ELEVATOR WORLD's February 2026 Issue  On the Cover: "Glass Shaft & Piston;" A Liberty Elevator glass elevator shaft with hydraulic shaft and LED lighting located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, installed by Liberty Elevator; submitted by Dru Brooks, Liberty Elevator, Paterson, New Jersey
Features: Rise and Rise; A Walk in the Garden; GEE 2025...
Focus on Maintenance and Inspection: A Quiet Revolution; Why Elevator Safety Standards Need a Complete Overhaul... Columns: ISEE Africa; Space Coast Energy; Elevante Homelift...
Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW TO FOCUS ON FIXTURES
ELEVATOR WORLD's April 2026 issue will focus on Fixtures (Cab and hallway lighting,
buttons, handrails, car panels, phone and more) with Bonus Distribution at the ECNY Supplier Showcase. The article submission deadline is February 16, and the advertising deadline is March 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. | | 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 | | | | EESF EVENT NEARING CAPACITY; REGISTER AND BOOK TODAY
The golf outing is nearly sold out, and the hotel block is filling quickly for the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF) annual general meeting (AGM) and 35th Anniversary Gala planned for March 10-12 at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama. Those planning to attend who have not yet registered or booked rooms are advised to do so as soon as possible, since the room block will close on February 15. Once the block closes, room rates are expected to double, and availability will be limited. The agenda includes an opening reception and vendor fair on the evening of March 10; golf, a cocktail reception and anniversary gala on March 11; and the AGM on March 12. Everyone is welcome to attend the AGM, and those who are not golfing can still be part of the celebration through purchasing a gala ticket for access to the expo and the AGM. A few golf sponsorships are still available for those looking to increase visibility and support the Foundation. | | 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 | | | ESI APPOINTS CONNOR AS SVP OF MARKETING & SALES
Elevator Service Inc. (ESI), Inc., a leading independent elevator service provider operating across 13 states in the Midwest and Southeast, announced the appointment of Sarah Connor as senior vice president (SVP) of Marketing & Sales. Connor brings more than 17 years of building-industry experience, including 13 years in the elevator industry, with a track record spanning key account management, product line management, go-to-market strategy, customer-centric initiatives and commercial enablement. Read more here
ATTA ELEVATORS EXPANDS INTO OKLAHOMA CITY
ATTA Elevators, a rapidly growing elevator service provider with operations across North America, on January 29 announced the opening of its 11th U.S. location in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The new operation is being led by General Manager Mike Barnes, who has more than 25 years' experience in hands-on field management and operational leadership. Read more here | | | AMERICAN ELEVATOR BOLSTERS PRESENCE IN ARKANSAS
On the heels of announcing Matt Wilson as president of its Arkansas division, American Elevator, part of the Elevator Service, Inc. (ESI) family of companies, on January 27 said it has further bolstered its Arkansas team. Joining Wilson is Lead Elevator Mechanic & Operations Brian Bush, who brings deep industry experience and local market knowledge to the operation. Together, Wilson and Bush will oversee operations, customer relationships and strategic growth throughout the state. Read more here
IAEC ISSUES CALL FOR PAPERS FOR UPCOMING ORLANDO FORUM
The International Association of Elevator Consultants (IAEC) has issued a call for papers for the IAEC Forum 2026 planned for May 5-7 in Orlando, Florida. The Forum Education Committee requests submissions of topics to be presented during seminar sessions. Ideal presentations will be education-centered with minimal sales pitch. Topics may include new products/technology, safety code and any other subject that would be of interest to vertical-transportation consultants. Read more here | | Full Package Hydraulic Elevators. Done Right! Nidec Elevator delivers complete hydraulic elevator packages engineered for reliability, efficiency, and real-world installation. Trusted since 1946, we provide Fully integrated hydraulic elevator packages using state of the art designs and industry leading components. Let Nidec Elevator design, draw, build and ship your next passenger, service, or freight elevator package. From design to delivery, we have the resources required to keep your project on schedule. Make Nidec Elevator Your Hydraulic Elevator Package Supplier. Build with confidence. Build with Nidec. www.nidecelevatorgroup.com Advertisement | | | | STANNAH REAPPOINTED TO CHIC LIFTS & MOBILITY AIDS FRAMEWORK
Stannah, a leader in the U.K. lift sector, has announced its successful reappointment to CHIC's (Communities & Housing Investment Consortium) Lifts & Mobility Aids Framework for a second consecutive term. Running until 2029, CHIC's framework provides installation, maintenance and repair services for lifts, stairlifts and hoists to member housing associations, local authorities and public sector bodies nationwide. Acting as a centralized procurement tool, it ensures improved access to specialized works and continuity for members. Read more here
TEI GROUP WELCOMES DIAZ AS SOUTH FLORIDA OFFICE MANAGER
TEI Group, headquartered in NYC with an established and growing presence in the Southeast U.S., in January welcomed Jessica Diaz as office manager for the South Florida office in Miramar. Diaz is spearheading the office's local social media efforts in addition to supporting general office organization. She joins the elevator industry from a 20-year career in the private school sector, where she oversaw operations, supported budget processes and led human resources and marketing initiatives as director of Operations. Read more here
KONE AND AWS EXPAND AI AND DIGITALIZATION COLLABORATION
KONE and Amazon Web Services (AWS) on January 28 announced a seven-year extension of a collaboration agreement to accelerate AI-powered digital innovation and smart building solutions. The expanded collaboration promises to accelerate the Finnish OEM's Rise strategy and advance its position as an industry-leading, digitally enabled solutions provider. The aim is to deliver advanced safety, efficiency and user experiences in buildings and communities worldwide. Read more here | | IN MEMORIAM: EARL VINCENT BAKER
Earl Vincent Baker, who had a distinguished 46-year career in the elevator industry in Omaha, Nebraska, passed away in December 2025 at age 74. A proud son of South Omaha, Baker played football at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) before he joined the industry, rising from a skilled mechanic to business manager of Local 28 of the International Union of Elevator Constructors. In that role, he championed worker safety and played a pivotal role in the passage of Nebraska's Conveyance Safety Act (LB 489). Later, as area coordinator for the National Elevator Industry Educational Program, he advanced apprenticeship standards and secured college credit recognition for elevator coursework at UNO. A respected leader, Baker served on many local and national committees, including the ASME A17 Standards committee, and was inducted into the Nebraska State AFL-CIO Labor Leaders Hall of Fame in 2013. A man of few words who was devoted to his family, community and labor, Baker leaves survivors who include his wife, Diane; children, Matt and Lisa; and two granddaughters. | | 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 | | | U.K.'S LIFT PROFESSIONAL LAUNCHES THE TRIPLEX CHALLENGE
Lift Professional in the U.K. has announced the launch of the Triplex Challenge, a new annual team-based endurance event created to celebrate the people who keep the lift industry moving. Taking place May 21 in the Lake District in the North West of England, the Triplex Challenge will bring together lift professionals from across the U.K. to take on three consecutive challenges designed to test endurance, teamwork and communication. Read more here
TKE TO SHOWCASE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AND MORE AT MIPIM 2026
TK Elevator (TKE) invites those attending the MIPIM 2026 international real estate exhibition planned for March 10-13 in Cannes, France, to see and experience "a portfolio that increasingly connects mobility systems with the digital fabric of buildings." Highlights include expansion of the EOX eco-efficient and digitally native elevator platform; the multi-brand service offering Universal Service; and the digital ecosystem that includes MAX, which enables remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance. Read more here | | 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 | | | | SAFELINE APPOINTS GARCIA TO GROUP MANAGEMENT TEAM
SafeLine Group has appointed Stuart Garcia, CEO of SafeLine Group UK, to its Group Management Team. The appointment strengthens the Group's leadership capacity as SafeLine expands internationally and develops its offerings in lift safety and emergency communication. Garcia joined SafeLine in 2018 to establish the company's U.K. operation. Since then, he has led business development, building local capability across commercial, operational and customer-facing functions. In this new role, Garcia will contribute to Group-level priorities including international growth, customer experience and operational development across markets. With a background spanning the U.K., Ireland and Australia, he has held roles across engineering, operations and senior management. His career progression from apprenticeship to executive leadership has given him a broad perspective on the lift industry and the requirements of delivering reliable safety and communication solutions at scale. | | HILTI ELEVATOR SEGMENT With 20 years of elevator industry experience and presence in 120+ countries, we're here to help you improve safety, productivity and sustainability throughout every phase from design to installation and from maintenance to modernization. See our Efficient Way Up -video and visit www.hilti.group for local contact details. Advertisement | | | FERMATOR SIGNS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT IN IRAQ
Fermator, a leading manufacturer of automatic lift doors headquartered in Spain, recently announced it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Dar Al-Dhaman Engineering Co. for Elevator and Escalator Services and Trading, headquartered in Baghdad, Iraq. Al-Dhaman brings more than 20 years' experience in the Iraqi market and specializes in the supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of elevators and escalators. Read more here
GERMANY'S ZIEHL-ABEGG REALIZES REVENUE AND TECHNOLOGY MILESTONES
Ziehl-Abegg, a leading global provider of technology including electric elevator motors, recently announced major revenue and technology milestones for 2025: exceeding EUR1 billion (US$1.9 billion) in revenue for the first time in the company's 116-year history and becoming the first company worldwide to develop an electric synchronous elevator machine without magnets made from rare earths. CEO Joachim Ley observed achieving record revenue came under tremendous pressure from exchange rates, tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties, "representing the performance, commitment and cohesion of our teams around the world." Read more here | | OTIS INDIA PRESIDENT: INDIA'S VT INDUSTRY TO BENEFIT FROM NEW BUDGET
On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented India's Union Budget for 2026-27, which she described as a Yuva Shakti (youth power)-driven plan that emphasizes strengthening domestic manufacturing, scaling high-growth services and reinforcing infrastructure as key drivers of economic growth. Infrastructure development, especially in India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, along with real estate, promise to boost the vertical-transportation (VT) industry, Otis India President Sebi Joseph said. He observed the growth-oriented budget delivers a "powerful push to infrastructure, manufacturing and technology, boosting job creation." He commended the development of city economic regions; establishment of seven high-speed rail corridors; new schemes for construction and infrastructure equipment manufacturing; proposed infrastructural risk guarantee fund; and massive outlay for semiconductor, rare earth and electronics industries transformation. "At Otis, we welcome the budget's forward-looking vision and remain committed to supporting India's infrastructure ambitions," Joseph said. | | The SEES Smooth Operator, a Product of the Year award winner, delivers simplified setup and reliable performance with an intuitive on-board LCD display, LED indicators, and universal input voltage. Designed to enhance efficiency and simplify upgrades, it allows for real-time parameter adjustments and diagnostics while reducing setup time in the field. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pkhASCDyng Advertisement | | | THE U.K.'S LEIA APPOINTS TWO TO MANAGEMENT BOARD
The U.K.'s Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) has announced the appointment of two new members to its management board: Richard Jones, managing director at Fujitec UK Ltd., and Dean White, director - Operating Area Lead – London, at Otis UK. White has previously served on the LEIA board while in a previous role. LEIA member companies are represented on the LEIA Council, which appoints the management board annually. Read more here
MORE ONLINE SERVICES FOR TSSA CUSTOMERS STARTING IN MARCH
Customers of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) in Ontario, Canada, will be able to access more online services through the TSSA client portal starting on March 16. Those who do not yet use the portal should follow these instructions if they would like to sign up. New services available will include engineering submissions and certification/exam services. Read more here | | Rugged. Reliable. Easy to Install. Innovation offers an extensive line of surface mount hall fixtures in every shape and size you can imagine. Available in four horizontal or vertical Innovation signature design styles, our robust hall stations, position indicators, and lanterns allow you to choose the right look and function for any application. www.innovationind.com Advertisement | | | KONE MAKES CDP'S "A" LIST FOR SUSTAINABILITY
KONE announced on February 3 it secured a place on CDP's "A" list, recognizing the Finnish OEM for its leadership in corporate transparency, climate change performance and sustainability. Out of more than 22,000 companies assessed, KONE is among a small group to earn the "A" rating, and has now achieved a score of "A" or "A-" for the 13th consecutive year. KONE observed it is "the first to set ambitious, science-based climate targets for 2030," which it is on track to achieve. More than 99% of KONE's Scope 3 emissions come from the product and value chain, and the company works with its suppliers, customers and partners to minimize those emissions. KONE Senior Vice President for Sustainability & Environment Kirsi Simola-Laaksonen said the share of regenerative drives in KONE's elevators increased significantly in 2025, improving energy efficiency and reducing both KONE's and its customers' carbon emissions. | | 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 | | | HOLLISTER-WHITNEY PARTNERS WITH SENIOR CENTER FOR PROJECT
Hollister-Whitney Elevator Corp. announced a partnership with Quincy Senior & Family Resource Center in Quincy, Illinois, to help construct a new elevator for the facility that sees thousands of people, WGEM is among outlets to report. The elevator will help staff navigate the center and assist residents with disabilities who live on the top three floors. Read more here
BARCELONA REPLACING 37 PUBLIC VT UNITS
Jaume Collboni, mayor of Barcelona, Spain, announced on January 28 the city will replace 37 public vertical-transportation (VT) units — 24 escalators and 13 lifts — to enhance accessibility in 28 neighborhoods, part of a EUR200-million (US$239.3-million) plan that represents the city's biggest annual expenditure in public space improvement. VT equipment will be replaced in the mountain neighborhoods of Sarrià -Sant Gervasi, Horta-Guinardó and Nou Barris. Read more here
| | 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 | | | 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 2026 © Elevator World, Inc., 354 Morgan Avenue, Mobile, AL 36606, phone: 251-479-4514, www.elevatorworld.com. | | | | |
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