| ELEVATOR WORLD's December 2025 Issue
 On the Cover: "Dupont Circle Escalators;" photo submitted by WMATA Elevator/Escalator Department.
Features: Everything Everywhere All at Once; 2025 Ellie Award Winners...
Focus on Escalators and Moving Walks: Escalator Handrails; Advancing Safety for Escalators
and Moving Walks... Columns: Targeted Elevator Maintenance Leveraging loT... Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW TO FOCUS ON MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
ELEVATOR WORLD's February 2026 issue will focus on Maintenance and Inspection and feature Continuing Education. The article submission deadline is December 19, and the advertising deadline is January 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.
EW OFFICES TO CLOSE FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY
Both the U.S. and Türkiye offices of ELEVATOR WORLD will be closed in observance of New Year's Day on Thursday, January 1. They will reopen for regular business hours on Friday, January 2. Happy New Year! Here's to a productive, peaceful and prosperous 2026! | | 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 | | | | KONE WINS SEVERAL DESIGN AWARDS FOR DIGITAL INNOVATIONS
Finland-headquartered KONE received two Red Dot Awards — for the KONE Office Flow design system and The Beat of KONE — and an ICONIC Award for its Entrance solutions. Office Flow is a modular, connected People Flow® solution that delivers smooth, personalized access and an enhanced user experience in the workplace, and The Beat of KONE is a real-time service dashboard providing data-driven insights into equipment performance, uptime and sustainability. Read more here
METRO ELEVATOR NAMES GAMMON RD DIRECTOR OF MODERNIZATION
Metro Elevator recently named Joshua Gammon as director of modernization for the Raleigh-Durham (RD) division, serving customers across the RD and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, metropolitan areas including the Research Triangle and the Piedmont Triad metropolitan area. With 22 years' vertical-transportation industry experience, Gammon brings a deep, hands-on understanding of elevator projects — from field operations to leadership, Metro Elevator observed. 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 | | | MESA ELECTS NEW OFFICERS FOR 2026
During their December 16 meeting at the Hilton in Dedham, Massachusetts, members of the Massachusetts Elevator Safety Association (MESA) elected new officers for 2026. They are: President Matthew Jackson of DEM Elevating Equipment, Vice President Carlos Escobar of Hyperion Solutions, Secretary Scott Palmer of TK Elevator and Treasurer Sue Barreda of Atlantic Elevator Co. The 2026 Board of Directors are Michael Policar of Lift Solutions/ALP, Chris Grant of 3 Phase, David Gaudet of Boston University, James Joyce of Vantage Solutions and Robert Schoen of International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 4. During the meeting, which brought together 35 members for dinner, drinks and door prizes, outgoing MESA President Corinne Nawrocki highlighted the association's accomplishments including offering seven educational meetings, hosting sold-out golf and boat ride events and organizing the second annual food drive. — reported by EW Correspondent Matthew Jackson
ELA GENERAL ASSEMBLY & CONFERENCE PLANNED IN ROTTERDAM
The European Lift Association (ELA) plans to host the ELA General Assembly & Conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on May 27-28. The voice of the lift, escalator and moving walk industry in Europe, including components manufacturers, ELA supports and represents the interests of its members and promotes quality, safety and high technical standards. Read more here | | | STANNAH SHORTLISTED FOR FM INDUSTRY AWARD
Andover, U.K.-based Stannah Lifts' Lift Modernization and Refurbishment services has been named as a finalist for the Tomorrow's FM (TFM) Awards 2026, Andover Radio reports. The TFM Awards recognize innovation and excellence within the facilities management (FM) industry, celebrating products and services that are helping organizations adapt to changing technologies and operational demands. Stannah Lifts was selected as an editor's pick, following assessment by TFM's editorial team alongside reader nominations. Read more here
GELESTINO: MODERNIZATION, SAFETY, CODE AMONG 2026 NYC BUSINESS DRIVERS
The biggest opportunities for the NYC vertical-transportation (VT) industry in 2026 will come from a continued push toward modernization, stricter safety requirements and code compliance, Don Gelestino, founder of Champion Elevator, told the New York Real Estate Journal (NYREJ) in late 2025. "Building owners are moving away from patchwork repairs and investing in full modernizations to improve performance, reduce downtime and meet new compliance standards," he told the source. 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 | | | | CHINA'S TAOPING ANNOUNCES NEW HQ AND ELEVATOR CONTRACTS
Taoping Inc., a China-based provider of cloud platform services and solutions, on December 29 announced two major milestones: a new corporate headquarters (HQ) and US$2-million in smart elevator renewal contracts. The company has relocated its HQ from Shenzhen to Tianjin, a move that enhances its resources and brings it closer to key partners and customers. Taoping will continue to maintain a strong presence in Shenzhen, which will serve as an innovation hub and its southern China base of operations. The newly secured elevator renewal contracts, awarded to Taoping subsidiary Skyladder (Tianjin) Technology Development Co., Ltd., are expected to be fully realized in the first quarter of 2026, providing a near-term revenue boost as China's elevator modernization market presents a clear and expanding opportunity.
ELEVATOR COMPANIES REPRESENTED AT FLORIDA COOPERATOR EXPO
Elevator companies had strong representation among the 275 exhibitors at The Cooperator Expo South Florida on December 11 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Among them were Elevator Systems, Inc. (ESI), which is based in Garden City, NY, and has a satellite office in Sunrise, Florida. ESI described the event as an "incredible opportunity to connect with community leaders, property managers and vendors who keep Florida's homeowner associations and apartment communities running smoothly." Read more here | | ESCALATORS BY TKE INDIA INSTALLED AT GUWAHATI AIRPORT
In a LinkedIn post titled "Proud moment for Indian infrastructure and TK Elevator (TKE) India," Mayank Desai, vice president - Sales and Marketing, TKE India Pvt. Ltd., shared, "Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi using TKE escalators at Guwahati Airport in Assam, India, underscores the importance of strong leadership in building safe, reliable and world-class mobility infrastructure. Progress in infrastructure today is driven not just by scale, but by vision, quality, sustainability and passenger experience. Airports like Guwahati are evolving into modern gateways that reflect India's engineering excellence and leadership commitment to global standards. A significant step forward in shaping future-ready mobility and strengthening regional connectivity."
OTIS PROVIDES 79 VT UNITS FOR REM IN MONTREAL
Otis announced on December 22 it provided a vertical-transportation (VT) system consisting of 22 escalators and 57 custom elevators, including Gen2® elevators, to the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) light metro transit system in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Designed to meet the extreme and varied demands of public spaces such as airports, metros and busy transit hubs, the space-saving, energy-efficient Gen2 elevators throughout REM feature glass cabs framed in precision-engineered steel. 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: TAYLOR SANFORD
Taylor Sanford, vice president of Metro Elevator Utah, passed away on December 24 after a courageous battle with cancer. With nearly 30 years in the elevator industry, Sanford left a lasting mark — not only through his work but through the people he inspired. He was known for his creativity, tireless work ethic and ability to make everyone around him smile. Prior to joining the Metro Elevator team, Sanford had a long career with companies including Schindler and TK Elevator, overseeing projects, operations and new installations. More than his professional accomplishments, Sanford will be remembered for the way he showed up for others. He was a leader, a teammate, a mentor and a friend, and his loss will be deeply felt across Metro Elevator and throughout the industry. To honor Sanford's legacy, Metro Elevator has established a scholarship in his name to support students pursuing technical or trade school education. Our thoughts are with Sanford's family, loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him as they navigate this unimaginable loss. — submitted by Metro Elevator | | Join us at New York's biggest Festival of Construction on March 18-19 at the Javits Center. New York Build features 45,000+ attendees, 550+ speakers, 550+ exhibitors, networking parties, live music, entertainment and more. Register your free ticket now! https://www.newyorkbuildexpo.com Advertisement | | | | MID-AMERICAN ELEVATOR PART OF LIRR STATION UPGRADE IN NY
Mid-American Elevator was part of a team led by Citnalta/Scalamandre, J.V., that recently completed Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant upgrades at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) Valley Stream Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station in Valley Stream, NY. The project included more than US$12 million in federal funding for work like replacing an elevator and an escalator and installing a new elevator machine room and electrical room. Read more here
INDIA'S JOHNSON LIFTS SECURES KEY CONTRACTS, INSTALLS LIFTS
In a LinkedIn post, India's Johnson Lifts & Escalators, shared, "We are proud to secure a key contract in the Patna Metro project, marking a major milestone for Johnson Lifts. Our advanced escalators will enhance commuter flow and improve station efficiency, reinforcing our role in India's urban mobility landscape." In another post, the company conveyed that "Johnson Lifts & Escalators has successfully installed five lifts (11 stops) at Neotia Bhagirathi Woman and Child Care Centre, Newtown, Kolkata — designed to meet the highest standards of healthcare safety and comfort." With more than 60 years of experience as a leading elevator and escalator company in India, 80-plus branches all over India and 10 overseas operations, Johnson Lifts provides lift products from small home lifts to large lifts for commercial buildings and public utilities. | | 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 | | | SCHINDLER INSTALLS THREE ESCALATORS FOR PRAGUE METRO
Schindler recently installed three 9700 heavy-duty escalators serving the Jiřího z Poděbrad station of the Prague Metro in the Czech capital. Technicians transported 14 parts — equivalent to more than 50 mT per unit — down to the station to assemble the escalators with "laser precision on-site," according to Schindler. Read more here
SEOUL OVERCOMES CHALLENGES TO ACHIEVE ACCESSIBILITY MILESTONE
The Seoul Metropolitan Government in South Korea overcame multiple challenges to achieve "one route per station" for its subway system — meaning all stations have an elevator that carries people from the ground level entrance to the platform, Chosun Biz is among outlets to report. Elevators were installed at 338 stations, with the city holding a special ceremony on December 29 at Kkachisan Station to mark the milestone. Seoul has focused on expanding elevator access in subway stations since the 2006 revision of the Act on Promotion of the Transportation Convenience of Mobility-Disadvantaged Persons. Among difficulties faced during construction were encroachment on private land, limited space above ground and the discovery of extremely hard bedrock. To alleviate this, the city and transit officials conceived a special construction method that includes using an adjacent elevator to remove soil and hard bedrock without closing the entrance. | | ESCALATORS AND MORE SET FOR OVERHAUL AT MRT-3 IN MANILA
Stations along Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) in Manila, Philippines, will be rehabilitated in 2026, "especially the escalators," according to MRT-3 officials, GMA News reports. Fares will remain the same until upgrades occur. Escalators will be fully changed at two stations — Taft Avenue and Ayala — and additional light rail vehicles (LRVs), such as the second-generational LRV Dalian trains, will be deployed. Read more here
NINE G-TECH ELEVATORS FOR NEW HOTEL IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN
G-Tech Elevators tells ELEVATOR WORLD it is providing nine elevators for the 54-story RIU Hotel rising at 1710 Broadway in Midtown Manhattan, NY. Eight of the overhead traction units have capacity ranging from 2500 lb to 3000 lb and make from 28 to 58 stops, and one of the units has 2500-lb capacity and makes three stops traveling at 200 ft/min. The elevator making three stops has a BTS Elevator Packages package with GAL door equipment, Feinai roller guides, Motion Control Engineering (MCE) controllers, Hollister-Whitney governors and safeties and an Imperial machine. The remaining units are also BTS systems with GAL door equipment, Wittur roller guides, MCE controllers, Wittur governors and safeties and Imperial machines. United Vertical Group is the cab interior sub-contractor. Designed by Moss Architects and developed by RIU Hotels & Resorts, the tower is slated for completion in 2027, New York YIMBY reported. | | THE 2026 EW MEDIA KIT IS HERE! Download the ELEVATOR WORLD Media Kit to see EW's upcoming feature stories, focus topics, special sections and editorial and advertising submission deadlines here. Join us as we continue to celebrate and support the industry in 2026! Advertisement | | | ESCALATORS COMING TO BUSY FLYOVERS IN CHENNAI, INDIA
India's Tamil Nadu Highways Department announced plans to install new escalators at foot overbridges at the busy Chromepet and Tharamani flyovers in Chennai, Live Chennai reports. The ₹7.5-crore (US$834,564) project will see five pairs of escalators installed, benefitting commuters including senior citizens, children and disabled individuals. The old escalators, which had been out of service for months, will be removed. Read more here
NSCC INTERNATIONAL NAMED CONTRACTOR FOR ABU DHABI DEVELOPMENT
MERED has tapped NSCC International as the main contractor for Riveria Residences, a waterfront luxury residential development designed by Herzog & de Meuron on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., Construction Week reports. With more than 400 apartments and 12 exclusive villas, the project features cascading towers up to approximately 158 m tall atop a 25-m-high podium. NSCC, a multi-disciplinary engineering firm, will handle all piling and shoring activities. Riviera Residences is located within the Abu Dhabi Global Market and close to international schools, offices, advanced healthcare facilities and recreational amenities. It will "blend contemporary architecture with Abu Dhabi's rich pearl-diving heritage, evident in its mother-of-pearl façades that capture the essence of natural light," the source observed. | | 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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