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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.
ENTER THE 2026 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARD CONTEST
ELEVATOR WORLD’S sixth annual Product of the Year Award recognizes outstanding product development achievements of manufacturers whose products are considered particularly noteworthy or innovative. The product(s) should represent any of the following qualities: a significant advancement in a technology or its application, an exceptionally innovative design, a substantial achievement in price/performance, improvements in design performance and a potential for new product designs/opportunities. To learn more about how your company can participate in the 2065 contest, download and complete the 2026 entry form. |
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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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TKE REPORTS GROWTH ACROSS REGIONS, REFLECTS ON PLANNED KONE DEAL
On May 7, TK Elevator (TKE) reported strong momentum in the first six months of fiscal year 2026, with sales up 4% across all regions to EUR4.5 billion (US$5.29 billion) and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization — the metric used to evaluate a company's operating performance and profitability — up 11% to EUR776 million (US$912 million). “While we continued to shift our mix toward service and modernization (which accounted for 76% of total sales), we are also delivering growth in new installation (NI) sales despite ongoing headwinds, especially in some Asian markets,” TKE CEO Uday Yadav said. Read more here
TEI’S SOUTHEAST REGION EXPANDS INTO PUERTO RICO
TEI Group, headquartered in NYC with a strong and growing presence in the Southeast, recently announced expansion of its Southeast Region into San Juan, Puerto Rico. TEI Executive Vice President Southeast Chad Posey said the San Juan team is fully operational and providing service throughout the island and other locations in the Caribbean, specializing in new installation, service, repair and modernization. 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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RCW CANADA ADDS HELING AND RHINER
RCW Canada Inc.’s Hugh Hunter has announced the addition of Kevin Heling and Martin Rhiner as key advising and contributing partners: Rhiner as chief technology officer and Heling as vice president of Marketing & Business Development. Rhiner has more than 25 years of experience in the elevator industry. He has held senior management and executive roles with industry leaders including Brugg Lifting and TK Elevator. At RCW, Rhiner plays a key role in supporting customers and the RCW team with engineering guidance, application-specific rope selection and technical insight. Heling has 40 years of elevator-connected experience, working primarily for key component suppliers. In 2022, he started Elevator Technical & Training Associates, which provides training and new testing method support for Category 5 Testing, as well as product expertise consulting. Heling has held key management positions in operations, technical and marketing roles with RWC/SIECOR (and Draka, a successor), Brugg Wire Rope and Wurtec. Hunter, an industry veteran, founded RCW Canada, which is Canada's premier source for elevator-specific, cut-to-length products including premium travel cable and hoistway wiring, hoist, governor and compensation wire ropes and compensation chains. |
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SPAIN’S ORONA TALKS FINANCIAL PROGRESS, GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY AT MEETING
Orona, the fifth-largest European group in vertical-transportation (VT) solutions for people, reported on May 8 that it held its Ordinary General Meeting in April at its Hernani, Spain, headquarters. At the meeting, financials for 2025 were approved and the main strategies that will guide the cooperative forward in coming years were shared. With 6,997 employees, the company achieved turnover of EUR1.195 billion (US$1.407 billion) and is consolidating in Europe, reflecting more than 7% sales growth compared to the previous year. Read more here
SPECIALIZED ELEVATOR ACQUIRES WYATT ELEVATOR OF PHILADELPHIA
Specialized Elevator, a portfolio company of Berkshire Partners, announced on May 7 it acquired Wyatt Elevator, strengthening its position as one of the largest independent, unionized elevator and escalator service providers in the U.S. and expanding its footprint in the Philadelphia market. Wyatt Elevator was founded in 2012 by Dan, Tom and Billy Killion and Bob Brumbach, building its business around maintenance, repair and modernization services for elevators. Read more here
U.K.’S COMPLII ACQUIRES CLASSIC LIFTS (SCOTLAND) LTD.
On the heels of announcing the launch of a dedicated lift and escalators compliance division, the U.K.’s Complii, formerly known as Compliance Group, announced the acquisition of Glasgow, Scotland-based Classic Lifts (Scotland) Ltd. Classic Lifts has built a name in the Scottish lift services market for providing high-quality, reliable planned preventive maintenance, reactive repairs, emergency call-outs and modernization/installation services. Read more here |
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CECA SPRING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN
The application period for the Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) spring scholarships is now open through June 30. The spring scholarships are open to active members of CECA, including all employees, their children and/or grandchildren. There are four scholarships available. The scholarships are intended for individuals looking to further their education in a post-secondary program at a recognized Canadian Educational Institution in 2026-2027. Previous winners of the CECA Scholarship are ineligible to apply. CECA has been providing scholarships for its members since 2016.
GREECE AND HK SAR STUDENTS WIN OTIS’ 2026 MADE TO MOVE COMMUNITIES CHALLENGE
With ideas using advanced technology to support city officials, first responders and residents before, during and after natural disasters, student teams from Athens, Greece, and Hong Kong (HK) Special Administrative Region (SAR) were named co-champions of Otis' 2026 Made to Move CommunitiesTM challenge, Otis announced on May 6. The winning student teams are from Geniko Lyceum Filothei in Athens and HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College in HK SAR. Read more here
CECA CONVENTION ATTENDEES CAN GET DISCOUNTS THROUGH TOURISM ORGANIZATION
The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) announced Destination Greater Victoria is providing attendees of the CECA Convention on June 15-18 in Victoria, B.C. with access to its Business Events Victoria (BEV) VIP Program, offering exclusive discounts at more than 70 participating B.C. businesses including restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, craft breweries, retail shops and more. CECA recommends companies share the VIP Program link with delegates to ensure they can take full advantage of the offers. Read more here |
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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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TKE: LARGELY “BUSINESS AS USUAL” IN GULF AMID ONGOING CONFLICT
TK Elevator (TKE) reported on May 7 that it is largely "business as usual" in the Gulf region commercially, particularly in Saudi Arabia where new installation orders enjoyed an 84% increase in the first half of 2026. TKE Alat, the company's joint venture in Saudi Arabia, "continues to be well-positioned to capture the development super-cycle in the region," TKE stated. From a safety perspective, the company is monitoring the situation in the Middle East very closely as "the wellbeing of the team is always of paramount importance to TKE.”
EESFC TO HOST ANNUAL FUNDRAISER AT HOCKEY HALL OF FAME
The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation of Canada (EESFC) will host its annual fundraiser at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on August 20 from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.. This private event promises an “unforgettable evening dedicated to raising awareness about elevator and escalator safety, all set in one of Canada’s most iconic venues.” Guests will enjoy great food and drinks (two drink tickets per person, followed by a cash bar), fun hockey skill tests and an exciting raffle featuring amazing prizes. Those interested in sponsoring or donating a raffle prize should contact EESFC at email, and tickets may be purchased here. The early-bird price of CAD150 (US$110) per ticket has been extended to June 22.
REVISED ISO 14001:2026 PUBLISHED
TÜV SÜD announced the new ISO 14001:2026 standard has been published, marking an important update to how environmental management systems are planned, implemented and led. Environmental management, TÜV SÜD observed, has become more complex, with increasing expectations around climate change, resource use and supply-chain responsibility. The revised standard makes climate change a mandatory element of environmental management planning. It includes expanded environmental aspects including biodiversity, resource availability and pollution impacts. Read more here |
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DELCO ELEVATOR PRODUCTS is proud to announce that HAIDER DRIVE traction machines are now in stock locally — ready to dispatch within 24–48 hours! Complete System Setup: Every machine includes a bedplate, deflector, and riser — one order, one easy shipment. Delivery in 7–10 business days. 5-year warranty. Engineering support. Contact Delco today to secure your machine: info@delcoelevator.com or 1.866.900.3727. Advertisement
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TKE TO HOST EVENT FOCUSING ON HEAVY-DUTY ESCALATORS
In June, TK Elevator (TKE) will once again host Escalator Instructure Day, a dedicated event tailored specifically for operators of heavy-duty escalators and their consultants, at the world’s oldest escalator plant in Hamburg, Germany. Registrations received thus far indicate the event’s significance, with visitors expected from virtually every continent, according to TKE. The event will take place in German on June 10 and in English on June 11. Read more here
ELEVATOR SERVICES PLATFORM LAUNCHED
Altaline Capital Management, LLC and Haven Capital Partners announced the launch of Ascend Safety Collective, a network of local elevator services businesses providing mission-critical safety and compliance solutions for commercial, government and industrial markets. Ascend has developed a modern approach for growth, recruitment and partnership in the industry. Regional businesses remain independent while gaining access to capital for talent, technology and expansion. Ascend aims to cultivate a culture that gives employees clear, accelerated career paths and will invest heavily in developing and elevating talent across its family of companies, offering roles in technical, project management, business development and operations. In addition, an innovative broad-based ownership program gives every employee the opportunity to benefit from Ascend’s future growth. As part of the platform launch, Dennis Mason, former CEO of Kings III Emergency, and Chip Smith, co-founder of ATIS, have joined Ascend’s Board of Directors. Ascend is actively seeking partnerships with other independent elevator services companies from commercial and industrial clients led by growth-minded leaders who want a strategic partner to help them reach their goals.
EAM PLANS EDUCATION/GOLF OUTING IN MINNESOTA
The Elevator Association of Minnesota (EAM) plans to host a “day of learning, networking and golf with industry peers” on June 25 at The Links at Northfork in Ramsey, Minnesota. Registration and breakfast at 9 a.m. will be followed by education sessions, with networking and golf warmup from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Afternoon golf will be followed by awards and raffle drawings. Sponsorships are available. Register to attend here. Read more here |
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NEW ELEVATORS ENHANCE ACCESSIBILITY FOR TRIMET RIDERS IN PORTLAND
TriMet, the transit agency serving the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area, announced starting May 5 that secured elevators have been installed at seven locations, part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety and accessibility across the system, outlets including KOIN Channel 6 report. New locations for secured elevators include three parking garages, Clackamas Town Center, Southeast Park Avenue and Gresham Central; two “park-and-ride” locations, Gateway/Northeast 99th Avenue and Sunset Transit Center; and two MAX (Metropolitan Area Express light rail) stations, Southeast Bybee Street and Sunset Transit Center. Read more here
INNOVALIFT CEO HIGHLIGHTS MACROTRENDS DIGITALIZATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
During a Latour first quarter market update in April, Andrea Veggian, CEO of Sweden's Innovalift AB, a Latour portfolio company, said the megatrends of digitalization and sustainability are reshaping the lift industry in the short/mid-term and over the longer term, respectively, Innovalift reported. A clear shift is already apparent with digitalization, he said, with customers now expecting more connected and intelligent vertical-transportation systems, better monitoring, predictive maintenance and more user-friendly interfaces. Read more here |
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TWO NEW SETS OF STYLISH TKE ESCALATORS UNVEILED AT PDX
Two new sets of escalators manufactured by TK Elevator (TKE) were unveiled at Portland International Airport (PDX) in Portland, Oregon, on May 8, creating an easier path for passengers accessing the south tunnel, rental car center and transportation plaza, PDX tells ELEVATOR WORLD. The units are "beautifully designed with circular portals of wooden beams to echo the design of the airport's iconic wooden ceiling," The Oregonian noted. The contractor is a joint venture of Hoffman Construction Co. and Skanska. Part of PDX's years-long US$2.5-billion overhaul, the escalators will also "be where folks zip from the south baggage claim area right into the MAX (transit) station, which is still in the works," PDX Media Relations Manager Molly Prescott said. Finishing touches are also being done to escalators next to the north exit lanes ahead of anticipated completion in mid-June.
INDIA’S SOUTHERN RAILWAY ORDERS PROBE AFTER SUDDEN ESCALATOR REVERSAL
India’s Southern Railway has ordered a technical and safety probe to find out why an overcrowded escalator at Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station suddenly stopped and moved backwards on May 6, resulting in two women being hospitalized with minor injuries, The Times of India reports. A safety engineer is conducting a detailed inquiry, and records are also being sought from Johnson Lift and Escalator Co., which is responsible for the unit’s maintenance. Read more here
ELEVATOR REPLACEMENTS PART OF SOUTH KOREAN PROGRAM FOR AGING APARTMENTS
Elevator replacements are part of a government program in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, aimed at improving safety and accessibility at 118 aging multi-unit apartment complexes, The Asia Business Daily reports. Funding is through the province’s Residential Environment Improvement and Safety Faculty Support Project, and applications started being processed in April. Read more here |
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