| ELEVATOR WORLD's May 2025 Issue
 On the Cover: U.S. Bank Tower
Feature: Family Ties
Focus on Succession Planning: Lessons From Personal Experience; Passing the Torch... Columns: Destination: interlift; Building MAD USA; Elevated Banking in the 1950s 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. | | HAIDER DRIVE Traction Elevator Machines, brought to you by DELCO ELEVATOR PRODUCTS. CSA-approved and fully code-compliant across the U.S. and Canada, with 10–12 week lead times, a dedicated project manager, and a 5-year warranty. Available in geared and gearless models — for both overhead and basement applications. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Choose Haider Drive and get 10% OFF Delco's in-stock elevator components. Everything you need, all in one place. Delivered fast. Priced to win. Catalog 2025 Website | 1.866.900.3727 | info@delcoelevator.com Advertisement | | | SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT FOR THE EW PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Submissions are now being accepted for the ELEVATOR WORLD 28th Annual Project of the Year Awards. We are seeking submissions of projects featuring vertical, horizontal or inclined transportation systems with an innovative design, special application or approach that solved a major problem or overcame a unique challenge. Projects will be judged on innovation, originality and creativity, challenges overcome, installation methods and techniques and use of advanced technology, as well as overall quality of presentation. This year's categories are Elevators, New Construction; Elevators, Modernization; Escalators, New Construction; Escalators, Modernization; Moving Walks; Inclined Elevators; Platform Lifts & Stairway Chairlifts; Private-Residence Elevators; and Special-Purpose Lifts. All entries will be judged and categorized as received by an impartial panel of experienced industry experts and professionals. Winning entries will be published in the January 2026 issue of ELEVATOR WORLD. Winners in each category will be acknowledged with an award of recognition. The submission deadline is September 2. | | 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 | | | | HYDRASAFE BRAKE: NYC TRAINING, A MOVE AND A NEW HIRE
HydraSafe® Brake CEO Kevin Cunningham recently shared news with ELEVATOR WORLD about work in NYC, a physical move and a new hire. In Manhattan in late April, HydraSafe provided installation training to Anthony Rinaldi and his Schindler team at 5 Times Square, a 38-story office tower. HydraSafe then surveyed 17 elevators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with partner Claddagh, which will be providing a control system for single-plunger code compliance at the Met. Read more here
WURTEC CELEBRATING 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Toledo, Ohio-headquartered Wurtec, a leading provider of elevator tools, components and engineered solutions, is proud to be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Since its founding in 1985 by Steve Wurth, the company "has upheld a legacy of innovation, quality and customer satisfaction while maintaining deep-rooted values as a family business," Wurtec President Blake Pilgrim said. Read more here | | UNSWORTH JOINS LML LIFT CONSULTANTS AS SENIOR CONSULTANT
Richie Lobert, founder and co-director of Australia's LML Lift Consultants, announced that John Unsworth has joined the company as a senior consultant overseeing numerous major projects. Well known in the vertical-transportation (VT) industry, Unworth has 40 years' experience, beginning his career with Schindler. Read more here
OTIS APPOINTS ARMAS AS PRESIDENT U.S. AND CANADA
Otis announced on May 7 it has appointed Joseph Armas to the new role of president, Otis U.S. and Canada, reporting directly to Otis Chair, CEO and President Judy Marks. Armas most recently served as senior vice president and general manager of Otis' former North America operating unit. He has held multiple leadership roles within Otis during 20 years with the company. Read more here | | 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 | | | SAVARIA ACQUIRES WESTERN ELEVATOR
Savaria Corp., a global leader in the accessibility industry, has announced the acquisition of Western Elevator Ltd., a premier home elevator and lift dealer based in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. Western generated approximately CAD$7.5 million (US$4.07 million) in revenue in 2024 and has been a long time, top-tier Savaria dealer. Western has built a strong reputation as a full-service dealer/installer of home elevators, stairlifts and wheelchair lifts for residential and commercial applications, servicing Vancouver and the lower mainland area of the province. The Vancouver area is a key market for luxury residential elevators, and Western enjoys strong relationships with local homebuilders and architects, delivering both solid technical expertise and high-quality installation services. The owners of Western, Alan Bodnaruk and Cameron Pomeroy, will continue in their current leadership roles and manage the company as a division of Savaria, ensuring continuity for both customers and staff.
KONE TO EQUIP DUBAI RESIDENTIAL SUPERTALL WITH 38 VT UNITS
KONE has been selected by Dubai developer London Gate to equip the 1,476-ft-tall, 106-story Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower in Dubai Marina with 38 vertical-transportation (VT) units, KONE announced on May 8. Upon completion in 2027 the supertall will offer luxury apartments within the tallest residential clock tower in the world — a joint creation of London Gate and Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Franck Muller. 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 | | | LIFTEX 2025 TO SHOWCASE THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN LIFT TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY
LIFTEX returns to ExCeL London on June 11-12 with a full lineup of exhibitors showcasing groundbreaking innovations that address the evolving demands of building safety, accessibility and futureproofing. Alongside the exhibition, featuring more than 100 U.K. and international exhibitors, LIFTEX 2025 offers a comprehensive free seminar program addressing critical industry topics including modernization of existing lifts, standards compliance, evacuation requirements and fire safety regulations. Read more here
CECA CALLS FOR VOTES FOR SUPPLIER DIRECTOR
The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) is calling for suppliers to cast their votes for the Supplier director position available on the CECA Board of Directors by May 22. Three candidates have expressed interest in the Supplier Director position: Ryan Couture of Lyft Surfaces, Mike Hurley of Wurtec and Steve Husband of Dupar Controls. Couture started his career in the elevator industry in 2004 and founded Lyft Surfaces in 2017. Read more here | | DELTRON ACQUIRES THREE COMPANIES
The Dudley, U.K.-based Deltron Group, which services elevators, platform lifts and stairlifts to enhance safety, performance and longevity, has acquired Abacus Elevators (Liverpool), Total Lift Care (Lancashire) and Bourne Lifts (Dorset) as it continues to strengthen its footprint across the U.K. Led by directors Scott Haywood and Lukas Schlenker, LDC-backed Deltron now maintains approximately 13,200 units for 3,700 customers nationwide. The latest acquisitions bring Deltron's total to eight since LDC's minority investment in July. Earlier additions to the group include Metro Lifts (London), Elevate UK Lifts (Stourport-on-Severn), Elevator Group (London), A1 Lifts (Liverpool), and Lift Control (Livingston). Deltron Group was advised by Higgs LLP (legal).
FOURTH VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL ELEVATORS EXHIBITION ANNOUNCED
Organizers announce the fourth Vietnam Elevators Exhibition, VIETNAM ELEVATOR EXPO 2025, is planned on December 4-6 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A standard 9-m2 booth package is US$2,900, and interested parties may contact organizers to obtain a floor plan and choose from available booth locations. 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 | | | IN MEMORIAM: TIM HERRMANN
Tim Herrmann, a beloved father, brother, friend and husband, passed away on April 13 at age 64. A well-known figure in the NYC elevator industry, Herrmann previously worked for ECI-EDI and National Elevator Cab and Door Corp. (NECD) and was in the industry for more than 30 years. At NECD, Herrmann served as vice president of operations responsible for engineering, production and field operations. "Tim was a true expert in elevator cabs, and he operated at the peak of the 'A' building market in NYC — the place with the most customized, exotic elevators," NECD CEO Jeff Friedman said. In addition to an engineer's eye, Herrmann also possessed the "hands of a mechanic," Friedman said. Once parts were designed and manufactured, Herrmann could stand among the workers and show them how to put the parts together efficiently. "One of his last major projects was how to handle the massive, edge-lit rear walls intended for the 59 passenger elevators at One World Trade Center (1 WTC)," Friedman said. "Tim's immediate concerns about the design were proven correct, and his suggestions still have a place in one of the world's most iconic buildings." All the elevator cabs and 1,200 entrances at 1 WTC were delivered on time, and the first-of-their-kind shrouds Herrmann shepherded into existence helped the elevator contractor meet rigorous acoustic and ride-quality specifications, remembers Friedman. Herrmann "drove his team hard to get the best results, and he gave even more of himself, because elevator cabs were his passion." | | | 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 | | | OTIS ANNOUNCES TEAM FROM FLORIDA AS GLOBAL WINNERS OF MADE TO MOVE COMMUNITIES CHALLENGE
Otis announced that the team from Pembroke Pines Charter High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, is the global winner of the fifth Made to Move Communities™ student challenge. The Pembroke Pines students earned their school a total of US$35,000 in grants for being the winners of the annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) competition. The winning team's idea is a smartphone app that uses AI to aid visually impaired people. Read more here
CECA'S WOMEN'S GROUP INTRODUCES NEW NAME: ELEVATE-HER
The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) women's group formerly known as Elle-evator has introduced a new name: Elevate-HER, reflecting its mission to "uplift, empower and connect women across the industry in bold meaningful ways." As part of this transformation, Elevate-HER plans to unveil a brand-new logo in June that will be a "symbol of strength, growth and unity." Read more here | | IN MEMORIAM: MILTON THOMAS SYBERT
Milton Thomas Sybert of Northbrook, Illinois, a force in the elevator industry for decades, passed away peacefully on April 29 at age 93 surrounded by his loving family. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in the Korean War, Sybert entered the elevator industry in 1968 when he became a partner at Gregory Elevator Co. His leadership shone in the National Association of Elevator Contractors, where he served on the Board of Directors and chaired the Educational Committee. After Gregory Elevator was sold to Westinghouse Electric Co. in 1981, Sybert and his wife, Dorothy, purchased elevator parts manufacturer C.J. Anderson & Co. (CJA) in 1984. Sybert nurtured CJA with the same devotion he gave to his family, viewing the team as an extended family and reading emails, reviewing reports and collaborating with his son, CJA President Tom Sybert, until his final days. Survivors include wife, Dorothy; sons, Tom and Al; and many loving relatives including eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, in whom his love lives on. | | | Enhance your elevator interiors with Inpro's fully wrapped cab panels. We believe durability shouldn't compromise design. Made with Palladium® Rigid Sheet, our panels resist damage, endure daily wear, and maintain a high-end finish. Trust Inpro for durable, design-forward solutions that last. Advertisement | | | ELEVATOR ASSEMBLY PLANT OFFICIALLY OPENS IN BELARUS
The Mogilevliftmash elevator assembly plant in Belarus has officially opened in Azerbaijan, BelTA reports. At the opening, Belarusian Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin was shown the company's production facilities and elevator models to be assembled in Azerbaijan. Two years after the elevator assembly production plant Vertus Engineering Co. Ltd. was opened, Mogilevliftmash and the company signed an agreement to establish an assembly production plant in Azerbaijan, which is now underway. Read more here
VANBARTON LOOKS BEYOND NYC TO SEATTLE FOR POTENTIAL CONVERSION
NYC-based Vanbarton Group, working on three office-to-residential conversions in NYC, including 160 Water Street in the Financial District, is looking beyond the Big Apple to Seattle for its next possible conversion, The Real Deal reported earlier this month, citing a source familiar with the transaction. The Seattle building is a six-story distressed Shorenstein asset currently sitting vacant at 2601 Elliott Avenue in the Belltown neighborhood. Read more here | | | Early registration for the 2025 NAEC Convention & Exposition ends May 30th! Don't miss your chance to save and secure your spot at the industry's leading event. Join us this September 15-18 for valuable networking, education, and innovation. Register now and be part of the excitement — we'll see you there! https://www.naecconvention.com/ Advertisement | | | HOUSTON SENIOR APARTMENT COMPLEX SUFFERING ELEVATOR BREAKDOWNS
Senior residents of Magnolia Place apartment complex in Houston, Texas, are asking for an elevator repair solution after spending more than a week without working elevators, KHOU 11 reports. During the week of April 28, residents reported that all elevators had stopped working, preventing those who rely on elevators to traverse the building from doing so. Read more here
SEA-LEVEL RISE THREATENS NEW YORK HOUSING AND TALL BUILDINGS
According to a new report by the Regional Plan Association, NYC's housing shortage could grow to 1.2 million homes due to rising sea levels, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) reports. As flood-prone land becomes increasingly unbuildable, new reports show that more than half of the 82,000 homes at risk are located on Long Island, with additional vulnerability found in parts of Brooklyn, Queens and cities along the Long Island Sound. 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 | | | ONTARIO SUPERIOR COURT APPROVES TRIDEL'S TAKEOVER OF THE ONE
The Ontario Superior Court formally finalized the full suite of agreements on Tridel's takeover of construction of the supertall The One on April 22, Urban Toronto reported. Once completed, The One will be Canada's tallest building, standing at 308.6 m with 85 stories. The court order took immediate effect, shifting the role of contractor from interim contractor SKYGRiD to Tridel. The company will act as project, construction and sales manager, working toward a new completion target of 2028. The company updated the layouts of the mixed-use building to both increase and decrease the number of units per floor from the 59th floor upward. Otis will provide 23 elevators to The One and facilitate the first SkyBuild™ construction elevator installation in Canada, giving crews indoor access to the highest completed floor through safe and fast transportation.
WORKER DIES IN ELEVATOR SHAFT INCIDENT IN NEWARK
A male worker died on May 11 as a result of injuries sustained in an elevator shaft at a 12-story former children's hospital being converted into residences in downtown Newark, New Jersey, NJ.com is among outlets to report. Being redeveloped by Newark-based Hanini Group, the 123,500-ft2 property was initially slated to be converted into a hotel, but, noting its proximity to Newark Penn Station, the developer opted to transform the midcentury building into "the epitome of transit-oriented luxury living." The company did not respond to a request for comment on May 12 as the incident remains under investigation. | | 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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