| ELEVATOR WORLD's August 2025 Issue
 On the Cover: Photo Contest 2025
Feature: IAEC Forum 2025...
Focus on Maintenance: How the Use of Machine Data Can Help Consolidate Elevator Maintenance Across National Boundaries and Different Codes... Columns: Moving to the Top; A Steady Foundation... Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW TO FOCUS ON COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
ELEVATOR WORLD's November 2025 issue will focus on Communication Systems with special distribution at GEE 2025. The article submission deadline is September 17, and the advertising deadline is October 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.
ENTER THE 2025 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARD CONTEST
ELEVATOR WORLD'S fifth annual Product of the Year Award recognizes outstanding product development achievements of manufacturers whose products are considered particularly noteworthy or innovative. The product(s) should represent any of the following qualities: a significant advancement in a technology or its application, an exceptionally innovative design, a substantial achievement in price/performance, improvements in design performance and a potential for new product designs/opportunities. To learn more about how your company can participate in the 2025 contest, download and complete the 2025 entry form. | | 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 | | | SEPTEMBER 2 DEADLINE FOR PROJECT OF THE YEAR FAST APPROACHING
The deadline for submissions for ELEVATOR WORLD'S 28th Annual Project of the Year Awards is just under two weeks away. Get your submissions in before September 2 to be included. The contest focuses on 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.
STOBG LAUNCHES ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS
STO Building Group (STOBG), a group of construction companies operating collaboratively with headquarters in NYC, on August 14 announced the launch of Elevator Construction Consultants (ECC), a specialty service line designed to address one of the construction industry's persistent bottlenecks: vertical transportation (VT). Centralizing STOBG's elevator and escalator expertise, ECC aims to improve elevator system performance, efficiency and inspection success. ECC is led by VT industry veteran Michael Walsh, who brings more than 35 years' experience with construction teams, developers, property owners and architects. 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 | | | | GUNN CONSULTANTS NAMES WOLSEY TORONTO BRANCH MANAGER
GUNN Consultants announced Devin Wolsey as Toronto, Canada, branch manager. Reporting directly to GUNN President and CEO Eric Peterson, Wolsey oversees office administration and human resources, marketing and business development, finances, quality control and technical services. He is tasked with studying market conditions and implementing strategies to drive sales and manage key client relationships. Read more here
KONE LOOKS TO GROWTH OUTSIDE METRO MANILA
Urbanization outside Metro Manila in the Philippines is expected to drive demand for building modernization and elevator and escalator solutions, according to KONE, BusinessWorld reports. "The megatrends are all positive, like urbanization, gross domestic product growth, the relatively young population, and how it's driving people to the cities," KONE Managing Director for the Philippines Petteri Kyrklund said on the sidelines of KONEct 2025, during which the company introduced its KONE High-Rise MiniSpace DX elevator, which is designed for new and existing buildings taller than 150 m. 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 | | | IMTIAZ DEVELOPMENTS TAPS OTIS FOR 41 DUBAI AREA PROJECTS
Dubai, U.A.E-based Imtiaz Developments appointed Otis to install vertical-transportation (VT) equipment across its 41 residential and mixed-use projects in Dubai and the Dubai Islands, outlets including Construction Week Online report. Imtiaz CEO Masih Imtiaz said he is confident that integrating Otis VT systems will "elevate the quality and reliability of our developments, delivering long-term value for our investors and enhancing the living experience of our residents." Read more here
EMPIRE TRAM BRINGS MARINE INNOVATIONS TO UPSTATE NEW YORK
Marine Innovations, Inc., the Frazee, Minnesota-based manufacturer of trams and inclined elevators for North America, Central America and the Caribbean, announced on August 12 Empire Tram, based in Interlaken, NY, has become a dealer. Serving Finger Lakes residents and properties in upstate NY, Empire Tram now specializes in sales, installation and service of Marine Innovations' inclined elevators. Read more here | | | NAGPUR RAILWAY STATION MODERNIZATION TO BE COMPLETED BY END OF 2026
The Indian Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) is set to complete the modernization work of Nagpur Railway Station, a key hub under Central Railway's Nagpur Division, in Maharashtra, India, by the end of 2026, the Deccan Herald reports. The work being executed by RLDA began in 2022 and involves the restoration of the heritage building of the station that was built in 1925. Read more here
HONG KONG'S ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY SEVERELY UNDERSTAFFED
The Standard describes the Hong Kong elevator maintenance industry as being "in crisis," with severe understaffing and excessive overtime impacting workers. There are 4,000 registered elevator technicians in the Chinese special administrative region (SAR) who maintain more than 80,000 units — "an impossible workload that sees each worker handling six to eight elevators daily while being on constant call for emergency repairs." Maintenance technicians in Hong Kong SAR routinely work more than 300 h per month — a nearly 70 h workweek. The source illustrated the issue with the story of a 59-year-old father and family man who collapsed on the job and died of heart disease after routinely working 352 h per month during his final six months. "While countries like Japan and Taiwan recognize overwork-related deaths (known as karoshi) and provide compensation, Hong Kong families must fight lengthy court battles with little hope of success," The Standard concluded. | | Looking to maximize elevator door performance? Upgrade to the MOVFR 3 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 | | | HIPPODROME'S HISTORIC ELEVATOR TO REOPEN AUGUST 22
A year and a half after being shut down, the historic manually operated elevator at the Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville, Florida, will reopen on August 22, WCJB 20 reports. The 112-year-old Otis elevator was installed in 1924, making it Florida's oldest continuously operating elevator until January 2024, when it was taken out of service for safety concerns. The City of Gainesville's Wild Spaces & Public Places Department and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs announced in February that the US$135,799 project to restore the Hippodrome's historic elevator had begun and would conclude at the end of the summer. Read more here
MID-AMERICAN MODERNIZES ELEVATORS AT BUSY NYC MTA QUEENS STATION
The NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) tells ELEVATOR WORLD that Mid-American Elevator modernized three elevators at the Queens Plaza subway station located under the eastern edge of Queens Plaza at the large Queens Plaza interchange in NYC. Nearly 10,000 subway riders user the Queens Plaza station each weekday, according to MTA, which currently has elevator replacement projects underway in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. Read more here | | MOU SIGNED IN KOREA TO PROMOTE ELEVATOR SAFETY
The Korea Elevator Safety Authority (KoELSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Public Administration and Security and a designated inspection agency to jointly promote elevator safety, Maeil Business Newspaper reports. This agreement was signed to solidify a public-private partnership system to prevent elevator accidents and spread safety culture. Read more here
ELEVATOR IN NEW MEXICO PLUTONIUM FACILITY NEEDS REPAIRS
The freight elevator at the Los Alamos National Laboratory's main plutonium facility in New Mexico has a faulty interlocking mechanism on its door and is need of repairs, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. Built in the 1970s, the building is an example of U.S. nuclear complexes' aging infrastructure. Defense Nuclear Facility Safety Board Chief of Staff Kyle Johnson said the freight elevator's problems are typical of vintage freight elevators: "sensors stop functioning, door jambs (occur), etc.," Johnson said. Read more here | | SECOND ELEVATOR INCIDENT SPARKS CONCERNS OVER HOSPITAL SAFETY STANDARDS IN GREECE
A second elevator malfunction has been reported within days at Gennimatas Hospital in Athens, sparking renewed concern over safety standards in Greek public hospitals, tovima reports. According to reports, the latest incident occurred when a hospital employee attempted to transport a patient in a wheelchair. The elevator became stuck between two floors, leaving both the staff member and the patient temporarily trapped. Read more here
U.S. OPEN ATTENDEES FACE ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
Tennis fans from across the world will take transit to this month's U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, — but those who depend on a wheelchair or other mobility might have trouble getting there: Neither the subway nor Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station have elevators, Streetsblog NYC reports. Wheelchair users can exit the subway via a ramp, but only if they took an eastbound train and only on Mets gamedays. The boardwalk — which passes by the LIRR entrance — is a splinter-ridden, bumpy and deteriorating nightmare to traverse on wheels. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) included an accessibility project at the LIRR station in its current capital plan, but not the adjacent subway, and the project does not have funding. Plans do not address the boardwalk. City officials have pledged full ADA accessibility when the project wraps up — likely years from now. | | | Keep Production Up and Costs Down with LGH Rigging. From chain hoists and slings, to machine skates and gantry cranes, LGH carries all the rigging and lifting equipment you need. Rent certified equipment today at www.RentLGH.com Advertisement | | | NEW LUXURY DEVELOPMENT IN L.A. BEGINS CONSTRUCTION
Construction has begun for the US$5-billion One Beverly Hills development from Cain International in Los Angeles, California, Urbanize reports. Located west of the Waldorf Astoria and Beverly Hilton hotels, the project will involve a renovation of the latter hotel, as well as the new construction of a 10-story, 78-suite Aman hotel with a 100,000-ft2 private club; approximately 30,000 ft2 of commercial space; subterranean parking for 1,900 vehicles; and up to 200 luxury condominiums. Read more here
FAKHRUDDIN PROPERTIES BREAKS GROUND ON TREPPAN TOWER IN DUBAI
Fakhruddin Properties officially commenced construction on Treppan Tower in Jumeirah Village Triangle in Dubai, MEP Middle East reports. Treppan Tower will be the newest residential development in the area, featuring innovative, energy-efficient technology like AI-enabled smart home automation systems that monitor and reduce unnecessary lighting and air conditioning usage through demand control functionality. Read more here | | ABU DHABI TO SIGN US$12.8 BILLION WORTH OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Abu Dhabi aims to sign Dh47 billion (US$12.8 billion) worth of infrastructure projects with the private sector in the second half of 2025, according to a senior official, The National News reports. Director General of Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (Adpic) Maysarah Salim Eid said the work includes schools, housing, roads and other infrastructure. Adpic has already signed public-private partnership projects worth Dh22 billion (US$5.9 billion) in 2025. Read more here
PLANS SUBMITTED FOR NEW CHIPPERFIELD-DESIGNED RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN TORONTO
A new 31-story, primarily residential tower designed by acclaimed British architect Sir David Chipperfield has been proposed for Toronto, Canada's Rosedale neighborhood by Helberg Properties, Urban Toronto reports. The site spans 38, 40 and 50 Park Road, sites that are planned to be redeveloped into the new building containing 289 rental units and new non-residential space. 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 | | | | LAGOS HOSPITAL ELEVATOR NOT REPLACED TWO YEARS AFTER FATALITY
Two years after a faulty elevator claimed the life of a young doctor at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos State Chapter has decried the failure of the Lagos State Government to replace the elevator or complete renovations at the House Officers' Quarters, PUNCH Healthwise reports. In a statement marking the second-year remembrance of the event, NMA officials say they were "deeply disappointed that the state government had not fulfilled promises made after her death." Read more here
ONTARIO'S BWG LEISURE CENTRE GETS ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADES
The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG) in Ontario, Canada, has completed key accessibility upgrades at the Leisure Centre, furthering its commitment to creating an inclusive and barrier-free environment in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), BradfordToday reports. The most significant enhancement is the installation of a motorized stair lift, now fully operational and available to the public as of May 27, following custom manufacturing, installation and safety inspection by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. In addition, three emergency evacuation chairs were purchased — two installed at the Leisure Centre and one designated for the library. These chairs help people with mobility issues safely exit the building when the elevators aren't working. | | 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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