| ELEVATOR WORLD's March 2026 Issue
 On the Cover: Accessing the Obelisk
Features: Al and the Elevator Industry; IEES 2025; Modernization Innovation...
Focus on Maintenance and Inspection: Finding a Better Way With Customers; Peelle Freight Elevator Doors (1927)...
Special Regional Section: South Florida: Positioned for Success; Elevator Cab Interiors in South Florida…
Columns: A Lifetime of Leadership; ISO/TC 178 Plenary Meeting...
| | Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more. | | EW TO FOCUS ON SPECIAL-PURPOSE LIFTS
ELEVATOR WORLD's May 2026 issue will focus on Special-Purpose Lifts. The article submission deadline is March 16, and the advertising deadline is April 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. | | 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 | | | | OTIS APPOINTS LOPEZ AS APAC PRESIDENT
Otis announced on March 2 it has appointed Nicolas Lopez as president of Otis Asia-Pacific (APAC). With a decade at Otis, Lopez most recently served as managing director of Otis Southeast Asia. His tenure with the company included oversight of distributor operations across more than 60 countries and senior business development and compliance across Otis APAC and Latin America. Lopez also spent nearly 10 years with Otis' former parent company. In his latest role, he is responsible for business across Asia (excluding Greater China), tasked with driving growth and transformation by "advancing customer centricity and operational excellence across service, modernization, new equipment, manufacturing and innovation, strengthening the regional portfolio, workforce and customer relationship of Otis." With an MBA from Universidad del CEMA and a Master of Law from Columbia Law School, Lopez succeeds Stéphane de Montlivault, who retired after four decades with Otis. | | 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 | | | TKE DEBUTS DIGITAL-FIRST DYNAMIC HIGH-RISE SOLUTION
TK Elevator (TKE) on March 2 introduced Dynamic High-Rise by TK Elevator, a comprehensive digitally native offering. To be explained in detail by TKE experts during the MIPIM global real estate event in Cannes, France, on March 9-13, the framework combines advanced engineering with connected, AI-supported technologies to enhance uptime, availability, efficiency and overall system resilience. Dynamic High-Rise unifies TKE's extensive range of high-rise solutions, from single-deck elevator systems to the innovative TWIN system, featuring two cars operating independently in the same shaft. Read more here
ARKEL INDIA OPENS ADVANCED LIFT CONTROL MANUFACTURING FACILITY
Aligning with the Government of India's "Make in India" vision, Arkel India recently opened a new manufacturing facility in Phase 1 at the GIDC Estate in Savli-Manjusar in the Vadodara district of Gujarat, India, which ELEVATOR WORLD India attended. The advanced, technology-driven manufacturing capability will focus on locally manufacturing high-quality lift electronic systems, thereby reducing import dependency. With this, Arkel is the only local "Made in India" electronics supplier that is meeting the new IS-17900. The new plant also marks Arkel India's entry into manufacturing advanced lift electronic systems. Read more here | | | OOMA AIRDIAL WINS TWO GOLD MERIT AWARDS
Ooma, Inc., a California-based provider of advanced communications services for businesses and consumers, announced that Ooma AirDial® has earned two Gold Merit Awards in the 2026 Merit Awards for Telecom & Wireless program, receiving top honors in both the Security and Cloud Services categories. The Merit Awards are an independent, global awards program that recognizes innovation and leadership across enterprise technology markets. The program honors organizations and technologies that demonstrate excellence, innovation and measurable market impact. Read more here
OTIS ANNOUNCES FLEXIBLE ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION PACKAGES FOR NA
After introducing its new flexible AriseTM MOD Prime and Arise MOD Plus elevator modernization packages for low- to mid-rise residential and commercial buildings in Europe in late 2025, Otis announced on February 25 these packages are now available for North America (NA). More than one million elevators are in use across the U.S. and Canada, including many that are at least 20 years old, creating potential operational challenges and frustration for building owners and passengers in the event of an unplanned shutdown, Otis observes. 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 | | | | JARDINE SCHINDLER UNVEILS RANGE OF ELEVATOR INTERIORS
As part of the wider Schindler Group, Jardine Schindler has introduced an extensive range of materials, colors and aesthetics aimed at transforming elevator interiors. The rollout marks the largest of its kind for Jardine Schindler, presenting an array of choices for interior designers and architects across East and Southeast Asia. At the heart of this range is the introduction of four distinct décor themes, each meticulously curated to reflect modern and evolving aesthetics to inspire creative design choices. Read more here
BILL ALLOWING SMALLER ELEVATORS RISES AGAIN IN WASHINGTON
A Washington State Senate bill, SB 5156, which would allow smaller elevators in buildings with up to 24 residential units or six stories, has gotten a new lease on life with a 41-7 vote in the state Senate, The Urbanist is among outlets to report. A version greenlit by the Senate Housing Committee in 2025 directed the state Department of Labor & Industries to adjust elevator standards. The latest version, instead, directs the Washington State Building Code Council to address the issue as part of its 2027 code update. Read more here | | SONS OF ITALY ROCKLAND LODGE ANNOUNCES UPCOMING EVENTS
Greg DeCola of VDA, Inc., director of the Rockland Lodge Order of the Sons of Italy in Blauvelt, NY, announced dates for two upcoming annual Sons of Italy events: Steaks, Stogies and Cannolis on June 5 and the Annual Golf Outing on June 18. Typically drawing hundreds of participants, including a large contingent from the New York elevator industry, Steaks, Stogies and Cannolis began in 2021 to raise funds for the charitable work of Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge #2176 and celebrate Italian heritage. Read more here
U.K.'S UPLIFTS TO EXHIBIT AT IDEAL HOME SHOW 2026 IN LONDON
Uplifts, a leading home lift company founded by Sam Stannah of Stannah Lifts, headquartered in Andover, Hampshire, U.K., announced it will participate in the Ideal Home Show 2026 taking place on April 10-19 at Olympia London. Over 10 days, Uplifts will lead a conversation around inclusive, future-ready home design with two stage talks, immersive booth experiences and creative collaborations "that challenge outdated perceptions of accessibility in the home." 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 | | | OTIS VT OVERHAUL FOR FORMER BEAR STEARNS BUILDING IN NYC
Otis tells ELEVATOR WORLD it is performing a major vertical-transportation (VT) overhaul at 383 Madison Avenue in Midtown East, Manhattan, NY — formerly the Bear Stearns building — which is being revamped to serve as offices for JPMorgan Chase's investment arm. The 47-story, 1.2 million-ft2 tower will have 25 elevators modernized, including the addition of the Compass® 360 destination-dispatch system and Otis' EMS PanoramaTM 2.0 real-time VT monitoring software. Read more here
TSSA ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS, EXAM AND CERTIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS TO GO ONLINE
The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association reminds members that Ontario's Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is bringing elevating device (ED) engineering applications, exam and certification improvements online on March 16. On that date, all engineering submissions — including design submissions and alteration applications — must be submitted through the client portal. Except for variances, safety assessments and private-dwelling inquiries, a valid ED or ski lift contractor license is required to submit engineering applications online. Read more here | | | OTIS TO INSTALL 82 ELEVATORS FOR SOUTH KOREA APARTMENT COMPLEX
Otis Elevator Korea has been selected to install 82 Gen3TM machine-room-less (MRLs) elevators for the GS Xi Firsnity apartment complex in Pyeongchon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, Chosun Biz reports. Set to become a local landmark with thousands of units, the complex, spanning 33 stories above ground and three basement levels, is being built by GS Engineering & Construction. The MRLs were selected, in part, due to their not having a machine room and reducing the need for space in the building. Read more here
LIFTS AND ESCALATORS BEING REPAIRED AT U.K. SHOPPING CENTER
Two problematic lifts and one escalator that have frustrated visitors to and residents of the Wharfside Shopping Centre in Penzance, U.K., since summer 2025 are being "fully overhauled," according to a property spokesperson, providing for "another 15 to 20 years of useful lifespan," The Cornishman reports. Situated near the harbor in the town in the far southwest of England, Cornwall County, the shopping center is filled with independent shops and has residential flats above. 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 | | | CAN IN AUTOMATION ISSUES CALL FOR PAPERS FOR ICC
The nonprofit CAN in Automation (CiA) association is organizing the 19th international CAN Conference (iCC), planned on March 3-4, 2027, in Tutzing, Germany, and iCC Committee Chairman and CiA Managing Director Holger Zeltwanger has issued a call for papers. The event location is on Lake Starnberg, a popular Bavarian tourist destination known for its stunning Alpine views. The conference will cover all topics related to the controller area network (CAN), which has been internationally standardized in the ISO 11898 document series. This includes the three CAN protocol generations: CAN CC (classic), CAN FD (flexible data rate) and CAN XL (extended data field length). CANOpen Lift, the CAN communication platform for elevator control systems, is based on CAN CC, the first generation of the CAN protocol. Including a tabletop exhibition, the event will allow experts to exchange knowledge and experiences. Presenters' 30-min sessions will include questions and answers, and the deadline to submit a paper by email is September 15. | | 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 | | | PRO GOLFER RECOVERING AFTER ELEVATOR FALL IN SOUTH AFRICA
Italian pro golfer Andrea Pavan is recovering after sustaining serious injuries from falling three floors down an elevator shaft on February 25 at his "private accommodation" near Stellenbosch Golf Club in Stellenbosch, South Africa, outlets including Golfmagic report. The 35-year-old father of three was on his way to play in the Investec South African Open Championship that concluded on March 1 when he realized he had forgotten something in his room after he had already pressed the elevator call button. Read more here | | 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 | | | OTIS ELEVATORS AMONG ADA UPGRADES AT BROOKLYN SUBWAY STATION
The NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) tells ELEVATOR WORLD Otis provided two new elevators connecting the street level to the platforms at the Sheepshead Bay subway station in Brooklyn, NY, part of an array of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant upgrades unveiled by officials on February 19. As part of the MTA's climate resiliency program, the new elevators and machine room are of flood-resistant design to protect critical infrastructure. Read more here
SAVOVIĆ APPOINTED TO CVU NY CHAPTER BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DeSimone Consulting Engineering, a global company founded in NYC in 1969 that provides vertical-transportation, structural engineering, façade consulting and more, announced on February 25 that structural engineer and Associate Principal Dalibor Savović has been appointed to the Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) New York Chapter Board of Trustees. Read more here | | 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! Advertisement | | | NJ BILL WOULD PROTECT RESIDENTS DURING ELEVATOR OUTAGES
Under proposed bill A4480, New Jersey building owners will face fines if they fail to restore elevator service within a given time frame or provide Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant alternatives for those unable to use stairs, outlets including PIX11 report. "Seniors, people with disabilities and families with children should never feel imprisoned in their own homes because of a landlord's failure to act," said Sen. Britnee Timberlake, who introduced the legislation with Assemblyman Kenyatta Stewart. Elevator alternatives could include evacuation chairs, ramps and motorized stairlifts to help residents enter and exit each floor of a multistory building. Proposed fines range from US$500 for the first violation in a calendar year up to US$2,500 for any violation "deemed to create an acute health or safety risk," including an additional US$2,500 fine for each continuing violation tied to that risk. | | 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 | | | FOUR OTIS ELEVATORS FOR NEW BROOKLYN RECREATION CENTER
Otis tells ELEVATOR WORLD it provided four Gen3TM Edge elevators with Otis ONETM Internet of Things service for the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center, a new US$141-million community center at 3105 Farragut Place in Little Haiti, East Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY. New York YIMBY reported in February the 74,000-ft2 center opened with elected officials including NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani attending the ribbon-cutting. Expected to serve more than 41,000 nearby residents, the facility includes a six-lane competition swimming pool; a three-lane walking track; a gym for basketball, volleyball and pickleball; and fitness areas for weightlifting and cardio. The facility was designed by Studio Gang, with Consigli Construction as general contractor. | | 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 | | | 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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