| ELEVATOR WORLD's October 2025 Issue
 On the Cover: Panoramic passenger elevator at the EKA
Elevator Factory in Türkiye
Features: New Era for Austin; 2025 Product of the Year...
Focus on Brakes and Component Systems: Optimized Elevator Brakes for the New Standards; Beyond the Safety Code... Columns: The Other Otis Legend; Elevating Talent... Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW TO FOCUS ON ESCALATORS AND MOVING WALKS
ELEVATOR WORLD's December 2025 issue will focus on Escalators and Moving Walks and feature The Ellies Contest Winners along with Continuing Education. There will be special distribution at IEES 2025. The article submission deadline is October 15, and the advertising deadline is November 3. 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. | | 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 | | | EW ANNOUNCES 2025 ELLIES AWARD WINNERS
ELEVATOR WORLD formally announces the winners and runners-up of the 2025 Ellies Awards, which, for the past eight years, has recognized North American vertical-transportation businesses that have gone above and beyond for their customers, employees and communities. Winners and runners-up were presented trophies and certificates, respectively, live on the tradeshow floor during the National Association of Elevator Contractors 2025 Convention and Exposition in Houston, Texas, on September 17. This year's honorees are: for Best Consultancy/Inspection Company: Rise Inspection Services, winner; ATIS, runner up; Best Contractor, Canada: Richmond Elevator Maintenance Ltd., winner; ATTA, runner up; Best Contractor, East: Dynasty Elevator, winner; Champion Elevator, runner up; Best Contractor, North: Colley Elevator Co., winner; Midwest Elevator, runner up; Best Contractor, South: Acadia Elevator, winner; Southern Elevator Co. Ltd., runner up; Best Contractor, West: Star Elevator, winner; Centric Elevator, runner up; Best Family-Owned Business: The Peelle Co., winner; Liberty Elevator, runner up; Best Minority/Woman/Veteran-Owned Business: Oracle Elevator Puerto Rico, winner; Kohtler Elevator Industries, runner up; Best Supplier-Accessibility: Saveria, winner; Fox Valley Elevator, runner up; Best Supplier-Cabs/Interiors/Finishes: Cabworks, winner; Vasile Elevators, runner up; Best Supplier-Communication Systems: Ooma, winner; CEDES Corp. America, runner up; Best Supplier-Complete Systems: MEI-Total Elevator Solutions, winner; Canton Elevator/Nidec, runner up; Best Supplier-Controllers: Claddagh Electronics, winner; Motion Control Engineering, runner up; Best Supplier-Doors/Door Operators: Vantage Elevation/GAL Manufacturing, winner; Wittur USA, runner up; Best Supplier, Fixtures: A&A Elevators, winner; MAD Elevator, runner up; Best Supplier, Motors: Imperial Electric, a Nidec Company, winner; Alamex Elevator, runner up; Best Supplier, Other: KONE Spares, winner; Unitec Parts Co., runner up; Best Supplier, Ropes/Traveling Cables: Draka/EHC a Prysmian Brand, winner; Wurtec, runner up; Best Supplier, Safety Products: Adams Elevator, winner; Draka/EHC a Prysmian Brand, runner up; Best Supplier, Software: Cloud Monitoring/REMS, winner; CEDES Corp. America, runner up; and Best Supplier, Special Application Lifts: Matot, winner; Harris Companies, runner up. | | 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 | | | SCHINDLER PARTNERS WITH MAJOR GLOBAL HOTEL OPERATOR
Schindler announced on September 25 it signed a Master Services and Supplies Agreement (MSSA) with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with more than 5,600 hotel properties in 110 countries. The MSSA — which entails Schindler supplying and maintaining elevators, escalators and moving walks — covers nine strategic markets in Asia: Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Read more here
CANADIAN-OWNED DISTRIBUTOR RCW CANADA LAUNCHES IN TORONTO
RCW Canada, a Canadian-owned distributor of James Monroe Wire and Cable-branded, code-compliant cable solutions tailored to fit the needs of the elevator industry, was recently launched in Toronto by industry veteran Hugh Hunter. Hunter has more than 35 years' vertical-transportation industry experience, previously serving as business development manager for Wurtec (Canada), sales manager for TK Elevator's Northern elevator factory and a product consultant in the field. Read more here | | The WUR-COM® from Wurtec is a no-fee, all-digital solution for multimedia elevator communications. The WUR-COM® meets the latest ASME requirements by providing two-way audio, video monitoring of the cab, and text capabilities. The fully digital WUR-COM® package also eliminates the need for POTS lines. Check out the details here, and get in touch with us at 1.800.837.1066 or WurtecSales@wurtec.com. Advertisement | | | | OTIS LAUNCHES FLEXIBLE MODERNIZATION PACKAGES IN EUROPE
Otis has introduced its new flexible Arise™ MOD Prime and Arise™ MOD Plus solutions in Europe to modernize elevators in low- to mid-rise residential and commercial buildings. These are now available in Spain, the U.K., France and Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg), with more countries to follow soon. With Otis' Arise MOD packages, customers are in control, making informed choices about the level, cost, pace and phased planning of elevator modernization with the guidance of Otis experts. Customers have the flexibility to start with the Arise MOD Prime solution and upgrade later to the Arise MOD Plus solution – or opt to start with the Arise MOD Plus package. These solutions align with the latest European safety standards and enhance reliability and efficiency with advanced technology. | | ATTA EXPANDS U.S. REACH WITH OPENING OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, OFFICE
ATTA Elevators, Canada's largest independent elevator company and one of the fastest growing in the U.S., announced on September 24 its expansion into the San Antonio, Texas, market with the opening of a new office. The office will be led by Regional Vice President (VP) Blake Timmons, who brings a wealth of vertical-transportation industry experience in both maintenance and modernization. Read more here
CHAMPION ELEVATOR'S GELESTINO RECOGNIZED BY CRAIN'S FOR PHILANTHROPY
Don Gelestino, founder and chairman of the board of NYC's Champion Elevator, was recently recognized by Crain's New York Business as a Notable Leader in Philanthropy 2025. Through networking and advocacy, Gelestino raised awareness of the nonprofit Maurer Foundation, which promotes breast health education, early detection, risk reduction and informed choices. Gelestino helped guide the Foundation's strategic initiatives and collaborated with board members to expand outreach, develop partnerships and support fundraising efforts. 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 | | | TKE OPENS NEW OFFICE IN SRINAGAR
TK Elevator (TKE) has announced the opening of its new office in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, an Indian-administered union territory, APN News reports. TKE's new office is strategically located at the gateway to Srinagar, Hyderpora, which is a rapidly developing commercial and residential hub with seamless connectivity to the Srinagar Airport, National Highway and key business districts. The facility marks the next step in the company's expansion strategy in India and underscores its commitment to providing world-class products and services to customers across the region. The Srinagar office will support installation, maintenance and modernization projects, ensuring faster service, improved customer responsiveness and local availability of spare parts. Srinagar is currently witnessing a surge in infrastructure projects, hospitality developments, residential complexes and commercial establishments. With significant government investments and private sector participation, the city is poised to become a key growth center in Northern India. TKE has four regional offices, 21 branches and 84 service centers across India. | | 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 | | | | VM ELEVATORS EXTENDS LONDON STADIUM ASSOCIATE PARTNERSHIP
Leading London, U.K.-based lift and escalator services provider, VM Elevators has announced that, following the extension of its associate partnership with the iconic London Stadium, it has been awarded the venue's lift and escalator maintenance contract on a multi-year deal. VM Elevators uses this associate partnership status to reach fans during each stage of the matchday journey, through various high-impact digital displays and fan engagement platforms installed throughout the Premier League venue. Read more here
LIBERTY ELEVATOR WELCOMES NYC AND LONG ISLAND BRANCH MANAGER
Liberty Elevator Corp. announced it recently welcomed Enzo Perri as branch manager for NYC and Long Island, NY. Perri "brings a wealth of experience, a sharp operational mindset and a deep respect for the elevator industry," Liberty Marketing Chief Dru Brooks said. "His leadership style and commitment to excellence make him the perfect fit to guide our NYC and Long Island teams into their next chapter." Read more here | | Revolution, Not Evolution: Canton Elevator's New Revolution Submersible Power Units Stop evolving. Start revolutionizing. Canton Elevator's new Revolution submersible power units (1940 & 3148) provide the reliability, performance, and simplicity you demand. Engineered for space savings, cost-effective modernizations and new installs, Revolution redefines the standard. Upgrade your systems and discover the future of elevator power. https://acim.nidec.com/elevators/Canton-Elevator-and-Architectural-Products/Products/Power-Units Advertisement | | | MEBS TO LAUNCH KEGMIL CLOUD-BASED PLATFORM IN SINGAPORE
Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corp. (MEBS) plans to launch the KEGMIL cloud-based platform to streamline elevator and escalators (E&E) field-service maintenance in Singapore in October. Developed by Singapore-based startup FTV LABS PTE. LTD., KEGMIL will eventually be deployed across Southeast Asia and later to other markets. The platform supports the KEGMIL app that will enable MEBS to improve efficiency by allowing everything from work instructions to progress confirmation to worker dispatch to be completed through the app. Read more here | | VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL LIFT EXPO AGAIN SEES SUCCESS
The 2025 Vietnam International Lift Expo opened in Ho Chi Minh City on September 24, attracting nearly 100 local and international companies from around the globe, Voice of Vietnam reports. This year's expo focused on presenting the latest elevator technologies, strengthening business ties between local and international firms and advancing sustainable urban development through green and digital innovations. A standout feature of the event was a conference aimed at boosting collaboration between Vietnamese and Chinese elevator industry stakeholders. This provided an opportunity for experts and companies to share insights, explore solutions and work to jointly shape the future of the regional elevator market. According to organizers, the exhibition aims to foster technological exchange, promote trade cooperation and support the development of a smart, safe and sustainable elevator industry. The first edition was held in 2019. | | | ONYX is your trusted partner for escalator handrail solutions, with local manufacturing in Las Vegas and a complete inventory ready for same-day pick-up . Our 24/7 online portal offers instant quotes, order tracking, and real-time updates—anytime, anywhere. Designed for speed, reliability, and fast, nationwide field service , ONYX keeps your escalators moving. For more information, please email us at sales@onyxloops.com or visit www.onyxloops.com. Ready when you are. Advertisement | | | OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH A FOCUS FOR FUJITEC HONG KONG
Fujitec Hong Kong, Fujitec's first overseas company that is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is preparing for Japan's National Occupational Safety and Health Week in October by reinforcing worker safety and health measures and initiatives it has prioritized for years. Work safety measures include supplying employees with sweat-absorbent uniforms and portable fans and ear protection that corresponds with international standards; and conducting special training programs implementing virtual reality covering the proper use and importance of safety harnesses. Read more here | | | The Embedded Modernization Escalator (EME) incorporates a modular structure into existing trusses, standardizing escalator upgrades. Proven globally and customer-approved, EME is both an innovative product and a leading modernization solution. Explore the future at www.hansonlift.com. Advertisement | | | HYUNDAI ELEVATOR SELLS BUILDING AND AFFILIATES SHARES
Hyundai Elevator has announced the sale of its office building in Yeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, for KRW 450 billion (US$321.4 million), THE CHOSUN Daily reports. Hyundai Elevator sold the property to Bolt Asset Management. Major affiliates will remain in the building through a sale and leaseback arrangement after the sale. The Yeonji-dong office was acquired by Hyundai Group in 2008 and has served as a key hub since 2010. Hyundai Elevator previously sold the building to Koramco Asset Management in 2012 to secure liquidity during a financial crisis but repurchased it in 2017. Read more here | | | WEG LAUNCHES EXPANDED ADL500 SERIES
WEG has announced the launch of its expanded ADL500 lift drive series. Designed for lift manufacturers, system integrators and maintenance professionals, the ADL500 series provides a comprehensive solution for both new installations and modernization projects. With power ratings ranging from 1.1 kW to 45 kW and support for all supply voltages and communication protocols used in the lift industry, the series offers maximum flexibility. Advanced features such as precise floor positioning, smooth ride quality, effortless commissioning and integrated safety functions ensure reliable operation in residential, commercial and public buildings. To ensure optimal performance in every application, the ADL500 series is available in three dedicated models: ADL510 for low-rise, ADL530 for mid-rise and ADL550 for high-rise buildings. ADL500 not only meets the latest EN 81-20/50 requirements but also anticipates the upcoming ISO 8100 standard. The full ADL500 portfolio, alongside WEG's extensive selection of accessories, software and controls, will be presented at interlift 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany. | | | 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 | | | SMEC PRESIDENT VISITS UZBEKISTAN ELEVATOR PLANT
Wang Zhongpei, president of Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator Co., Ltd. (SMEC), visited the elevator plant located at the TEXNOPARK industrial zone in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to get a first-hand look at the operations of the largest vertical-transportation manufacturer in Central Asia, UZ Daily reports. The plant has an annual production capacity of 4,000 units. Read more here
ELEVATOR OEO CODE BORNE OF TRAGEDY OF 9/11
One of the most haunting lessons of 9/11 was how slowly stairs moved people down and out of World Trade Center's twin towers in NYC, with elevators at the time "locked out by decades of safety codes and public messaging" stressing that no one should ever use an elevator in a fire, Propmodo reports. Many believed that, had elevators been an option, more lives could have been saved. The tragedy forced a "reckoning" in the building industry, with the long process of creating a new framework — namely Occupant Evacuation Operation (OEO) codes — undertaken by regulators, fire safety officials and elevator companies. Read more here | | | FDNY RESCUES FIVE STUCK IN ELEVATOR DURING POWER OUTAGE
New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighters rescued five Metro North Railroad employees who got stuck in an elevator that was in mid-lift when the power suddenly went out at Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan on September 25 at approximately 8:30 p.m., outlets including the New York Post report. A drop in voltage to the feeder network resulted in lights going out throughout the upper and lower portions of the iconic terminal. Read more 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, rope and belt gearless, and safety devices for elevators – Made in Italy solutions, CSA certified for North America Contact us at info@montanarina.com or visit www.montanarina.com. Advertisement | | | | WEISS JOINS PATRIOT ELEVATOR SERVICES AS SENIOR CONSULTANT
Michael Weiss, a vertical-transportation industry veteran with more than 30 years' experience, recently joined Patriot Elevator Services as a senior consultant. Weiss has a proven track record in sales, operations, client advocacy and business development. He founded World Elevator Co. and grew it to US$8 million in annual revenue; served as vice president of sales at Flynn Hill Elevator Co., overseeing more than 900 accounts; and led both sales and operations at Bronx, NY-based Start Elevator. Read more here | | | 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 | | | | FAWE STARTS NEW ROLE WITH SCHINDLER IN ST. LOUIS
Jason Fawe recently said goodbye to Country Home Elevator to start a new role as Schindler branch manager in St. Louis, Missouri. Fawe expressed his "deepest gratitude to the amazing team and mentors at Country Home who have been part of my growth along the way," while thanking Schindler Vice President Midwest Blake Jolivette for the new opportunity. Read more here | | | Inpro elevator interiors make installation faster, easier, and more precise. Designed for efficiency, we eliminate guesswork and ensure a secure fit every time, saving contractors time and money without compromising quality. Build smarter with innovation that works as hard as you do. Advertisement | | | | WOMAN SUFFERS CRITICAL INJURIES IN D.C. ELEVATOR INCIDENT
A woman who uses a wheelchair and has a service dog suffered critical injuries as a result of her arm becoming trapped in a freight elevator door at her nine-story apartment building in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C., on September 26, outlets including The Washington Times report. Read more here | | | Tough. Bright. Choices. Innovation's extra-tough Bruiser Halo Series push buttons offer a bright, vivid splash of illuminated halo colors with an infinite range of cut-through characters. Flush or projecting in stainless steel, muntz, or copper, each push button is built on our durable and proven positive stop design for the most demanding applications. innovationind.com 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 Kathleen Farrell. 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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