|
ELEVATOR WORLD’s September 2026 Issue
On the Cover: "Long Way Up"
Features: Chicago: Always Evolving; CECA's 52nd Annual Convention...
Focus on Hoistway Tools, Components and Products: Traction Rope Endurance in Elevators; The Right Tools Make the Difference...
Columns: KÖHLER Elevator; The Automatic Elevator and the American Public: 1900-1920...
|
|
Subscribe or log in here to read more than 5,000+ searchable articles, news briefs, blog posts and more.
|
|
EW NOVEMBER 2026 TO FOCUS ON MODERNIZATION
ELEVATOR WORLD’s November 2026 issue will focus on Modernization (Building conversions, new products, projects, codes and more). The editorial deadline is September 15, and the advertising deadline is October 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.
PROJECT OF THE YEAR DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 15
The submission deadline for the ELEVATOR WORLD 29th Annual Project of the Year Awards has been extended to September 15. 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. |
|
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
|
|
|
IUEC LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS FROM CHRISTENSEN TO CHAPMAN
Upon the retirement of outgoing International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) General President Frank J. Christensen, leadership has transitioned to James H. Chapman III, IUEC announced. Chapman ran unopposed and was elected general president at the IUEC's 33rd Generation Convention in San Diego in August. Chapman, an IUEC Local 12 member in Kansas City, Missouri, served as IUEC assistant general president from February 2024. Prior to joining the IUEC, he earned his BA from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He was the business manager of Local 12 and has held numerous other positions within his local union, as well as numerous positions on the international union level. Read more here
VT PROVIDERS AMONG NEWSWEEK’S WORLD’S GREENEST COMPANIES 2026
Vertical-transportation (VT) manufacturers and related providers are among those to make Newsweek's 2026 World's Greenest Companies list. The ranking recognizes 850 companies across 28 countries based on an evaluation of companies' self-disclosed environmental performance, including greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation, sustainability data disclosure and commitments, observed Otis Worldwide, which is among those to make the list with "5 stars, the highest rating awarded." Otis made the list for the second consecutive year. Read more here |
|
IN MEMORIAM: COLIN CRANEY
Colin Craney, who had more than 47 years' vertical-transportation (VT) industry experience, initially in field and management roles within Otis followed by approximately 20 years in consulting, passed away in August. He was a longtime contributor to both ELEVATOR WORLD UK and its predecessor, Elevation. A consulting engineer with SVM Associates, he was a UK Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers. He was also a Chartered Safety Health Practitioner, accredited consultant on the U.K. Health and Safety Executive's Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register and a member of the Chartered Institution of Safety and Health. Craney was a barrister, having been called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. He was a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, an Accredited Mediator and a Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. Craney had been appointed in relation to hundreds of failure investigations, regulatory enforcement prosecutions, commercial claims and disputes. Areas of expertise included EU Directives, law and regulatory compliance and health and safety in the VT industry. He was a lead designer and authorizing engineer under the U.K.'s Health Technical Memorandum 08-02: Lifts, and was involved in countless modernizations of historic lifts and legal disputes involving VT. Craney's expertise and generous sharing of knowledge will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his loved ones. |
|
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
|
|
|
TKE REPORTS “EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS” FOR 3Q
Düsseldorf, Germany-headquartered TK Elevator (TKE) on August 28 reported what CEO Uday Yadav described as "exceptional results" for the third quarter (3Q) and first nine months of 2026, buoyed by strong modernization and service sales and a return to growth in new installation (NI) growth in some regions. Challenging new-construction sectors in China and South Korea were offset by NI growth led by EOX — TKE's eco-efficient and digitally native elevator platform — in North America and Europe. Yadav also highlighted the OEM's AI-enabled service delivery model in North America and the groundbreaking of the TKE ALAT elevator and escalator manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating "global momentum across TKE." In the Asia Pacific, TKE is pursuing opportunities in modernization and service and expanding its presence in high-growth markets such as India and the Middle East. Order intake was up 12% to EUR2.6 billion (US$3.01 billion) and sales grew 4% to EUR2.4 billion (US$2.78 billion), with service and modernization accounting for 66% of total 3Q sales. |
|
TÜV SÜD APPOINTS HONVÁRI AS HEAD OF LCC UNIT
TÜV SÜD has appointed Gábor Honvári as head of the global Business Unit Lifts, Cranes and Conveyors (LCC) of its Industry & Infrastructure Division. Based in Hungary, Honvári will lead the international business in this area. Honvári brings more than 20 years in various management positions at a leading manufacturer in the LCC industry, amongst others as Regional Technical director and Business manager in Central-East Europe and Quality manager of the European escalator division. He joined TÜV SÜD in 2020 as LCC hub manager Central-East Europe and has recently been appointed to Business Line manager LCC Consulting. Read more here
LAWMAKER AIMS TO EXPAND FLORIDA’S BUILDING SAFETY ACT TO INCLUDE ELEVATORS
Florida State Rep. Peggy Gossett-Siedman, R-Boca Raton, wants to expand the state’s Building Safety Act — passed after the deadly 2021 Surfside condominium collapse — to go beyond requiring inspections and certain repairs for multistory condo buildings to include elevator maintenance and timely repairs, FOX 29-TV is among outlets to report. The proposal comes after a 99-year-old Boca Raton woman was trapped in her home for three weeks because of a broken elevator. Florida’s Elevator Safety Act requires building managers to have their elevators inspected to remain in service. If they fail, no state law requires management to make repairs, which Gossett-Siedman describes as loophole. 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. https://liftbusiness.com, jeff.eaton@liftbusiness.com Advertisement
|
|
|
IN MEMORIAM: DAVID LLOYD FLINT
David Lloyd Flint, age 80, of Fenton, Michigan, passed away on August 26. He was born on June 22, 1946, in Detroit, the son of David Edgar and Meryle Clara (Cleaver) Flint. He married Sandra Jean Abraham in Detroit on September 19, 1969. He graduated from Chadsey High School in 1964 and later earned an associate degree in Electronics from Henry Ford Community College. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. In 1971, Flint began his career in the elevator industry, first as a probationary employee, then as a mechanic, and ultimately advancing into management. He retired from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2014. He was appointed by the Governor to the State of Michigan Elevator Safety Board and served on multiple code committees. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the VFW and the Linden High School Athletic and Music Booster Clubs over the years. He was passionate about the elevator industry and was known as a voracious reader. He also enjoyed playing the lottery and visiting casinos. “Most of all, David was a steadfast friend to countless people and possessed a remarkable warmth and an easy ability to connect with others.” Memorial contributions in David's memory may be made to Stand Up To Cancer or the American Diabetes Association. David is survived by his daughter, Terri (Bryan) Flint-McMahon of Fenton, a longtime member of the elevator industry and elevator program manager at the University of Michigan; and his son, David (Riann Henkel) Flint of Clarkston. |
|
KONE TO OUTFIT LUXURY MALAYSIA TOWER WITH VT AND MORE
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by Stark Development and KONE for the Finnish vertical-transportation (VT) company to provide 10 elevators, four escalators and digital solutions for Stark Tower, a new 34-story luxury development taking shape in Penang, Malaysia, Buttondown reports. The MoU will combine the developer's vision with "KONE's professional technology to create a safer, smoother and future-oriented VT system." The VT system will feature the unique, panoramic Bubble Lift that allows residents and guests to enjoy views of the surrounding area. The KONE E-LinkTM remote-monitoring platform and KONE 24/7 Connected Services promise to enhance equipment reliability and efficiency through digital monitoring and connectivity. Read more here
ELEVATOR SUPPORT CO. EXPANDS COVERAGE
Elevator Support Co., a licensed and bonded International Union of Elevator Constructors elevator contractor headquartered in Lynnwood, Washington, announced the expansion of its full-service elevator coverage across King County, including Seattle and Bellevue, The Daily Tribune News reports. The King County expansion gives building owners in Seattle, Bellevue and neighboring communities direct access to the company's range of commercial elevator services, including preventative maintenance, elevator repair, modernization, code compliance and testing, and pit waterproofing, along with safety retrofits, rope services, hydraulic systems, communication systems and machine room HVAC. As an independent contractor, Elevator Support Co.’s team of more than 30 certificated technicians can service, repair and modernize a wide range of elevator systems across King County's mix of aging mid-century buildings and newer commercial developments. 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
|
|
|
PFEIFER AND AFD JOIN FORCES
On August 14, the German-based PFEIFER DRAKO Drahtseilwerk GmbH acquired the elevator wire rope business of AFD Industries, Inc. For 30-plus years, AFD has been the exclusive North American distributor for DRAKO elevator ropes along with providing a broad range of elevator components. AFD continues as PFEIFER DRAKO Elevator LLC as a sales entity within the PFEIFER Group. Headquartered in Canton, Ohio, with a warehouse and shipping in Indiana, the team, locations and DRAKO rope products will stay the same. Beginning in 2027, PFEIFER DRAKO Elevator LLC will focus on serving the elevator wire rope market with DRAKO elevator wire ropes only. AFD's remaining inventory of rails, clips, pumps and other non-wire-rope products will be available during the rest of 2026 while supplies last. These product lines will not be replenished as inventory is sold. “Together, PFEIFER DRAKO Drahtseilwerk GmbH and AFD Industries, Inc. are building on more than three decades of trusted partnership to bring even greater strength, reliability and expertise to the North American elevator wire rope market — ensuring customers continue to receive the quality and service they depend on for years to come,” the company said. |
|
T&T CENTRAL VIETNAM AND NIDEC ELEVATOR SIGN AGREEMENT
On August 22, T&T Central Vietnam Elevator Co. Ltd. and Nidec Elevator (Qingdao) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Nidec Group, held a signing ceremony for a strategic cooperation agreement in which Nidec Elevator Corp. will share product information, technical solutions, experience and expertise tailored to the needs of each project and T&T Central Vietnam Elevator will act as a local coordinator, connecting information and coordinating between Nidec and investors on suitable opportunities, Vietnam.VN reports. Both sides also plan to organize guidance programs, technical training, solution presentations, project visits and other professional activities. T&T Central Vietnam Elevator is the official distributor of Nidec Elevator products and participates in consulting, installation, warranty and maintenance services in the domestic market. Read more here
MID-AMERICAN MODERNIZES THREE ELEVATORS FOR MTA IN QUEENS
The NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) tells ELEVATOR WORLD Chicago-based Mid-American Elevator modernized three elevators at the Jamaica-179th Street F subway station in Queens, NY, unveiled in late August. The elevator design-builder was Forte-Gramercy JV. The addition of these three units brings the total number of elevator replacements MTA has completed in 2026 to 20. Serving more than 13,000 daily riders, the modernized elevators connect the street to the mezzanine, the mezzanine to the Manhattan-bound F train platform and the mezzanine to the terminal. Work included full replacement of the elevator cabs, shafts and pits, along with new head house glass and a canopy at street level. The machine room and electrical and mechanical equipment were upgraded, as well as the remote-monitoring equipment, fire alarm system, intercom system and security cameras. |
|
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
|
|
|
L.T. ELEVATOR TO ACQUIRE MAJORITY STAKE IN KOREAN PARKING TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
India’s L.T. Elevator Ltd. has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire a 66.45% stake in South Korea-based Dongyang PC Inc. (DYPC), as the elevator maker seeks to expand into automated parking and urban mobility solutions, Smallcap Spotlight reports. The agreement also provides for a share buyback by DYPC following the closing of the transaction. The Korean company will acquire and cancel the 500,000 shares currently held by a Saudi investor within 60 days of closing. If the buyback and cancellation are completed, DYPC is expected to become a wholly owned subsidiary of L.T. Elevator. L.T. Elevator said the acquisition will combine DYPC’s technology and intellectual property with L.T.’s manufacturing capabilities and cost advantage. Read more here
HITACHI ELEVATOR CHINA EXPANDS MODERNIZATION BUSINESS TO MORE THAN 300 CITIES
Hitachi Elevator (China) Co., part of Japan's Hitachi Ltd., has expanded its elevator modernization business to more than 300 cities across China, with more than 18,000 such projects completed, South reports. Updating old residential elevators has been a key initiative of the Chinese government since 2024, with more than US$4.6 billion in government bonds allocated to support 197,000 elevator modernizations. At Hitachi China's Dashi factory in Guangzhou, AI has been integrated throughout the manufacturing process to enhance efficiency and product quality. Demand for high-quality, reliable residential elevators is expected to grow as the Chinese real-estate industry enters a phase of "better housing construction," according to Tan Xianguang, general manager of Quality Assurance at Hitachi Elevator China. Read more here |
|
Hilliard offers its customers two styles of spring applied electric released brakes that can be easily fitted to "A" frame elevator drives. These brakes are designed to apply when unintended travel of the car occurs. Hilliard offers a friction disc plate-style brake that attaches to the drive shaft of the pulley and a caliper-style that acts on a ring attached to the pulley. These brakes are an alternative to a rope gripper when performing a modernization job which requires lifting or moving a drive or extra construction to the elevator. Hilliard offers certain models of these two styles of brakes that meet CSA approval. For more information, visit www.hilliardcorp.com Advertisement
|
|
|
ALIMAK GROUP’S CLIMATE TARGETS APPROVED BY THE SBTi
Alimak Group announced its climate targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an independent validation the Sweden-based company's emissions-reduction targets are aligned with the latest climate science and support the ambition of limiting global warming to 1.5˚C. The SBTi has approved these targets for the vertical-access and working-at-height equipment manufacturer: reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 65% by 2031 from a 2019 base year and reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions by 55% for SEK value added by 2031 from a 2023 base year. Read more here |
|
Enhance your elevator interiors with Inpro’s fully wrapped cab panels. We believe durability shouldn’t compromise design. Made with Palladium® Rigid Vinyl Sheet, our panels resist damage, endure daily wear, and maintain a high-end finish. Trust Inpro for durable, design-forward solutions that last. Advertisement
|
|
|
INDIA’S ODYSSEY ELEVATORS INAUGURATES EXPERIENCE CENTRE
India’s Odyssey Elevators has officially inaugurated its new Corporate Experience Centre in Lucknow, marking a significant milestone in the brand's expansion across North India, Big News Network reports. The new Experience Centre offers visitors live demonstrations of Odyssey Elevators' home elevator solutions, showcasing the brand's technology that requires no pit, no machine room and minimal civil work. Odyssey Elevators is known for its European-inspired engineering, customizable panoramic cabins, energy-efficient electric technology, whisper-quiet performance and strong nationwide service network. The new Experience Centre is designed to help homeowners, architects and developers explore a wide range of premium home elevator solutions tailored to modern residences. With this expansion, Odyssey Elevators aims to strengthen its presence across North Indian markets, offering end-to-end services including site assessment, customized design consultation, installation and maintenance support. |
|
Choose the original C-Series Barricades—lightweight, ultra-durable and designed to fit compact service vehicles. Made from rigid, high-visibility plastic, they require no assembly and unfold quickly for reliable setup every time. Available in multiple sizes, with custom graphics to meet your specific needs. https://www.lustreproducts.com/safety-barricades/ Advertisement
|
|
|
VISTOP ELEVATOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAUNCHED
China’s Lianyungang Vistop Technology Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of its international business under the VISTOP Elevator brand. Founded in June 2026, the company is developing partnerships with elevator distributors, engineering companies and property developers serving international projects. VISTOP supplies passenger elevators, home lifts, stairlifts, hydraulic platforms and elevator spare parts. In addition to equipment supply, the company supports elevator modernization planning, installation coordination and international shipping. The company states that project requirements, technical specifications and applicable CE or EAC documentation are confirmed according to the selected product model and destination before an order is finalized. Read more here
PLANNED BIRMINGHAM, U.K., TOWER TO BE CITY’S TALLEST
Plans have been submitted for a 53-story tower in Birmingham, U.K., containing more than 700 homes next to Curzon Street station, Building reports. The 42 High Street scheme, designed by Squire & Partners for developer Bluecastle Capital, would be built on the site of a former Marks & Spencer’s store that has been earmarked for development in the city’s Central Heart plan. The building, which would become the tallest in Birmingham if constructed, would contain 729 build-to-rent apartments and 3,200 ft2 of retail space at street level. Read more here |
|
See the newest from Forms+Surfaces at NAEC 2026. Visit booth #140 to discover LEVELm Elevator Interiors, a streamlined approach to elevator interiors with a simplified installation process designed for more straightforward execution in the field. See LEVELm in person and explore the system with our team. Learn More: https://bit.ly/4gxskHy Advertisement
|
|
|
AI IMPLEMENTED IN SOUTH KOREA TO CURB ESCALATOR MISHAPS
The city of Busan, South Korea, is piloting a smart escalator safety platform at Centum City Station that uses AI to detect risky behavior in real time and warn riders, Seoul Economic Daily reports. Busan plans to demonstrate the technology together with the Korea Elevator Safety Agency and Busan Transportation Corp. to assess how the system works in the field. Using AI video analysis, the system detects five risky behaviors: failing to hold onto the handrail, running/walking, leaning out, moving against the direction of travel and pushing strollers/carrying luggage. Exhibiting any of these behaviors triggers warning lights and voice announcements. Read more here |
|
Unlimited Choices. Unmatched Quality. For over 50 years, Innovation Industries has set the standard for any elevator push button and fixture need, all dedicated to the highest quality design and manufacturing practices. Made in the USA in state-of-the-art facilities located in the heart of America, you can count on Innovation to provide the products you need with the industry’s shortest lead times. Advertisement
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
Post a Comment