new U.S. branch by Montanari Group - since 1970 the Italian specialist for traction machines. Discover our specialized range of geared, gearless and safety devices for elevators - game changer solutions, all CSA certified. Contact us at info@montanarina.com or visit www.montanarina.com Advertisement | | | HYUNDAI ELEVATOR SOLAR POWER SYSTEM TO HELP CUT EMISSIONS
Hyundai Elevator announced it has completed the installation of a 6-megawatt solar power system at its Shanghai Smart Campus, The Korea Herald reports. The system, which begins full-scale operation in the second quarter, will replace 47% of the plant's total electricity use through renewable energy; rooftop solar panels were used. The move is part of Hyundai Elevator's RE100 roadmap, introduced in 2022, which targets 42% emissions reduction by 2030, 71% by 2040 and full renewable electricity use domestically by 2050. Read more here
RUBAX LIFTS CREDITS SIM MANAGEMENT PORTAL WITH SUCCESS
One of the U.K.'s largest independent lift companies, Rubax Lifts Ltd, credits SIMSINLIFTS' new-and-improved SIM management portal as one of the factors behind its industry success. With its headquarters in Cinnamon Park, Warrington, Rubax is now a regular user of SIMSINLIFTS' multi-roam SIMs, which means it is no longer restricted to a single network. 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 www.vantageelevation.com/movfr3-harmonic-door-operator/. Advertisement | | | STM WON'T ADD MORE METRO ELEVATORS DUE TO LACK OF FUNDS
The elevators inaugurated at the Atwater Metro station in Montreal, Canada, in mid-April will be the last universal accessibility project taken on by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) in the near future due to a lack of funding, Yahoo! News reports. STM points to Quebec's spring budget in a news release, saying that, for the third year in a row, the government had not allocated any new funding for infrastructure maintenance or universal accessibility. Read more here
PROGRESS MADE ON ELEVATOR INSTALLATION IN MALDIVE TOWERS
The installation of eight additional elevators in four Hiyaa towers in Hulhumale, Maldives, phase two has been completed and is now undergoing testing, according to the Housing Development Corp. (HDC), The Edition reports. The upgrades are part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to improve living conditions in Hiyaa social housing flats. Read more here | | NEW TENDER FOR IZMIT TRAIN STATION ELEVATOR COMPLETED
Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality has taken action again to complete the elevator construction work planned to facilitate access to the Izmit Train Station in Türkiye, Railly News reports. The project was previously tendered, but the contract was terminated due to the contractor's failure to work. A new supply tender was held, and two companies — Öz Asansör and Emay Yol ve Yapı — submitted bids for the tender held for the elevator to be built at the point connecting Cumhuriyet and Ruşen Hakkı streets across from the Izmit Train Station. The scope of the tender includes construction works with 2 t of various profiles, steel bars and steel sheets, 60 m2 of aluminum composite facade cladding, aluminum profile and tempered glass cladding works for 130 m2 of elevator towers, construction of a modern elevator with 13-person capacity with double entrances and other various works specified in the administrative specifications. After the detailed evaluation to be made by the tender committee, a contract will be signed with the company that won the tender and then the site will be delivered, and the works will start. | | | Preparations for interlift 2025 are underway! From 14 to 17 October, the lift industry will meet for the first time at Messe Nürnberg. More exhibition space has already been booked than at the last interlift and the trade fair is on course for growth. As the new home of interlift, Nuremberg is convincing with good accessibility and a relaxed hotel situation. https://www.interlift.de/en/ Advertisement | | | HYUNDAI ELEVATOR SMART HALL BUTTON PRODUCT WINS RED DOT DESIGN AWARD
Hyundai Elevator announced it has received the Winner award in the product category of the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2025, the Korea IT Times reports. The company's award-winning product is the "Smart Hall Button," which was developed in-house by Hyundai Elevator. This advanced system combines foot sensors with AI voice recognition technology, allowing users to input their desired elevator floor verbally without any physical contact. Read more here
NEW JERSEY TRANSIT BOD PLAN TO REPLACE ESCALATORS
The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors (BoD) contracted Hall Construction Co. for parts fabrication and installation for two new escalators at Hamilton Station in Trenton, New Jersey, on March 31, Mass Transit reports. The US$5.2 million contract includes the replacement of two escalators at Hamilton Station. Read more here | | | JOIN US FOR OUR NEW WEBINAR: Beyond Dial Tones: Future-Proofing Elevator Emergency Communications by Kings III. This webinar addresses how to meet the evolving ASME 2019 and IBC 2018/2021 code requirements while managing vendor access risks. When? Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 10 a.m. CDT. Register here. Advertisement | | | DOCTOR CRUSHED BY ELEVATOR IN APARTMENT COMPLEX IN INDIA
A 39-year-old doctor died after being crushed by an elevator at an apartment complex in Sri Krishna Nagar, Qutbullapur, in Hyderabad, India, Medical Dialogues reported on April 14. The doctor was trying to retrieve a cricket ball from the elevator pit when the elevator accidentally activated. Read more here
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR TSSA SAFETY AWARDS 2025
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), Ontario, Canada's public safety regulator, announced that nominations of individuals and organizations working in TSSA's regulated sectors are being accepted for the TSSA Safety Awards 2025 through June 2. 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 | | | 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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