ELENET Issue #1159 | The Elevator World Weekly Industry Newsletter

Issue 1159 | 7/8/2026 | Currently reaching 42K global contacts

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...

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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.

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

NYC-BASED TEI GROUP NAMES DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, NEW EQUIPMENT
TEI Group, headquartered in NYC with a growing presence in the Southeast, recently named Giancarlo Sapio as director of Business Development, New Equipment. Sapio joins the company, and the elevator industry, from premier nonprofit organization the New York Building Congress (NYBC), where he served as director of business development for nearly nine years. At NYBC, Sapio drove the organization's strategic growth by forming and nurturing strong bonds within the architecture, engineering and construction community. He said he believes his efforts "contributed to a more connected and engaged community in the greater NYC area." Sapio said he will do the same in his new role with TEI. "I am excited for the opportunity to be part of a company with an outstanding reputation, and I'm looking forward to contributing to its continued success while building lasting partnerships," he said.

HELENE NAMED FUJITEC UK LIFT MODERNIZATION AND FRB SALES MANAGER
Steve Helene was recently named Lift Modernization and Full Replacement Business (FRB) Sales manager at Fujitec UK Ltd. He joined the company from Elevators Ltd., where he held roles including sales manager and project manager. Helene has a rich lift-industry background that includes serving as a lift and escalator inspector for Transport for London, a team leader/supervisor for Yellow Rail Ltd., an associate consultant at D2E International VT Consultants Ltd. and a senior lift engineer with Able Lifts Ltd. Read more here

NEII ANNOUNCES 2026-2028 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII) announced the election of its Board of Directors (BoD) and officers. The leadership team will serve a two-year term. The elected officers of the Board of Directors include TK Elevator North America CEO Jeremy Rainwater, president; Otis Elevator Co. President of the Americas region Joseph Armas, vice president; Global Controller at Draka EHC/Prysmian Jared Radabaugh, treasurer; and Executive Director of NEII Amy Blankenbiller, secretary. In addition to the officers, members of the NEII BoD include Ken Schmid, KONE; Ray Bisson, Schindler Elevator Corp. Kevin Lavallee, Fujitec America, Inc.; Richard Parvesse, Draka EHC/Prysmian; and Erik Zommers, Mitsubishi Electric US. The NEII BoD sets the strategic direction of the association to drive its mission to advance safety and innovation in the building transportation industry throughout North America.

LANDRITH STARTS NEW POSITION WITH OTIS IN CALIFORNIA
Alyssa Landrith recently started a new position with Otis, a company she has been with for more than three years. Her latest position is director and general manager based in Otis' San Jose, California, office. She began her Otis career as a regional sales manager in the San Francisco Bay area. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in communication and information, Landrith began her vertical-transportation industry career as a sales trainee at TK Elevator (TKE) in Oakland, California, before progressing to service and repair account manager with TKE. Other previous roles include service and repair account manager for Schindler in San Francisco.

EFESME MEMBERS DISCUSS FUTURE PRIORITIES, REFLECT ON ANNIVERSARY
European Federation for Elevator Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (EFESME) members gathered on June 29 virtually for the Board of Directors (BoD) and General Assembly (GA) meeting. Members exchanged views on current technical and policy developments affecting the lift sector and mapped out future priorities. They also reflected on the Federation's 20th anniversary, which was celebrated throughout 2025 with a series of dedicated events across Europe. Read more here

U.K.’S STANNAH ALIGNS PRODUCTS AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE UNDER NEW DIVISION
Stannah Lifts Distribution & Service, a major division of Andover, U.K.-headquartered Stannah Lifts, recently announced a new structure. Passenger lifts, platform lifts and service and goods lifts have come together under the single, unified New Lifts division, bringing together engineering expertise across multiple lift types within a single coordinated delivery model. 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

CEA INVITES PARTICIPATION IN ANNUAL GOLF OUTING IN AUGUST
The Chicago Elevator Association (CEA) invites participation in its Annual Golf Outing planned on August 7 at Klein Creek Country Club in Winfield, Illinois, with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. CEA President Mark Bajic of Anderson Elevator Co. said the event is a “great opportunity to network, showcase your company, support the association and enjoy a fantastic day on the course.” The cost is US$135 per golfer for members and US$165 for non-members and those who sign up after July 31. Read more here

INAUGURAL CVU CHINA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) recently announced winners of the inaugural CVU China Awards. Recipients were honored at a festive ceremony in Guangzhou, China, on June 25. Winners included the China Resources Building in Shanghai, Overall Best Building and Best Office Building; Garden Crescent in Hong Kong, Best Residential Building; JEN Shenzhen Qianhai by Shangri-La in Shenzhen, Best Hotel Building; and Shenzhen Rehabilitation Center, Best Mixed-Use Building. Awards were also presented for sustainability, engineering and façade innovations. “Demonstrating China’s creative and technological leadership in sustainable vertical urbanization, the awards provide important references and inspiration for the development of high-rise buildings around the world,” CVU stated.

MID-AMERICAN MODERNIZES TWO MTA ELEVATORS IN QUEENS, NY
The NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) tells ELEVATOR WORLD Chicago-based Mid-American Elevator was the subcontractor that modernized two elevators that opened in June at the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue subway station in Queens, NY. Part of larger accessibility and safety upgrades, the elevators provide access from the Manhattan-bound platform to the mezzanines and from the mezzanine to the Queens-bound platform. Read more here

WORK-RELATED FATALITIES SHOW GB AMONG SAFEST PLACES TO WORK
New work-related fatalities data from the U.K.’s Health and Safety Executive supports Great Britain's position as one of the safest places in the world to work. In 2025/26, 126 workers were killed in work-related incidents in GB which, compared to the level of fatal injuries in 35 other countries worldwide, show GB is considerably safer. Read more here

OTIS INTRODUCES GEN3 SOLUTIONS TO EMEA
Otis Worldwide Corp. recently announced the introduction of Otis Gen3™ MOD solutions in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Otis Gen3 MOD solutions are already available in the U.S., Canada and Asia. These solutions enable building owners to update their vertical mobility systems with the digitally native Otis Gen3 elevator platform for modernization projects, helping extend equipment lifespan while improving performance, reliability and passenger experience compared to their existing systems. Read more here

AI COMMUNICATION AWARD 2026 HONORS PIONEERING PROJECTS IN GERMANY
Presented during Social Media Days in Germany and hosted by Ziehl-Abegg, the AI Communication Award 2026 honored five pioneering AI projects at a ceremony in the historic medieval city of Schwäbisch Hall on July 1. A distinguished panel selected winning projects from 29 entries submitted by companies, universities and public organizations. 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 17^TH 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 17^th 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

DELCO ELEVATOR PRODUCTS is partnering with RCW CANADA! Through this new partnership, RCW Canada is now stocking Delco products at its Pickering, Ontario facility — giving elevator contractors across Eastern Canada faster local access, more efficient shipping, and convenient pickup options. This partnership is another step toward improving product availability and support for elevator contractors across the region. Contact us: delcoelevator.com or rcwcanada.ca Advertisement

SAVARIA ACQUIRES VIPAL TO ESTABLISH ELEVATOR MANUFACTURING IN EUROPE
Canada’s Savaria Corp. has announced the acquisition of all issued and outstanding shares of Vipal S.p.A., a manufacturer of residential lifts and elevators based in Ferentillo, Italy. The acquisition provides Savaria with elevator manufacturing capabilities in Europe, expanding its accessibility product offering through the addition of elevators and residential lifts. Savaria now has access to a scalable 64,600-ft² owned factory with vertically integrated operations, including in-house manufacturing of elevator shafts, cars, controllers and doors. Read more here

DEMOLITION UNDERWAY FOR FOSTER + PARTNERS SUPERTALL IN MANHATTAN
Demolition is underway at 350 Park Avenue in Manhattan, NY’s Midtown East to make way for a 1,413-ft, 64-story supertall office tower designed by Foster + Partners and developed by Vornado Realty Trust, Rudin and Ken Griffin, New York YIMBY reports. Anchor tenants will be Griffin’s Citadel and Citadel Securities, which will occupy at least 850,000 ft² of a total 1.8 million ft². The structure has an approximately 6,000-employee capacity. A 30-story midcentury tower at the site is currently shrouded in blue netting, with interior gutting likely in progress. Upon completion, which is anticipated in 2032, the supertall will cut a striking figure with seven rectangular, glass-clad volumes with rounded corners stepping back progressively as it rises. Lower setbacks will be topped by landscaped terraces offering sweeping view of Midtown East. Developers bought US$150 million of air rights from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Saint Bart’s Church, and will contribute more than US$35 million to public improvements.

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SCHMERSAL GCC EXPANDS OPERATIONS WITH 11,000-M² PUNE FACILITY
Schmersal Global Competence Center (GCC), a 100% subsidiary of Germany-headquartered Schmersal Group, announced on July 1 it expanded operations with a new facility in Pune, India. In tandem with the new campus, Schmersal debuted the Product Experience Center to showcase six new "Make in India" products, further expanding its portfolio of machine safety systems and solutions. Read more here

OTIS BRAZIL COMPLETES MODERNIZATION AT CHRIST THE REDEEMER; BEGINS PHASE 2
Otis Brazil, part of Otis Worldwide Corp., has completed comprehensive technical upgrades to the three elevators that connect visitors who access Alto Corcovado through the Corcovado Train to see Christ the Redeemer, a monument located in the Tijuca National Park, in Rio de Janeiro. Otis installed the original elevators and escalators at Christ the Redeemer in 2003 and has maintained them ever since. Now, Otis is undertaking a comprehensive modernization of both systems to enhance performance, durability and accessibility for visitors. Read more here

Register now for the Total Service webinar AI Built Into Your ERP: What It Means for Elevator Service Companies on Aug 11, 2026 09:00 AM in CST. Total Service will cover how their ERP solutions embed AI features for elevator companies, as well as the impact of AI automation on office efficiencies, staff, and field personnel. They will also lead discussions on competitive pressures to adopt AI and its impact of AI on profitability. Advertisement

NYC PPP PROJECT INCLUDES NEW ELEVATORS AT MANHATTAN SUBWAY STATION
The NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in June announced accessibility upgrades, including two new sidewalk-to-platform elevators, at the 50th Street 1 Train subway station in Midtown Manhattan. Extell, developer of a supertall at 871 Seventh Avenue, is funding improvements through the Zoning for Accessibility (ZFA) public-private partnership (PPP) program, which was adopted by the City Council in 2021. Read more here

FERMATOR TO BOOST GROWTH IN ALGERIA WITH STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
Fermator recently announced a strategic alliance with LD Azouaou in Algeria, North Africa, in which Spain-headquartered Fermator will contribute its global experience, industrial capacity and specialization in automatic elevator doors toward a new government housing plan. LD Azouaou brings deep local market knowledge and an established commercial network in Algeria. Read more here

BANGLADESH CITY’S FIRST ESCALATOR-EQUIPPED FOB IN DISREPAIR
The first escalator-equipped foot overbridge (FOB) in Chattogram, a major port city on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh, is in major disrepair after being installed by Chattogram City Corp. nearly seven years ago at a cost of nearly BDT40 million (US$324,520), Prothom Alo reports. The FOB was used for only two months after being inaugurated in January 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic prompting Chattogram City Corp. to suspend its operations amid lockdowns a short time later. 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

INDIA’S L.T. ELEVATOR APPOINTS COMPANY SECRETARY, SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
India’s L.T. Elevator Ltd. has appointed Parthiv Rameshbhai Pansuriya as its company secretary and compliance officer, and the Board of Directors appointed M/s. Himanshu SK Gupta & Associates as the secretarial auditor for the financial year 2025-26, Scanx reports. Pansuriya is a qualified company secretary and an associate member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Read more here

ESCALATOR FALL IS FATAL FOR MAN AT TORONTO MALL
An escalator fall that sources including Yahoo describe as a “freak accident” at a shopping mall in the North York District of Toronto, Canada, on June 25, left a man dead. Emergency responders arrived at the mall at approximately 5 p.m. and pronounced the man dead at the scene. Mall owners extended condolences to the victim’s loved ones and said they are fully cooperating with investigators, including the Toronto Police. An investigation by Ontario’s Technical Standards and Safety Authority told People the man’s fall had nothing to do with equipment failure. “The escalator was reportedly working as intended,” sources stated. “It’s unclear what caused the man to fall, but authorities have stated they do not believe the death was criminal in nature.”