| ELEVATOR WORLD's July 2025 Issue
 On the Cover: Imagination Unbound
Feature: Tyne Tunnel...
Focus on Cabs and Cab Accessories: The Most Overlooked Room in the Building; Elevated Sustainability... Columns: Elevating Industry Safety; Modular Design... Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW TO FOCUS ON BRAKE SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS
ELEVATOR WORLD's October 2025 issue will focus on Brake Systems and Components and feature the Product of the Year Nominees with special distribution at interlift 2025. The article submission deadline is August 15, and the advertising deadline is September 1. 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.
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. | | 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 | | | | REGISTER NOW FOR 2025 NAESA INTERNATIONAL WISCONSIN SYMPOSIUM
The 2025 NAESA International Wisconsin Elevator Symposium will be held on September 25-26 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, at the Grand Geneva Hotel and Resort. Presentations provided by top elevator industry professionals will focus on current code-related issues affecting the industry today. With nearly 275 attendees from all over the U.S. and Canada, the Symposium is an excellent opportunity to network with others in your field of expertise. Read more here
VDA OPENS NEW LARGER OFFICE IN MANHATTAN
VDA Inc. cut the ribbon on a new, 9,000-ft2 office in Chelsea, Manhattan, NY, on July 15. The new space can be used by more than 120 employees including executives, field staff, support staff and consultants with room to grow. "As the VDA family continues to grow, both organically and through acquisitions, opening a new, larger office gave us the chance to bring our people together under one roof," VDA New York Metro Senior Vice President Michael Balsamo said. 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 | | | TYLER STARTS NEW POSITION AS WURTEC NORTHEAST REGION MANAGER
Chuck Tyler, a vertical-transportation industry professional with nearly 40 years' experience, has been named Wurtec Northeast region manager. "It's a fantastic opportunity to put the experiences I've gained so far in my journey to work in a new chapter, and I'm truly thankful to the Wurtec family for the warm welcome," Tyler said. Tyler joins Wurtec from Phoenix Modular Elevator Inc., where he most recently served as an advisor and board member. Read more here
SCHINDLER REPORTS INCREASED PROFITS DESPITE DECREASED NEW INSTALLATIONS
Schindler recently reported a turnover of CHF2.76 billion (US$3.44 billion) for the months of April to June, blue News reports. This was 5.7% less than the previous year and corresponded to a 0.4% increase in local currencies. While incoming orders were slightly lower than in the same period of the previous year — decreasing by 1.9% to CHF2.94 billion (US$3.67 billion) — Schindler increased its operating profit (EBIT) by 6.1% to CHF346 million (US$431 million) in the second quarter and by 9.7% to CHF372 million (US$464 million). Read more here | | | KONE DOUBLES DOWN ON DIGITAL MANUFACTURING IN CHINA
KONE is implementing large-scale digital upgrades at its manufacturing facilities in China, where its production workshop in Kunshan already uses robotics to handle large items like elevator doors, Yicai Global reports. The eastern China site is KONE's largest worldwide and its largest R&D center outside of Finland. The plant's automated system includes precise monitoring and malfunction prediction, and elevators delivered from there boast advanced digital systems using the Internet of Things to enable real-time data uploads and transparent asset management. Read more here
APPLICATION SPOTS FILL FOR IUEC LOCAL 23 IN PORTLAND
The International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 23 filled its biennial 750 apprentice application slots in less than 36 h, the Northwest Labor Press reports. The Portland-based union opens applications for new apprentices every other year and accepts applications for three weeks or until 750 applications are submitted. Local 23 Business Manager Rob Larzalere attributed the record number of applications to the union's outreach efforts. 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: STEPHAN KRETZSCHMAR
Stephan Kretzschmar, sales manager at LM Liftmaterial GmbH, died in a plane crash on July 5 together with his 33-year-old son and his son's partner, LIFTjournal reports. He was voted to the VFA-Interlift eV board as an assessor in 2001 and served as deputy chairman from 2007 to 2013. He continued as an honorary member of VFA, spoke at VFA Academy and was a correspondent for interlift. On behalf of VFA-Interlift eV Achim Hütter wrote an obituary for Kretzschmar:
"Stephan Kretzschmar was a defining figure in the lift industry for decades. With his tireless commitment, professional expertise and keen sense of interpersonal relationships, he left a mark that extends far beyond his immediate professional environment. Those who knew Stephan appreciated his calm, intelligent and level-headed manner. He always shared his knowledge generously – with colleagues, young professionals and partners alike. His passion for technology was always accompanied by his ability to inspire and bring people together.
ALIMAK GROUP TO HOLD CAPITAL MARKETS DAY ON NOVEMBER 25
Alimak Group, a global provider of sustainable vertical access and working-at-height solutions, will hold its Capital Markets Day at Studio Puck, Kommendörsgatan 24, Stockholm, Sweden, on November 25. The Group invites investors, analysts and media to the hybrid event that will be held in person, as well as streamed live online. President and CEO Ole Kristian Jødahl and members of the Group Leadership Team will unveil the next phase of Alimak Group's strategic growth journey called New Heights 2.0. 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 | | | STANNAH CHARITY ABSEIL RAISES FUNDS FOR LIFT INDUSTRY CHARITY
On July 19, a group of dedicated Stannah employees took on the exhilarating challenge of abseiling (rappelling) down the iconic Northampton Lift Tower in Northampton, U.K., raising funds for the Lift Industry Charity. This summer abseil followed the overwhelming success of last year's event and was inspired by the enthusiasm of those who couldn't participate previously. The event raised more than GBP4325 (US$5,850), and the company has pledged to match all donations, raising the total to GBP8650 (US$11,701). The UK Lift Industry Charity plays a crucial role in supporting families of lift industry workers affected by work-related injuries or tragic losses. The event not only showcased the courage and camaraderie of the Stannah team but also highlighted the company's long-standing commitment to community and industry support with a history dating back to 1867 and 11 branches across the U.K.
KONE WINS TWO RED DOT 2025 AWARDS
KONE has won two awards in the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025 competition. In the Interior Design Elements category, the award went to KONE Entrance, a programmable guiding light for elevator doorways. KONE also won in the Sustainable Design category with Interact 30 DOP, a new destination operating panel. KONE Entrance is an illuminated elevator door frame that uses animated light to facilitate orientation in the waiting area in front of elevators. Read more here | | OTIS TO PROVIDE UNITS FOR LUXURY BUILDING ARTE STAR
Otis will provide innovative technology and connected vertical mobility solutions for Arte Star, a luxury residential building located near iconic landmarks such as the Kuala Lumpur Tower and Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thailand Business News reports. For this project, Otis will complete installation of 22 SkyRise® and one Gen3™ elevator systems by 2027 and will maintain Arte Star's vertical mobility systems through 2029. Read more here
RÖCHLING INDUSTRIAL BEGINS MULTI-PHASE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Plastics engineering company Röchling Industrial is investing more than EUR17 million (US$19.8 million) in expanding its Xanten location in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany, LIFTJournal reports. The location is to undergo comprehensive expansion and modernization in several construction phases by 2030. As part of the construction project, comprehensive expansion of the production, logistics and administrative areas is planned. 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 | | | CARDINAL ELEVATOR EXPANDS INTO KANSAS CITY
Cardinal Elevator, headquartered in the St. Louis, Missouri, metropolitan area, announced this month it is expanding into the Kansas City, Missouri, market as part of its continued growth and commitment to providing elevator service, maintenance and installation to customers throughout the Midwest. To facilitate the expansion, Cardinal welcomes two new employees: Account Manager Bailey Reese and Technician James Reese. Cardinal states it specializes in building individualized programs based on client requirements and budgets using local International Union of Elevator Mechanics technicians.
G-TECH ELEVATOR SYSTEM FOR NEW MANHATTAN RESIDENTIAL TOWER
G-Tech Elevators tells ELEVATOR WORLD it provided a two-elevator system for 288 East 88th Street, a new 24-story residential tower designed by Hill West Architects and developed by Alchemy-ABR and Azur in partnership with Carlyle Group on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Slated for completion in fall 2026, the tower will be served by two overhead traction units that travel at 500 ft min, one with 3500 lb capacity making 25 stops and another with 3000 lb capacity making 23 stops. 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 fiera milano (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 | | | | KONE JOINS CURRENT/OS FOUNDATION TO DEPLOY DC-POWERED LIFTS
KONE on July 17 announced its accession to the Current/OS Foundation, a Netherlands-based nonprofit that brings together 90 partners from 25 countries to promote a unified standard for Direct Current (DC) installations by providing rules for the manufacture and installation of compatible equipment that can operate safely in localized DC power distribution networks. Read more here
FOUR WORKERS RESCUED FROM BLIND ELEVATOR SHAFT IN YONKERS
Yonkers Fire Department (YFD) personnel successfully rescued four workers from a blind elevator shaft at the construction site of a new 27-story building in Yonkers, NY, on July 16, outlets including Westchester Journal News report. Brock Glenn of G-Tech Elevator Services attempted to maneuver the elevator but determined it was immobile. The YFD then devised a system of ladders and ropes to remove the four workers who were approximately 20 ft below the fifth floor from the 35-ft shaft. Read more here | | HINES PROPOSES SAN FRANCISCO SUPERTALL THAT WOULD BE WEST COAST'S TALLEST
Texas-based developer Hines has submitted plans for 77 Beale Street, a 1,225-ft supertall on the former campus of Pacific Gas & Electric Co. in San Francisco, dezeen reports. Incorporating 1.6 million ft2 of office space, restoration of two historic buildings on-site, conversion of an existing office building and a 1.6 million ft2 park, the tower would unseat the 1,100-ft-tall Wilshire Grand in Los Angeles. Read more here
GROUND BROKEN IN SINGAPORE FOR MARINA BAY SANDS EXPANSION
Las Vegas Sands broke ground on July 15 on a US$8-billion expansion of the iconic Marina Bay Sands (MBS) resort in Singapore that opened in 2010 with an energy-efficient vertical-transportation system by KONE, Channel News Asia is among outlets to report. First announced in 2019 and slated for completion in June 2030, the expansion will add a 55-story, 570-suite hotel tower to the original MBS that features a trio of cascading towers crowned by the connected Sands Skypark. 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 | | | ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL MEMBER CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO ESCALATOR MALFUNCTION AFTER CONCERT
Atlanta City Council Member Marci Collier Overstreet called for a full investigation into an escalator malfunction at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Vine City station after a Beyoncé concert on July 14, WSB-TV Atlanta 2 reports. Witnesses report that the chaos at the station began with someone screaming at the top of the escalator. This caused people to panic and rush to exit the escalator. Read more here
KONE CELEBRATES COMPLETING 2,106 ELEVATOR MODERNIZATIONS IN CHINA
This month, KONE celebrated completing modernization of 2,106 elevators in Kunshan, China, in only eight months. As part of a city-led initiative, KONE secured 96% of the total number of elevator modernizations for selected residents. "This is among the largest initiatives of its kind in China, enabling over 50,000 households to now enjoy enhanced mobility, safety and comfort," KONE observed. "Not only does this project showcase our capability in largescale modernization, it also highlights the power of community and collaboration." To mark the achievement, KONE leaders joined officials from Kunshan City, the Suzhou Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau, media and residents for a ceremony earlier this month. | | 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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