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ELEVATOR WORLD’s June 2026 Issue
 On the Cover: The Warsaw Metro
Features: The People Issue; NAEC Spring Education Conference 2026…
Focus on Environmental Issues: Rethinking Preparedness in an Era of Heightened Environmental Risk; Solar-Powered Elevator Production…
Columns: Global Tardif’s Next Phase of Growth; What’s Wrong With Residential Elevators…
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FUJITEC JAPAN AND EQT APPOINT LAVALLEE AS CEO OF FUJITEC NORTH AMERICA
Fujitec Japan and EQT, the global investment firm acquiring and privatizing Fujitec, in May announced Kevin Lavallee as CEO of Fujitec North America, headquartered in Mason, Ohio. Previously serving as CEO of TK Elevator North America, Lavallee has more than 35 years' vertical-transportation (VT) industry experience with a proven track record of driving transformation, financial performance and operational excellence. A native of Canada, he began his VT career as an adjuster before progressing to management roles. Throughout his career, he has prioritized safety, stating, "Safety is our number-one priority at work and at home, including for my leadership team." Lavallee said he is excited to join Fujitec "because of its history and commitment to quality products and services, as well as the great men and women in the branches and field." His deep industry expertise and commitment to service position Lavallee well to lead Fujitec Americas into its next phase of growth. Driven by service, modernization and investment in its sales, marketing, service and product divisions, Fujitec North America aspires to achieve rapid growth. |
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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.
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SCHINDLER EXPANDS R.I.S.E ELEVATOR INSTALLATION ROBOT FLEET
Swiss OEM Schindler announced on May 28 it has expanded its Robotic Installation System for Elevators (R.I.S.E) elevator installation robot fleet as global demand continues to rise, adding two of the robots that deliver up to 40% time savings and enhance safety and working conditions. Since its launch five years ago, Schindler R.I.S.E systems have been deployed at 36 jobsites worldwide and installed approximately 50,000 anchor bolts — a key structural element of elevator shafts. Read more here.
INTERLIFT 2027: INTEREST GREATER THAN EVER, ORGANIZERS SAY
Organizers of interlift 2027, planned on October 12-15, 2027, at Messe Nürnberg in Nuremberg, Germany, said interest in the next iteration of the international lift industry trade fair is greater than ever, with approximately 240 exhibitors already registered in May. The first edition of interlift at its new venue in 2025 was well-received by both visitors and exhibitors, with the city of Nuremberg offering a wide range of hotels and outstanding transportation links. Read more here. |
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OTIS INDIA RECEIVES ORDER FOR PROPOSED COUNTRY’S TALLEST COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Otis India has received an order from real estate company Prestige Estates to install two elevators that can travel at 10 m/s at the under-construction The Prestige at Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, India, which will be the country’s tallest commercial building when complete, The Hindu is among outlets to report. Once installed, these will be the fastest elevators in India. At 70 floors, The Prestige is set to be the country’s only commercial development with an observation deck. Read more here.
IN MEMORIAM: PATRICK CARRAJAT
Master Elevator Parts, founded in 2012 by Patrick Carrajat and his wife, Kathleen, and based in Long Island City (LIC), NY, on May 31 announced Carrajat passed away at age 82. Carrajat spent more than six decades in the elevator industry, starting at age 11 working with his father in NYC. Over his career he became a respected repairman, manufacturer, consultant and historian. He served as chief operating officer of a major elevator service firm and founded his own service company prior to co‑founding Master Elevator Parts. Under his leadership, the company grew into a leading supplier of obsolete and hard‑to‑find elevator and escalator parts, known for rapid response and quality. Carrajat's contributions extended beyond business. He authored the book History of the American Elevator Industry, wrote numerous articles for ELEVATOR WORLD, taught continuing‑education classes on elevator safety and compiled a personal collection of more than 4,000 artifacts that became the Elevator Historical Society. The museum in LIC displays vintage control panels, floor indicators, manuals and other equipment. Carrajat also served as a sought‑after expert witness in elevator and escalator litigation, testifying in more than 100 trials since 1989. — submitted by Master Elevator Parts |
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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.
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DUBAI-BASED MMAC WINS IIRSM SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
Mitsubishi Electric Middle East and Africa (MEA) and CIS Co. LLC (MMAC), based in Dubai, recently announced MMAC won the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM) Risk Excellence Award for its sustainability initiatives. "We are the only elevator company among the finalists, and won the award this year," Haridas P.V., branch head for Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) at MMAC, tells ELEVATOR WORLD. MMAC implemented a range of digital and operational initiatives to strengthen sustainability, safety and efficiency across its elevator and escalator service operations. Central to this was an integrated Quality HSE application that supports real-time reporting and monitoring of incidents and near misses, safety patrols and toolbox talks, improving transparency and enabling more proactive risk management. MMAC's sustainability measures have focused on energy efficiency, including the installation of LED lighting, upgraded display systems and automatic shut-off functions during idle periods. MMAC also adheres to proper waste-management procedures aligned with regional requirements. |
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NETO STARTS NEW ROLE AS TISHMAN SPEYER SENIOR DIRECTOR OF VT
Joseph Neto, who spent more than 35 years in vertical-transportation (VT) consulting and engineering, recently announced he has started a new role as senior director of VT at Tishman Speyer Properties, headquartered in NYC. With Tishman Speyer one of Neto's first clients when he was working alongside his father at Joseph Neto & Associations, Inc., "this opportunity brings me full circle to the very beginning of my consulting career," Neto said. 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
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TKE WINS RED DOT DESIGN AWARD FOR HOME LIFT CABIN
TK Elevator (TKE) announced on June 1 the H300 NXT home lift cabin, conceived by TK Home Solutions and designed by Italdesign, received an international Red Dot Design Award in the Product Design category. Combining modularity, aesthetic flexibility and proven engineering reliability, H300 NXT was created in response to a longstanding shift in how residential mobility is perceived, TKE stated. Read more here.
SONS OF ITALY TO HOST 34TH ANNUAL BONARDI GOLF EVENT IN NY
Sons of Italy Rockland Lodge #2176, based in Blauvelt, NY, plans to host the 34th Annual Ed Bonardi Memorial Golf Outing on June 18 at Blue Hill Golf Course in Pearl River, NY. There will be a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. EST. US$250 per golfer includes an 18-hole scramble, green fees, a cart lunch, dinner and prizes. 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
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CVU ANNOUNCES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS
The Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Award of Excellence honors, recognizing 73 projects, concepts and initiatives that exemplify new directions in vertical urbanism across the globe. Awardees representing work from 20 countries across 20 categories and subcategories reflect a growing emphasis on adaptability, interdisciplinary thinking and long-term urban value. The 2026 competition brought together submissions from architects, engineers, developers, planners, contractors, manufacturers and researchers working at multiple scales, from individual buildings and structural systems to district-scale infrastructure and urban regeneration strategies. Read more here.
LANGER + LAUMANN GROUP ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN MANCHESTER COMPANY
Global law firm White & Case LLP reports it advised Langer + Laumann Group, a portfolio company of Norvestor IX SCSp, on the acquisition of a majority stake in Manchester, U.K.-based Complete Plant Maintenance Engineering Ltd. (CPM) and its subsidiary Northern Drives & Controls Ltd. (NDC). The combination creates an expanded platform in the European elevator aftermarket with an enhanced presence in the U.K., continental Europe and the U.S. Read more here. |
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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.
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LIFT MATERIAL AUSTRALIA TRANSITIONS TO A&A BRAND
Lift Material Australia, a major supplier of elevator and escalator parts in the Asia-Pacific region, announced it will transition to the A&A brand effective June 1, "marking an exciting step in our continued growth and alignment with our broader global business." The decision comes after 18 months of reviewing business processes and listening to customers and colleagues across the company's international operations. "As a result, we are bringing our distribution businesses together under one, global A&A brand," the company stated. Read more here.
CRABB NAMED VP OF METRO ELEVATOR CAROLINAS
Metro Elevator recently announced Zack Crabb as vice president (VP) of Metro Elevator Carolinas. With an engineering degree from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, Crabb brings more than 11 years' experience in operations, engineering and team development. He previously held roles with Schindler in the Carolinas over more than eight years. Read more here. |
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BNA TO GET UPDATED VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION IN TERMINAL UPGRADE PROJECT
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is preparing to launch a major terminal upgrade project that will more than double the number of escalators connecting the airport’s levels and upgrading elevators, News Channel 5 reports. The Central Core Enhancement Project is expected to begin construction in June and continue through December 2027. Read more here.
SOUTHWEST ELEVATOR WELCOMES O’CONNOR AS AUSTIN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Southwest Elevator Co., headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, recently welcomed Rebeca O'Connor as business development manager for Austin. "With her strong relationship-building skills, industry knowledge and passion for delivering exceptional customer service," O'Connor will focus on developing new partnerships, supporting customers and helping drive strategic growth throughout the Austin metropolitan area. O'Connor joins Southwest Elevator from TK Elevator. 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.
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NAESA INSPECTOR PROGRAM CLASS BEGINS ON JULY 17
The next class for the NAESA Inspector Trainee Program begins on July 17. The program was developed to assist hiring authorities with QEI code level training for future elevator inspectors. This one-year program is intended to help fulfill the inspector-in-training requirements to become a QEI Inspector, and the goal is to provide a structured, standardized educational approach to elevator codes and standards. Read more here.
INDIA’S TECTRONICS LAUNCHES NEW RTG 24P 1212 SERIES AND ADVANCED SAFETY BLOCK
India’s Tectronics Techworld Pvt. Ltd. has announced the launch of its latest innovation, the RTG 24P 1212 Series, a new generation gearless elevator machine designed to deliver advanced performance, efficient operation and high reliability for modern elevator applications. The RTG 24P 1212 Series received strong appreciation from industry professionals and customers for its robust design, smooth performance and suitability for evolving vertical-transportation requirements. Read more here. |
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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.
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CVU AND TALL BUILDING MEDIA TO HOST EVENT IN LONDON
The Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) is partnering with Tall Buildings Media — the U.K.’s leading platform for high-rise construction, urban architecture and structural engineering — for the platform’s Tall Buildings Summit 2026 on June 9-10 at the TOGETHER immersive art space in London. Read more here. |
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Push Buttons That Eclipse All Others. The Eclipse Series of push buttons from Innovation offers more styles, finishes, and seven ultra-bright colors with metal halos. Proudly made in the U.S.A., you can choose from a wide selection of metals, finishes, and profile configurations. Vivid LED colors include red, blue, green, purple, white, orange, and lime green.
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WYATT JOINS SCHINDLER ARKANSAS AND NORTHERN LOUISIANA TEAM
Rich Riley, branch manager for the Little Rock, Arkansas-based Schindler office serving Arkansas and northern Louisiana, recently welcomed Tanner Wyatt to the team. Wyatt is responsible for modernization sales across the region. He joins Schindler from Otis, where he was a business development manager based in Little Rock. Read more here. |
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EW’S 2026 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARD IS OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS. ELEVATOR WORLD’s Product of the Year Award honors manufacturers for outstanding product innovation and development. For more information, previous winners, and submission criteria, visit the official contest page at https://elevatorworld.com/contests/product-of-the-year/
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CANOPEN LIFT SPECIFICATION REVISED BY CIA
The four-part CAN in Automation (CiA) 417 application profile for lift control systems, CANopen Lift, has been revised, the Nuremberg, Germany-headquartered nonprofit CiA organization announced on June 1. Implemented by more than 700 CiA members, CANopen Lift specifies control functions and CANopen interfaces for sensors such as input panels, car drives and doors used in elevators, including freight lifts. CANopen Lift devices are offered by more than 60 CiA member companies. The new CiA 417 application introduces a power supply unit. Other units have been expanded, adding new parameters and specifying additional process data objects, or PDOs. In addition, all four parts of CANopen Lift have been editorially improved to enhance clarity and understandability. "CANopen Lift is an application profile that enables the development of interoperable products," CiA Managing Director Holger Zeltwanger explained. "This unburdens the system developer from complex programming and configuration tasks.” |
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2025 Elevator Industry Field Employees’ Safety Handbook is now available in Spanish. Published every five years, the Elevator Industry Field Employees' Safety Handbook is designed as a resource for safety information and written processes for elevator industry field employees to help prevent injuries and illnesses resulting from unsafe acts and conditions found in the elevator industry. Order your digital copy today at www.elevatorbooks.com
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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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