|
ELEVATOR WORLD’s July 2026 Issue
 On the Cover: Otis Smart Elevators for Modern Urban Villiage in Tokyo
Features: IAEC Forum 2026; IUEC Global Safety Summit; ECNY Supplier Showcase 26...
Focus on Motors and Drives: The BRUsystem; Troubleshooting Electric Motors and VFDs in Elevator Applications
Columns: ISO 8100 and Beyond; ESCO Elevators, Inc., Part Two; Riding the EV Wave...
|
|
Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more.
|
|
EW SEPTEMBER 2026 TO FOCUS ON HOISTWAY TOOLS, COMPONENTS AND PRODUCTS
ELEVATOR WORLD’s September 2026 issue will focus on Hoistway Tools, Components and Products (guide rails, ropes, roller guides, pit ladders, false cars, lights and more). A Special Section will feature the NAEC Convention Preview with bonus distribution at NAEC and The Elevator Show. The editorial deadline is July 15, and the advertising deadline is August 3. 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.
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 2026 contest, download and complete the 2026 entry form. Submissions must be received by August 24.
SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT FOR THE EW PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Submissions are now being accepted for the ELEVATOR WORLD 29th Annual Project of the Year Awards. We are seeking submissions of projects featuring vertical, horizontal or inclined transportation systems with an innovative design, special application or approach that solved a major problem or overcame a unique challenge. Projects will be judged on innovation, originality and creativity, challenges overcome, installation methods and techniques and use of advanced technology, as well as overall quality of presentation. This year’s categories are Elevators, New Construction; Elevators, Modernization; Escalators, New Construction; Escalators, Modernization; Moving Walks; Inclined Elevators; Platform Lifts & Stairway Chairlifts; Private-Residence Elevators; and Special-Purpose Lifts. All entries will be judged and categorized as received by an impartial panel of experienced industry experts and professionals. Winning entries will be published in the January 2027 issue of ELEVATOR WORLD. Winners in each category will be acknowledged with an award of recognition. The submission deadline is September 2. |
|
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
|
|
|
NOMINATIONS FOR 2026 ELLIES NORTH AMERICAN AWARDS OPEN TODAY
Nominations open today, July 1, for the North American 2026 Ellies Awards Program and will be accepted through July 17. This annual elevator industry awards program — distinct from Ellies Awards Europe — recognizes North American elevator and escalator vertical-transportation industry businesses that go above and beyond for their customers, employees, communities and the industry as a whole. Anyone can nominate a business, including your own, and the nominees will be voted on by you from August 3-7 to decide the winners. Ellies Awards will then be presented at the National Association of Elevator Contractors Convention in Chicago in September. There are 20-plus categories, including Best Consultancy, Best Family-Owned Business and Best Supplier for a range of products — cabs, doors, motors, traveling cables and more. If you have any questions or general feedback on the program, feel free to email.
U.S. EW OFFICES CLOSED FOR FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY
The U.S. offices of ELEVATOR WORLD will be closed in observance of the Fourth of July holiday on Friday, July 3. They will reopen on Monday, July 6, for regular business. EW wishes all of our readers, advertisers, contributors and partners a festive and safe Independence Day! |
|
SMART LIFT & MOBILITY WORLD 2028 DATES ANNOUNCED
Dates for India’s mobility tech B2B show, Smart Lift & Mobility (SLM) World 2028, have been announced. Building on the success of its first two editions held in 2024 and 2026 at Bengaluru, the third edition will be held from February 17- 19, 2028, at Bombay Exhibition Center (BEC), Mumbai, India. Top-notch vertical-transportation (VT), security and access control, mobility solutions, car parking, people-flow and building-movement ecosystems representatives will be coming together under one roof, as well as prominent dignitaries representing related stakeholder sectors. SLM World has been conceptualized and organized by Virgo Communications and Exhibitions, the pioneers who introduced the VT industry-focused expo and magazine concept in India in 2007. Virgo is credited with launching dedicated trade fairs in India, as well as in additional emerging international markets such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Africa. For more details, visit https://slmworld.in/.
TEA ROUND UP AND MEETING PLANNED ON JULY 14-15
On July 15, the Texas Elevator Association (TEA) plans to host a meeting from 7:30-11 a.m. at SEES Inc. in Irving, Texas, preceded by a TEA Round Up networking event sponsored by Prysmian from 5-7 p.m. at the Hop and Sting Brewing Co. in Grapevine, Texas, on July 14. Including coffee and snacks, the meeting will be kicked off by TEA Treasurer Dan Baltzegar of Vantage. Attendees will hear presentations from representatives of Prysmian, Wurtec, Locke Construction Services and Kings III, followed by an open discussion on upcoming code requirements and more. 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
|
|
|
IN MEMORIAM: HECTOR COLUMBANI
Hector Columbani, an engineer who lived in the Hackensack/New Jersey area and collaborated with countless OEMs and independents over the decades on complex elevator design surveys and drawings, passed away unexpectedly in June. He was in his mid-60s. Tommy Curran, owner of North American Elevator, a new installation, modernization and service provider in the NYC metropolitan area, described Columbani as "an absolute giant in our trade," with a "level of experience and knowledge that was truly second to none." North American Elevator worked with Columbani on ground-up new construction and building conversions. North American Sales and Contracts Manager Lisa Nikki-Perry said Columbani was "brilliant" — a master engineer who always knew what to do to make a project work. Curren said Columbani never looked for the spotlight or personal praise. “He cared about the work, the team and solving the toughest engineering challenges right alongside us at the table. Another NYC area colleague, Diversified Elevator Products’ Matt Jackson, described Columbani as “an engineer’s engineer” who knew there was always an engineering solution for a vertical-transportation problem. “I will never forget working with him and Otis NY on the Apple store project,” Jackson said. “He was the kindest soul; always willing to listen and offer his help. RIP, my friend.” |
|
SPECIALIZED ELEVATOR PROMOTES ALICANTE TO DIRECTOR OF SALES
Specialized Elevator, a large independent network of elevator service providers headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, recently promoted Chanda Alicante from senior account manager to director of Sales. As a senior account manager, Alicante "consistently demonstrated the ability to build strong relationships, support strategic initiatives and deliver results," Specialized Elevator stated. In her new role, she will lead efforts to help strengthen sales processes, enhance digital capabilities, support customer engagement and drive continued growth. Read more here
ELEVATE-HER WOMEN’S GROUP MEETS DURING ANNUAL CECA CONVETNION IN VICTORIA
Approximately 30 members of the Canadian Elevator Contractors Association’s (CECA) Elevate-HER women’s group met in the hospitality suite on the top floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Victoria, BC, Canada, on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 16. The purpose of the meeting, which took place in the midst of CECA’s 52nd Annual Convention, was to plan future activities, discuss presentation topics, issue reminders about upcoming events and network. Attendees competed in a fun game of Kahoot! elevator trivia led by CECA President Julie Gilby of CKG Group. Members agreed they want to organize a future retreat in a convenient location such as near an airport to encourage as many members as possible to attend. Read more here
DELCO PROMOTES VASYLIEVA TO CENTRAL U.S. ACCOUNT MANAGER
Delco Elevator Products, headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, recently promoted Veronika Vasylieva from marketing manager to regional account manager for the central U.S. In her new role, Vasylieva is responsible for driving regional sales growth and developing strategic relationships with independent elevator contractors across the central U.S. to support modernization, new installation and repair. Holding degrees in hospitality administration/management and business/digital marketing from Georgian College and Vancouver Career College, respectively, Vasylieva's eclectic professional background includes establishing a clothing line to support Ukraine through fashion and handling operations and administration for a Canadian architecture firm. Read more here |
|
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
|
|
|
MUCH IN STORE FOR 17TH LIFT & ESCALATOR SYMPOSIUM IN U.K.
Organizers of the Lift & Escalator Symposium, planned for September 16-17 at Kettering Park Hotel in Kettering, U.K., said participants have much to look forward to at the 17th iteration of the event. Keynote speaker Ruth Carter, chief executive of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, will talk about the culture of collaboration during a panel discussion, and global experts will discuss codes and standards — always a hot topic. There will also be exhibitors and 21 papers covering a breadth of topics. Read more here
IOWA’S SCHUMACHER ELEVATOR MARKS 90 YEARS WITH NEW WAREHOUSE
Schumacher Elevator Co. celebrated 90 years with a ribbon-cutting and open house for its new, 33,000-ft2 warehouse at its Denver, Iowa, headquarters on June 17. Waverly Newspapers reported the event was hosted by Schumacher CEO Jeff Schumacher, the fourth generation of the family to lead the business, growing the company alongside his father, Marv, to a 200-employee operation that has become a nationally recognized player. Construction on the warehouse, which will primarily support Schumacher's growing wholesale division, took a little longer than anticipated due to the weather, Jeff Schumacher said, but was worth the wait. Read more here
TOTAL SERVICE LAUNCHES CONVERSATION SERIES
Total Service has launched “Between Floors with Douglas vanden Bosch”, a curated, request-only conversation series aimed at elevator and field service industry leaders across North America. The series, hosted by Total Service CEO Douglas vanden Bosch, is designed to spur unscripted, direct dialogue with independent contractors and industry figures. “Between Floors with Douglas vanden Bosch” operates on a request-based model: Every guest submits through a dedicated intake form, each submission is individually reviewed and bookings are made one at a time. Three guests have already been confirmed for the series, each representing a distinct corner of the elevator and field service landscape: Don Gelestino, chairman of the Board at Champion Elevator; Sean Madden, founder of Elevator Strategic Hub; and Lisa Giuffra Diaz, founder of Turf Elevate. Read more here |
|
Replace Smarter. Win Faster. Revolution Jacks. Downtime isn’t an option, and overpaying shouldn’t be either. Nidec Elevator delivers high performance jack replacements designed to help you secure more jobs with competitive, transparent pricing, fast, reliable lead times, quick quote turnaround, and fits engineered for seamless installs. From single-stage to in-ground replacements, every jack is built for performance and speed in the field. Win more bids. Keep projects moving. Deliver with confidence. Nidec Elevator Revolution Line - The right jack, right now. WWW.NIDECELEVATORGROUP.COM Advertisement
|
|
|
BURKE MOVES FROM GM TO TERRITORY VP WITH SCHINDLER IN TEXAS
Brian Burke, who has been with Schindler in Texas for more than 18 years, transitioned from general manager (GM) — Dallas to territory vice president (VP), effective July 1. Burke said the move comes with "a mix of pride and gratitude" as he reflects on working alongside a great team who consistently delivered results and "set high standards for excellence." Prior to his most recent roles with Schindler, Burke held positions including GM — Service for North Texas, West Texas and Oklahoma; district manager for existing installations; and sales representative. Read more here
SCHINDLER INDIA LAUNCHES THE ECOLITE GREEN CONTRACT
In a LinkedIn post, Tarunesh Mathur, president and CEO, Schindler India, said, “Proud to share that Schindler India has launched the EcoLite Green Contract, India’s first TÜV SÜD-certified elevator maintenance contract designed to reduce carbon emissions up to 35%. Sustainability in our industry can’t just be a brochure claim. It has to be engineered into how we serve our customers. That’s what EcoLite does. Our Digital Connectivity enables real-time adaptive maintenance catching issues before they become problems, making every maintenance touchpoint count … “ 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
|
|
|
BC CITY TO GET FIRST RESIDENTIAL VEHICLE ELEVATOR
A small residential development on the edge of the downtown and Capri-Landmark urban centers will make history once it is complete with the first vehicle elevator in a residential building in Kelowna, British Columbia (BC), Canada, Castanet reports. Plans show a vehicle elevator providing access to two levels of parking within the development. A report to council suggests that even at peak times, average wait times for vehicles to access the elevator will be just one 2-min elevator cycle "indicating that the elevator system will function without any noticeable queuing." Read more here
CEDES WELCOMES BUNTIN AS GLOBAL VP OF DIGITAL PRODUCTS
Switzerland-headquartered CEDES recently welcomed Jeff Buntin as global vice president (VP) of Digital Products. Based in the U.S., Buntin has three decades of elevator industry experience, most recently serving as global Digital Operations Center lead for TK Elevator (TKE). With degrees in IT and business administration from WGU Washington and Bellevue College, respectively, Buntin began his vertical-transportation industry career as an installation helper with Fujitec in the Greater Seattle area. 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
|
|
|
JOHNSON LIFTS FACILITATES TRANSFORMATION OF AMRAPALI-NBCC DEVELOPMENTS
A LinkedIn post titled “Elevating Trust. Delivering at Scale,” conveyed, “From iconic residential towers to large-scale redevelopment projects, Johnson Lifts is proud to be part of the transformation of the Amrapali-NBCC (India) Ltd. developments in Noida and Greater Noida, India. With 450-plus lifts installed across multiple high-rise communities, we're ensuring reliable, safe and seamless vertical mobility for thousands of families — one ride at a time. Built for performance. Trusted for reliability.” Johnson Lifts has more than 60 years of experience as a leading elevator and escalator company in India, with 80-plus branches across India and 10 overseas operations. Johnson Lifts started in 1963.
CHICAGO’S FIRST DOWNTOWN OFFICE TOWER SINCE PANDEMIC MOVES FORWARD
With global law firm Sidley Austin finalizing a lease to be the anchor tenant of a planned 45-story office tower at 725 W. Randolph Street in downtown Chicago, the Related Midwest project is positioned to become the first new office tower to be built in the Fulton Market District since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council on Vertical Urbanism reports, citing Crain’s Chicago Business. Sidley intends to occupy roughly half of the tower, relocating from its existing location at 1 S. Dearborn Street when its lease expires in 2030. Read more here |
|
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/ Advertisement
|
|
|
HYBON PARTNERS WITH TONINO LAMBORGHINI FOR LUXURY ELEVATOR COLLECTION
India’s Hybon Elevators and Escalators Pvt. Ltd. announced a strategic collaboration with Italian luxury lifestyle brand Tonino Lamborghini and unveiled the Hybon Tonino Lamborghini Luxury Elevator Collection in India, BW Hotelier reports. Designed and manufactured by Hybon in India, the collection comprises four cabin concepts — IMPERO, MARTE, SOMMO and DINAMICO — featuring Italian-inspired design elements including metallic finishes, carbon-fiber textures and customized interiors. Read more here
U.S. TRADE SANCTIONS LIFTED FROM TÜRKIYE’S IDA ASANSÖR
Ida Asansör Sanayii Ve Ticaret Ltd., which is based in Malatya, Türkiye, had trade sanctions lifted after being on the U.S. Department of State’s (DOS) Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons since May 2024. According to a June 24 letter from the DOS to Ida Asansör, “all property and interests in property that had been blocked due to the sanctions are unblocked, and Ida Asansör is permitted to engage in any lawful transactions involving U.S. persons.” Read more here |
|
Register now for Draka EHC’s webinar Traveling Cables Reimagined - A Journey Through Innovation on July 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM CST. You'll learn about the rapid evolution of elevator traveling cables alongside modern communications technologies, and the innovative solutions meeting today's industry demands for data transmission, security, and safety. You'll also get a peek into the process to create new products while maintaining code compliance along with flexibility for new installs or existing infrastructure. Advertisement
|
|
|
HITACHI LIFT INDIA APPOINTS NEW CHIEF SALES & MARKETING OFFICER
In a LinkedIn post, Abhishek Kauushik, said, “I’m excited to share that I have joined Hitachi Lift India, as chief sales & marketing officer. This marks the beginning of a new professional journey, and I look forward to contributing toward the organization’s growth journey and strengthening customer relationships! I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Manish Sikka San and Masaya Sakakibara San for placing their trust and confidence in me and for giving me this wonderful opportunity …” Read more here |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
Post a Comment