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ELEVATOR WORLD’s May 2026 Issue
 On the Cover: Central Deborah Gold Mine
Features: Being Connected; Making it "Grand"
Focus on Special-Purpose Lifts: From the Stage to the Lift; Why Data Centers Rely on Vertical Freight Doors
Columns: Development in Greece; Rise of the Supertech
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EW JULY 2026 TO FOCUS ON MOTORS AND DRIVES
ELEVATOR WORLD’s July 2026 issue will focus on Motors and Drives. The article submission deadline is May 15, and the advertising deadline is June 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.
14TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST OPEN, DEADLINE MAY 15
Submissions are open for ELEVATOR WORLD’s 2026 Photo Contest until May 15. This year’s categories include Projects In Action, Elevators/Lifts (Commercial), Elevators/Lifts (Private Residence), Escalators & Moving Walkways, Machines & Components, City Skylines and Tall Buildings, Historical/Legacy Equipment (pre-1965), Company Factories/Facilities, Hoistways and Industry Art/Illustrations (including sketches, blueprints, digital, AI and other). The nomination period will be followed by public voting, and winners will be featured in our August 2026 issue. Video submissions can be submitted for any category and links can be shared from any of the following platforms: YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch, Wistia, Vidyard, BitChute and Mixcloud. Send us your best shots and be published in EW! We look forward to viewing the elevator world through your unique lens. Please email with any questions. |
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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
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KONE-TKE DEAL LIKELY FACES ANTITRUST SCRUTINY, REGULATORY REVIEWS
KONE’s plan to acquire TK Elevator (TKE), announced on April 29, likely faces lengthy European Union (EU) antitrust scrutiny and regulatory reviews in the U.S., U.K. and elsewhere, Reuters reports. Brussels’ antitrust rules, which previously helped squelch a KONE-TKE deal, have come into sharp focus, and any new deal may require asset sales — particularly in Europe — to gain approval. Finland-headquartered KONE, according to the source, is counting on a revamp of EU merger rules that would give companies “more leeway in pursuing continental tie-ups to match the scale of U.S. and Asian rivals.” Under EU proposals, companies could argue for their deals by emphasizing the benefits of sustainability, resilience, investment and innovation to counter fears of consumer harms and an unfair competitive landscape — which Swiss rival Schindler has already brought up. The joining together of KONE and Germany-headquartered TKE would create a company with approximately EUR20 billion (US$23.4 billion) in annual sales, more than 100,000 global employees and a market value of nearly EUR49 billion (US$57.3 billion), according to Reuters calculations, vaulting the combined company well ahead of Schindler and U.S.-based Otis. |
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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
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FORTE MODERNIZES THREE ELEVATORS AT HISTORIC HARLEM MTA STATION
Forte Construction Corp., a leading general contractor delivering major public works projects throughout the NYC area, recently announced completing modernization of three elevators at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) 125th Street-St. Nicholas Avenue subway station in Harlem, Manhattan, NY. Working in close collaboration with MTA, lead designer Goldman Copeland and elevator manufacturer Mid-American Elevator, Forte replaced decades-old hydraulic elevators and upgraded machine rooms, equipment, elevator shafts and pits. Read more here
SAUDI ARABIA INSTALLS 74 ESCALATORS FOR 2026 HAJJ
Kidana Development Co., a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for Mecca City and Holy Sites, installed 74 escalators across key locations in Mina to ease pilgrim movement during the 2026 Hajj, Gulf News is among outlets to report. Implemented in three phases, the project saw 32 escalators installed in 2024, 32 in 2025 and 10 this year across eight sites. According to authorities, the escalators will shorten travel times between tent areas and service facilities and ease physical strain on pilgrims, particularly the elderly and physically handicapped. The new vertical-transportation equipment promises to enhance mobility efficiency and support safer, smoother crowd movement during peak periods of the pilgrimage on May 24-29.
CHAMPION ELEVATOR EXPANDS TECHNICIAN SERVICES IN NYC
Champion Elevator has announced the expansion of its professional elevator technician services in NYC, strengthening its commitment to safety, reliability and efficiency across residential and commercial properties. “With a growing demand for dependable vertical-transportation systems, the company continues to deliver timely maintenance, repair and modernization solutions tailored to the unique infrastructure of NYC buildings,” Champion said. Read more here |
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SCHINDLER LAUNCHES HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION PACKAGES
On May 5, Schindler announced the launch of Schindler ReStore and Schindler ReNew modernization packages for aging hydraulic elevators in the U.S. These solutions help building owners and managers take a proactive approach to modernizing hydraulic elevators before downtime or parts obsolescence becomes an issue. The pre-engineered packages are designed to shorten lead time from ordering to completed modernization. By replacing outdated controls with the latest microprocessor technology and advanced components, the solutions provide building owners with an efficient, cost-effective alternative to a full elevator replacement. The ReStore modernization package includes a Schindler controller with soft starter, standard hall fixtures and call station, hoistway and machine room wiring, fully enabled digital connectivity and an optional door operator upgrade. The ReNew modernization package includes a submersible power unit with hush kit noise suppressor. Schindler notes that its modernization expertise is trusted by major institutions and transit authorities including Miami International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.
CVU RELEASES INTERACTIVE TALL-BUILDING STUDY OF THE AMERICAS
The Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) recently released the CVU Interactive Data Study for the Americas. Drawing on more than 50 years of comparative research, the study is part of CVU’s Global Activity Series and illustrates a “renewed phase of vertical growth across the region, from accelerating development in countries such as Brazil and Canada to the evolving influence of suburban densification.” Read more here |
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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
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EUROPEAN CRE MARKETS SHOW RENEWED MOMENTUM
According to Savills research, European commercial real estate (CRE) markets are gaining momentum with investment projected to reach approximately EUR52 billion (US$60.8 billion) in the first quarter (1Q) of 2026, a 6% year-on-year increase, the Council on Vertical Urbanism reports. Growth has been notably strong in Finland, Ireland and Poland, which are each expected to see increases of at least 50% compared to the same period last year. Read more here
TKE LABOR REPRESENTATIVE AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN SLAMS KONE DEAL
Deputy Chairman of TK Elevator’s (TKE) Advisory Board Knut Giesler of German union IG Metall on April 29 “slammed” the proposed US$34.4-billion deal for Finland’s KONE to acquire Germany-headquartered TKE, calling for an extraordinary board meeting within the next seven days, Reuters reports. According to IG Metall, the union was not informed of the pending announcement, constituting a breach of trust. Read more here
SIMSINLIFTS APPROACHES THIRD ANNIVERSARY
Leading U.K. specialists in lift communication technology SIMSINLIFTS, is approaching its third anniversary in business with an impressive growth milestone, having more than doubled its turnover within the last 12 months alone, the company reports. Operating across the U.K. and in Belgium, SIMSINLIFTS now supports more than 100 lift companies with 20 additional customers secured within the last two months as the analogue switch off approaches. Read more here |
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OTIS NAMED STADIUM PARTNER FOR SPANISH FOOTBALL CLUB
Otis has been announced as the Stadium Partner for Valencia Club de Fútbol’s (Valencia CF) Nou Mestalla, a partially built football stadium in Valencia, Spain. As part of the agreement, Otis will install 19 elevators specifically designed for a high-traffic environment, intensive use and highly concentrated demand peaks over short periods of time. The agreement also includes maintenance of the equipment for five years, ensuring service of the highest quality. A total of 10 of these elevators will be distributed around the perimeter and will serve all levels of the stadium. Read more here
STANNAH’S UPLIFTS ANNOUNCES NEW HOME LIFT CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
Uplifts, the dedicated home lift brand of U.K.-based Stannah Group, recently announced an expanded range of customization options for its Gen 2 Homelift. New cabin designs, fabrics and accessories give homeowners more ways to tailor their Uplifts Gen 2 around their space, style and everyday life, Uplifts observed. Read more here
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF TÜRKIYE’S MACHINERY EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION ELECTED
Türkiye’s Machinery Exporters’ Association (MAİB), established in 2002 to bring machine exporters together under one umbrella with more than 26,000 member firms across Türkiye, elected its new executive board at the general assembly on April 16. Following Kutlu Karavelioğlu, who stepped down after two terms as MAİB president to take up presidency of the Turkish Machinery Federation, Sevda Kayhan Yılmaz was elected as president and new chair of the Board of Directors. Read more here |
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ALIMAK GROUP REPORTS “RESILIENT PERFORMANCE” IN CHALLENGING 1Q
Sweden’s Alimak Group on April 28 reported “resilient performance in a continued challenging market” for the first quarter (1Q) of 2026, with slight decreases — order intake, revenue and earnings — across the board, including in the Construction division that encompasses permanent industrial elevators — construction hoists — and solutions for them. Order intake decreased by 11% to MSEK1.78 billion (US$191 million), an organic decrease of 4%. Revenue decreased by 5% to MSEK1.65 billion, an organic increase of 3%, and adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization margin decreased to 16.7%. Read more here
U.K.’S COMPLII EXPANDS SERVICES WITH NEW LIFT AND ESCALATORS DIVISION
Complii, formerly known as Compliance Group, recently announced the launch of a dedicated lift and escalators compliance division — the latest step in the U.K. company's ambitious strategy to deliver a fully comprehensive compliance offering. The new division complements Complii's existing portfolio of building compliance services that span water, air, fire and electrical compliance. Read more here |
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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
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EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK LENDS MONEY TO KONE FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending €250 million (US$292 million) to KONE to support R&D, innovation and the development of next-generation elevators, escalators, moving walks and intelligent digital solutions, The European Sting reports. The loan will support KONE’s research and innovation program from 2026 to 2029. The activities focus on improving safety and performance and energy efficiency in elevators and escalators. Read more here
OTIS SELECTED BY RTM IN FRANCE TO REPLACE 51 ESCALATORS
Otis has been selected by the Marseille Metropolitan Transport Authority (Régie des Transports Métropolitains [RTM]) in France to fully replace and maintain 51 escalators across 10 metro stations, Otis Chair, CEO and President Judy Marks said during an earnings conference call on April 22.The scope includes installation of 35 heavy-duty escalators and 16 additional escalators engineered for the most demanding environments. Read more here
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Coast to Coast Choices, Quality & Solutions. After more than 50 years, Innovation Industries has become one of North America’s leading designers, manufacturers, and marketers of elevator push buttons and fixtures. Made in the USA, Innovation products meet any spec or application for any market…from coast to coast. Advertisement
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ESCALATOR UPGRADES AND MORE COMING TO LAS VEGAS STRIP
The Clark County Commission is moving forward with funding to repair broken escalators and upgrade aging pedestrian bridges on the Las Vegas Strip with an initial, up-to US$2.56 million bid package released for work at four pedestrian bridges, 102.7 Coyote Country reports. The source interviewed multiple tourists, including one who “noticed multiple escalators out of service in a single day,” reinforcing how important functional vertical-transportation equipment is for accessibility. Read more here
MOTORCYCLE EVENTS FOR ELEVATOR ENTHUSIASTS COMING UP IN EUROPE
Two top-notch motorcycle events for elevator enthusiasts are coming up in Europe: BIKE-FRANCE 2026 is planned on June 24-28, taking riders from the Saar River to the Champagne region. The tour is set to include spectacular stops such as the vineyards of Dizy, the coast of Dieppe and the green forests of the Ardennes. Riders will stay at select accommodations like Les Grains D’Argent or take advantage of motorcycle-friendly options from Relais Motards. Daily rides are approximately 300 to 330 km, and the reservation deadline for hotels is May 8. Read more here
ESCALATOR ETIQUETTE DEBATE HEATS UP IN SOUTH KOREA
Whether authorities should encourage escalator passengers to stand on both sides or leave one side open for walking is a long-running debate in South Korea that has recently gained traction amid safety concerns, The Korea Bizwire reports. For decades, South Koreans have favored standing on the right while leaving the left clear for those who want to go faster, a practice that emerged in the late 1990s to improve traffic flow. Read more here |
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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
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THREE KEY KYIV METRO ESCALATORS TO UNDERGO REPAIRS
Three escalators serving the Shulyvaska station of the Kyiv Metro in Kyiv, Ukraine, are undergoing repairs to enhance safety and accessibility, 112 UA reports. Work began in March and is set to wrap up at the end of 2026. To perform the work, each unit will be disassembled into individual components, and steps, handrails, gearboxes and other mechanical parts will be removed. To minimize disruption, the escalators will be taken out of service one at a time. Read more here
TWO WORKERS DIE IN PAKISTAN ELEVATOR COLLAPSE
Two construction workers died as a result of injuries sustained in an elevator collapse on May 3 in an under-construction building in the Liberty area of Lahore, the capital and largest city of the Pakistani province of Punjab, The Nation reports. A “technical fault” caused the elevator to collapse and the workers to fall from height. Rescue personnel transported the deceased individuals to a local hospital. Police are investigating. |
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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.
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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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