| 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 17, 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. | | 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 | | | VANTAGE ACQUIRES BSIS — A CHRIS PEELLE COMPANY
Bronx, NY-headquartered Vantage Elevator Solutions announced on October 13 it completed the acquisition of Building Supply & Installation Services (BSIS), a Chris Peelle company, with locations in Manhattan and Long Island City, NY. BSIS specializes in the installation of passenger and freight elevator door systems, cabs, cab remodeling, platforms and emergency repairs. The acquisition will enable Vantage to integrate BSIS' services into its core offering portfolio, providing customers with an enhanced suite of field support and manufacturing services. Read more here
KONE TO EQUIP 1 KM-PLUS-TALL JEDDAH TOWER WITH SUITE OF HIGH-TECH VT SOLUTIONS
KONE announced on October 8 it won an order to equip Jeddah Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — the world's future tallest building at 1 km-plus — with a suite of high-tech vertical-transportation (VT) solutions. The order includes a total of 67 elevators and escalators, including 29 MiniSpaceTM elevators that travel at up to 10 m/s, seven MiniSpace double-deck elevators and two JumpLiftTM construction elevators. Four of the MiniSpace elevators will be equipped with UltraRope®, KONE's pioneering hoisting technology designed specifically for the demands of supertall buildings. Read more here
EAOF MEETING AND GOLF SET FOR SOUTH FLORIDA IN DECEMBER
The next Elevator Association of Florida (EAOF) meeting and 4th annual golf outing are planned in December at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Cape Canaveral and the Savannahs Golf Course in Merritt Island, Florida, respectively. With proceeds split between EAOF and the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, the golf outing is on December 8 and will be followed by a cracker barrel meeting at the Savannahs clubhouse after the tournament. Sponsors include Innovation Industries. 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 | | | IN MEMORIAM: THERESA "TERRI" VALENTI
Theresa "Terri" Valenti, a beloved employee of National Elevator Cab and Door (NECD) for the past 16 years, passed away on October 6 as a result of being struck by an illegal e-bike on her way to work at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in NYC. She was 60 years old. NECD CEO Jeff Friedman told Gothamist that company colleagues were "simultaneously mourning and trying to figure out how to do what she did, because it was such a necessity." Friedman described Valenti as a wonderful person. She handled construction project management prior to joining NECD, where she was production control manager and field operations coordinator. Valenti had stepped off a Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus at a bus stop next to a busy bike lane on Flushing Avenue when the incident occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m. A 41-year-old man was driving the e-bike — a model capable of reaching approximately 30 mph — with a 39-year-old female passenger on the back when the collision occurred. Valenti passed away at a hospital later that morning. E-bikes capable of traveling 30 mph must have a license plate and be registered with the state Department of Motor Vehicles, which wasn't the case for the bike that struck Valenti. Survivors include daughter, Jessica; siblings Nicholas and Natale; ex-husband Peter; and many other relatives, friends and colleagues. "She was a dear friend and angel to many," her obituary said. | | | METRO ELEVATOR EXPANDS WISCONSIN PRESENCE WITH GREEN BAY DIVISION
On the heels of opening a new office in Milwaukee, Metro Elevator strengthened its Wisconsin presence in October by opening a Green Bay division. Leading the Green Bay office is Vice President of Operations Cameron Kape and Director of Sales Vern Hixon. Kape joins the company from Otis. Hixon has a deep background in building customers relationships and driving strategic growth, and also joined Metro Elevator from Otis. Read more here
33RD ANNUAL ED BONARDI MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING CELEBRATES A LEGEND
Organized by Greg DeCola Jr. of VDA, the 33rd Annual Ed Bonardi Memorial Golf Outing at the Blue Hill Golf Club in Pearl River, NY, with Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge #2176 on October 2 was a "very special tribute to the late Edward L. Bonardi," according to TEI Group. TEI employees were among the more than 150 who gathered to celebrate the life of a great man and the legacy he built in the elevator industry and beyond. Bonardi was a U.S. Army veteran, founder and owner of Archer Elevator Co. and a longtime member and vice president of Sons of Italy Lodge #2176. 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 | | | | KONE PROVIDES FOUR ELEVATORS FOR NEW BROOKLYN RESIDENTIAL TOWER
KONE tells ELEVATOR WORLD it provided four MonoSpace® 500 passenger elevators making 10 stops for 1601 DeKalb Avenue, a new nine-story, two-building residential tower in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY, ahead of anticipated completion in January 2026. Enclosed in a gray brick façade on its eastern and western faces, the tower's building on DeKalb boasts a stepped massing that mirrors that of the opposite, western building. Read more here
CTBUH ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE TO COUNCIL ON VERTICAL URBANISM
After more than half a century as the world's preeminent authority on tall buildings, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) announced its transformation into the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU). Founded in 1969 in Chicago, CTBUH became the global authority on tall buildings, defining the world's tallest and setting the standard for skyscraper expertise. Read more here | | IN MEMORIAM: EDMOND JOYCE "E.J." MATHIS
Edmond Joyce "E.J." Mathis of Arden, North Carolina, who founded North Carolina's Asheville Elevator Co. in 1957 and was elected president of the National Association of Elevator Contractors in 1988, passed away on October 4 at age 97. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Mathis worked as an Otis elevator mechanic and later founded Asheville Elevator. He was regarded among the elevator industry's best mechanics and troubleshooters and was known for his skill and honesty. His legacy of integrity, expertise and passion for the family business was passed on to Asheville Elevator's second-generation owner, E.J. Mathis' son Kevin Mathis, who has led the company since 1989. Preceded in death by his wife, Joan "Betty" Mathis, Mathis' survivors include children Ed, Charles, Kevin and Tammy; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. | | Revolution product line redefines the standard in Jack Replacements. No Welds, No Worries! Nidec Elevator Jack Replacements saves time and money on your installations. No need for hot work permits or certified welders. All in-house jacks will come standard with our newly designed Weld-less Cylinder couplings. This versatile solution allows you to simply screw together or weld in the field. Pressure test plates will be provided for on-site validation before setting the jack. Simplify your next jack replacement, Safer, Faster, and built to last. www.nidecelevatorgroup.com Advertisement | | | TKE FIRST TO IMPLEMENT LARGE-SCALE REMOTE AND AUTOMATED OPERATION OF PBBs
TK Elevator (TKE) is the first company worldwide to successfully implement large-scale remote and automated operation of passenger boarding bridges (PBBs). During inter airport Europe 2025 in Munich, Germany, on October 7-9, TKE demonstrated live how MAX Automate controls a real PBB in northern Spain – more than 1,700 km away – in real time. MAX Automate enables centralized control of PBBs, streamlining processes, enhancing safety via advanced sensor and camera technology and promoting sustainability by reducing vehicle movements and emissions on the apron. The result is faster turnaround, fewer delays, lower operating costs and more sustainable airport logistics. The technology also promotes inclusion, allowing people with reduced mobility to operate the remote controls. TKE's comprehensive airport portfolio is complemented by the high-precision docking guidance system Apron Vision (A-VDGS), which ensures maximum safety and efficiency and seamlessly interacts with digital turnaround management systems. | | 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 | | | | METRO ELEVATOR WELCOMES DFW OPERATIONS PROJECT MANAGER
Metro Elevator welcomed Maria Carassco as its new operations project manager for Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Metro Elevator DFW President Brad Hager announced in September. With more than 20 years' elevator industry experience, Carassco has a strong background in safety, project management and operational efficiency. "She is dedicated to ensuring every project meets the highest standards of reliability and quality while fostering teamwork and accountability," Hager said. Read more here
HYPRLIFT AT SMART HIGH-RISES UAE SUMMIT IN DUBAI
Hyprlift, Inc., a Silicon Valley, California-based company that offers the Hyprlift® self-propelled elevator cab, will be at the 3rd Smart High-Rises UAE Summit U.A.E. in Dubai at the JW Marriott Hotel Marina on October 21. Hyprlift CEO James Huthinson will give the keynote presentation titled, "Flying Cars and Ropeless Elevators: Welcome to the Future." The company's next-generation elevator utilizes an onboard dynamic-traction drive that engages with the shaft's guiderails, propelling the cab at high speeds without using ropes. Read more here | | HITACHI TO REDUCE ELEVATOR INSPECTION STAFF BY HALF WITH AI
Tokyo, Japan, conglomerate Hitachi plans to use generative AI software developed by Silicon Valley, California-headquartered Nvidia for elevator maintenance inspections, cutting the number of workers required for the job in half, Nikkei Asia reports. The software will be customized through training using Hitachi Building Systems' product specifications and maintenance manuals. Read more here
NEW YORK BUILD 2026 EXPO PLANNED IN MARCH 2026
The New York Build 2026 Expo is planned at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, on March 18-19, 2026. There were more than 500 exhibitors at this year's New York Build, held on March 12-13, including Champion Elevator, Liberty Elevator Corp., Major Elevator, Schindler and Start Elevator. In 2026, the ninth edition of the largest construction and design show in NYC will again offer hundreds of exhibitors and the opportunity to do business with more than 40,000 general contractors, developers, architects, government entities, engineers and more. On tap will be AIA-accredited workshop sessions, more than 550 speakers across 14 conference tracks, an Architect's Hub with 3D models of upcoming projects, local and global government hubs and more than 20 networking parties with DJs, musicians and celebrity guests. To register for tickets, book a booth or learn more, visit the event website. | | BEST TALL BUILDING WORLDWIDE FOR 2025 NAMED
The Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) — formerly known as the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) — has named ZIN in No(o)rd, located in Brussels, Belgium, the Best Tall Building Worldwide for 2025. The recognition was announced at the organization's annual international conference in Toronto, Canada on October 6-9. The 2025 Award of Excellence program honored more than 100 outstanding projects that exemplify innovation in design, engineering, sustainability and community-building. Read more here
NIGERIAN PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES COMPANY ON 35-YEAR MILESTONE
Nigeria President Bola Tinubu recently congratulated Kresta Laurel Ltd., a leading indigenous elevator and escalator company, on its 35th anniversary, the Premium Times reports. The president commended the company's management and staff for their resilience, enterprise, discipline and sound business practices which, he said, have sustained its growth over the decades. Read more here | | | Stay prepared when the power goes out. The Anti-Personnel Entrapment System from ADAMS automatically lowers the elevator to a designated egress floor, opens doors, and releases passengers within seconds. Designed for Schindler low-rise hydraulic models, this kit provides a reliable safety upgrade with a long-life battery backup, enabling swift emergency response and minimizing service disruptions. Advertisement | | | LEEA LAUNCHES MEMBERSHIP PORTAL
The U.K.'s Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has launched a Membership Application Portal designed to streamline the association's application process. While applications must still meet LEEA's eligibility and standard criteria, this improved system ensures businesses can access technical support, training, audits and a trusted network of lifting professionals faster and more efficiently. Members must go through a technical audit, which is specific to lifting equipment and focuses on standards and paperwork. "We have been working hard to create a new, more efficient process for new members to join the Association," LEEA said. "We believe it is important to make joining the amazing community of LEEA members more accessible for businesses and organizations so we can all continue the work of lifting standards worldwide to create a better and safer industry." LEEA's 1,200 members have access to the latest technical, legal and safety information needed to operate successfully in today's lifting industry. | | | EN Elevator Design: Calculations for Designing to the EN Market. This new book written by Serdar Tavaslioğlu offers 15 chapters covering key aspects of elevator design under the EN code. Blending code references, calculations, case studies, and field insights, the 240-page book addresses topics from safety gears and guide rails to MRL systems. Order today. Advertisement | | | KONE PROVIDES ELEVATORS FOR NEW SENIOR HOUSING IN BROOKLYN
KONE tells ELEVATOR WORLD it provided two MonoSpace® 500 passenger elevators making eight stops for Nehemiah Gateway Site 26A, a new eight story residential building for seniors at 890 Erskin Street in East New York, Brooklyn, NY. New York YIMBY reported in September the affordable housing lottery had launched for the property, which has 64 apartments, an outdoor recreation area, a gym, a library, a community room and a card-operated laundry room. Read more here
PENNSYLVANIA MUSEUM/LIBRARY CELEBRATES REPAIRED ELEVATOR
The Ryerss Museum & Library in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, recently celebrated the grand reopening of its elevator with an event featuring food, drinks, activities and tours, the Northeast Times reports. The elevator broke during a 2019 Christmas event, and funds were recently secured to repair the elevator. The work was done by Fujitec at a cost of US$245,941. 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! Advertisement | | | | WOMAN DIES IN APARTMENT ELEVATOR ACCIDENT IN TÜRKIYE
A woman was killed after her apartment building's elevator plunged from the seventh floor to the basement on September 30 in Tarsus, Türkiye, outlets including People report. She was leaving her apartment to go to work when the elevator began to malfunction. Security camera footage of the incident shows her husband trying to pry open the elevator doors after she called to tell him she was trapped. Read more here | | 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. | | | | |
Comments
Post a Comment