|
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. |
|
Haider Drive Traction Elevator Machines, brought to you by Delco Elevator Products. CSA-approved and fully code-compliant across the U.S. and Canada, with 10–12 week lead times, a dedicated project manager, and a 5-year warranty. Available in geared and gearless models for both overhead and basement applications. Choose Haider Drive and get 10% OFF Delco's in-stock elevator components. Catalog 2026 | Website | 1.866.900.3727 | info@delcoelevator.com Advertisement
|
|
|
KONE AND TKE SEEK CCI APPROVAL FOR MERGER IN INDIA
KONE and TK Elevator (TKE) have sought the competition regulators' nod for the India leg of their proposed global merger, The Economic Times reports. According to a summary of the proposed transaction submitted to the Competition Commission of India (CCI), KONE proposes to acquire sole control over TKE. The filing identifies horizontal overlaps between KONE and TKE in India across "new installation, services, maintenance and repair and modernization of elevators and escalators." KONE has roughly a quarter of India’s elevator market, according to market estimates. According to the source, the parties claim this transaction does not create any actual vertical relationship between them and "does not raise a risk of an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India, irrespective of how the relevant markets are defined." Finland's KONE announced the acquisition of Germany's TKE through a cash-and-share transaction in April 2026.
INNOVATION INDUSTRIES WELCOMES NEW NORTHEAST SALES MANAGER
Innovation Industries, headquartered in Russellville, Arkansas, recently welcomed Mike Hogan as its new outside sales manager for the Northeast. In announcing the hire, the company said Hogan's deep knowledge of the industry, strong partnerships and dedication to growth make him a great fit. Hogan joins Innovation Industries, which sells elevator fixtures, push buttons and cab accessories, from MEI-Total Elevator Solutions, where he handled Northeast sales. Read more here |
|
RISE EXPANDS CAPABILITIES FOR NEW PHASE OF INTERNATIONAL GROWTH
RISE Elevator Technology, a Hong Kong- and Shenzhen-based one-stop supplier and technical solutions partner for elevator and escalator parts, multi-brand drive repair and refurbishment and modernization projects, announced it has entered a new phase of international growth, expanding its components and drive-repair capabilities to serve a broader range of customer requirements across control systems, modernization and digital solutions. The expanded platform connects China's manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities with a growing base of international customers, and RISE has built a commercial footprint across Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. Read more here
LIFT & ESCALATOR TECHNOLOGIES SYMPOSIUM: HONG KONG ISSUES CALL FOR PAPERS
The Lift & Escalator Symposium Educational Trust, organizer of the Lift & Escalator Technologies Symposium: Hong Kong, planned for May 18-19, 2027, at the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbor View Hotel, has issued a call for papers. Submissions of abstracts of up to 300 words are welcomed from professionals, academics and postgraduate students. The timeline is as follows: November 30, 2026: abstract submission; December 31, 2026: notification of acceptance; January 31 2027: submit extended (six-page) abstract or full (10-page) paper; February 28, 2027: notification of acceptance of full paper; and March 31, 2027: Submit final paper incorporating reviewer comments and feedback. 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
|
|
|
MITSUBISHI ELEVATOR, QUIKBOT SIGN AGREEMENT FOR ROBOT INTEGRATION
Mitsubishi Elevator (Singapore) and QuikBot Technologies, a Singapore-based robotics and physical AI company, have signed a collaboration agreement to integrate Mitsubishi’s elevators and building systems with QuikBot’s QuikSync software in Singapore, Tech in Asia reports. QuikSync aims to let approved autonomous systems interact with building infrastructure under defined safety and operating policies. It manages identity, authentication, permissions, runtime governance, secure orchestration and operational traceability. Mitsubishi will retain final authority over the safety, integrity and operation of its elevators and building systems. The companies said they plan more joint pilots, reference deployments and customer applications in Singapore. Target use cases include delivery, cleaning, security, inspection and healthcare with support for autonomous systems from different manufacturers.
COMPLII NAMES OLIVER DIVISIONAL SALES DIRECTOR — LIFTS
Complii, one of the U.K.'s leading providers of building safety and regulatory compliance services, announced it has named Martin Oliver as divisional sales director — Lifts. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the recently launched division, which has expanded rapidly following the acquisition of Classic Lifts (Scotland) Ltd., The Escalator Co., White Lift Services and, most recently, The General Lift Co. A seasoned vertical-transportation industry professional, Oliver will lead the Lifts and Escalator Division's sales strategy with a focus on onboarding recently acquired businesses, gathering key accounts and driving sustainable growth across the division. Oliver previously served as director of Operations for Lerch Bates Europe and held managing director positions with KLEEMANN Group UK and Guideline Life Service Ltd. |
|
THUNDERBIRD ELEVATOR WELCOMES SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Thunderbird Elevator & Building Services, recently launched in Dallas-Fort Worth by industry veteran John Nyquist, welcomes Sharon Arce as sales and business development director. Expressing appreciation for the customers, consultants, property managers and facility teams she has worked with over the years, Arce said she looks forward to "bringing my experience, relationships and passion for taking care of customers to an independent company that is committed to doing things the right way." Arce joins Thunderbird from Otis, where she most recently served as senior manager of modernization sales in Fort Worth. Read more here
OTIS CEO JUDY MARKS TO SPEAK AT MORGAN STANLEY CONFERENCE
Otis Chair, President and CEO Judy Marks will participate in a fireside chat at the 14th annual Laguna Conference investor and business event hosted by Morgan Stanley in Dana Point/Laguna Beach, California, on September 17 at 3:20 p.m. EDT. The fireside chat will be broadcast live on the Otis website. 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
|
|
|
TKE TARGETS SPAIN MARKET WITH EOX REBUILD MODERNIZATION SOLUTION
TK Elevator (TKE) is focusing on Spain — where half of the elevators are more than 20 years old — with the recently launched EOX Rebuild elevator solution, Demócrata reports. Designed specifically to replace and comprehensively update aging lifts, the natively digital EOX Rebuild features energy efficiency, digital connectivity and advanced accessibility — a response to an aging population and a greater emphasis on safety, sustainability and accessibility as the country's large lift stock ages. According to the Spanish Federation of Elevators, Spain has approximately 24 elevators for every 1,000 inhabitants, "one of the highest rates in the world." The country has more than one million installed elevators. TKE Southern Europe and Africa CEO Petro MartÃn observed modernization of such a large elevator stock requires "solutions that adapt to the existing reality and not the other way around."
FORTE COMPLETES ELEVATOR PROJECT AT BUSY NYC MTA SUBWAY STATION
Islandia, NY-headquartered Forte Construction Corp., a general contractor specializing in major public works projects throughout NYC, recently announced it replaced four elevators at the MTA's 74th Street-Broadway-Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue MTA subway station — the ninth busiest within the system. Chicago's Mid-American Elevator was the subcontractor on all four elevators. Beyond serving more than 15 million riders annually, the station connects to some of NYC's most notable destinations such as Citi Field, LaGuardia Airport, Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Elevator replacement was delivered through two separate MTA accessibility contracts strategically sequenced to maintain elevator service and accessibility throughout construction. Forte completed the first two elevator replacements in collaboration with MTA and lead designer Goldman Copeland as part of the multiyear 19 Elevators Project that reached substantial completion over the summer. Building on this work, Forte-Gramercy JV, together with lead designer Stantec, replaced to additional elevators at the station as part of the ongoing 37 Elevators project. |
|
PAKISTAN’S HUB ELEVATOR PROVIDES FREESTANDING GLASS ELEVATOR FOR PHARMA FACILITY
Pakistan’s Hub Elevator successfully designed, fabricated and installed a fully freestanding glass elevator structure for Aspin Pharma, delivering a customized solution for the pharmaceutical facility without attaching the elevator structure to the existing Pre-Engineered Building (PEB), IssueWire reports. Hub Elevator developed a self-supporting elevator structure built on its own independent foundation and structural steel framework. The design eliminates load transfer to the existing PEB, allowing the elevator to carry its own vertical, lateral, dynamic and wind loads. Read more here
KONE ACHIEVES PLATINUM GREEN LABEL IN INDONESIA
KONE announced on September 3 it achieved Platinum Green Label in Indonesia, the highest rating awarded by Green Product Council Indonesia. "This recognition highlights the growing role of smart people flow solutions in supporting Indonesia's journey toward more sustainable urban development," KONE observed. The Platinum Label recognizes higher standards in circular economy practices, including using recycled materials and being responsible for end-of-life product management. 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
|
|
|
IN-ELEVATOR AD SCREENS TRIGGER BACKLASH
In-elevator advertising is triggering backlash among some Reddit posters, who feel it is intrusive, alienating and making them less likely to purchase the advertisers’ products, The Cool Down reports. Although at least one person said they do not mind the ads, most expressed anger, going so far as to say such ads “fill me with rage” and annoy them “so much that it is a guarantee I will never use the business advertised because my first impression of the business is a severely negative one.” In-elevator ad screens are joining similar advertising on gas pumps, self-checkout screens, streaming platforms and other places, resulting in “marketing following people everywhere,” the source noted. Property managers and advertisers are rethinking allowing advertising in such locations as they weigh whether “short-term ad income can come with reputational costs if people feel trapped into watching.”
GERMAN SHIP ELEVATOR SPECIALIST LUTZ RESTRUCTURES LEADERSHIP
LUTZ Aufzüge, which has been developing ship elevator systems from its headquarters in Reinbeck, Germany, since 1927, has restructured its executive leadership, marking the start of a generational transition. Majority shareholder Hans Martin Lutz is stepping back from day-to-day management to join the company's advisory board. Andreas Hönnige joined the company as chief technical officer on August 5. As of September 1, Moritz Petsch took over as chief financial officer, succeeding Christian Gmelin, who retired on May 1. Marcello Pantke remains on the executive board and additionally takes on the role of company spokesperson. Read more here |
|
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
|
|
|
NYC OFFICE-TO-RESIDENTIAL CONVERSIONS GO FROM NICHE TO MAINSTREAM
A New York Times analysis shows that NYC office-to-residential conversions — which took off during the pandemic when demand for office space slumped — have picked up steam recently, with the city issuing permits for 74 projects so far this year. Those projects are set to yield approximately 10,100 new homes, putting a dent in the estimated 700,000 new homes the city estimates it needs in the coming decade. Permits issued for conversions in 2026 represent about a third of all new housing permits, "showing how quickly New York is embracing residential conversions." 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
|
|
|
HYUNDAI ELEVATOR RUNS “LIFE SHARING CAMPAIGN”
Hyundai Elevator held its "2026 Life Sharing Campaign" at its Seoul office in Yeonji-dong and its Smart Campus in Chungju, South Korea, The Herald Business reports. The campaign centered on blood donation and the making of Hickman pouches for children with pediatric cancer. (A Hickman pouch is a protective cover used to manage the catheter tube through which chemotherapy drugs are administered.) The finished pouches will be donated to the Korea Leukemia Children's Foundation. A total of 56 employees took part in the blood drive, while 83 joined the blood donation certificate drive and the Hickman pouch making and donation activities. Read more here |
|
Deploy IP cameras, intercoms, displays, and emergency communications in elevator cabins using existing coax or 2-wire infrastructure. Reduce costs, avoid traveler cable modification, minimize disruption, and accelerate project timelines. Deliver reliable power and data with up to 24 times the reach of standard network solutions. Learn more Advertisement
|
|
|
VT REPAIRS FINALLY UNDERWAY AT SCOTLAND SHOPPING CENTER
Repairs of Kingsgate Shopping Centre’s faulty vertical-transportation (VT) equipment — including escalators linking the lower mall to Starbucks and an accessible lift between Queen Anne Street and the shopping center — are finally underway, with approximately three more months of further disruption in store, Dunfermline Press reports. The VT equipment serving the popular shopping center in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, has been problematic, with a disabled shopper using a walker becoming trapped in the Queen Anne Street lift for approximately 20 min last year and a pair of elderly women falling on the escalators between the mall and Starbucks earlier this year. Read more here |
|
Looking to maximize elevator door performance? Upgrade to the MOVFR 3 Next-Gen Door Operator from GAL for reliable, quiet and precise performance. Featuring a 1/2 HP motor, quick plug-and-play installation, and seamless closed-loop operation. Perfect for demanding applications. Works with all OEM and independent cabs and doors with optical closed loop feedback. Experience intelligent design and proven reliability. Learn more at www.vantageelevation.com/movfr3-harmonic-door-operator/ Advertisement
|
|
|
PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT ALLOWS FOR MITSUBISHI UNITS IN PETRA GROUP PROJECTS
On August 31, Mitsubishi signed a memorandum of strategic partnership with Tbilisi, Georgia-based Petra Group where Mitsubishi elevators will be installed in Petra Group’s ongoing mountain and coastal projects: Petra Sea Resort and Petra Ski Resort, Georgia Today reports. As the first stage of the partnership, an agreement was signed for the purchase of 15 elevators for three buildings in Tsikhisdziri, Georgia. The number of elevators and their technical specifications for the projects were determined based on a traffic-flow analysis conducted for the buildings to ensure the efficient movement of people while minimizing waiting times. Read more here
METEOR LIFT NOW PRODUCING FREQUENCY CONVERTERS
METEOR Lift, a former division of the Otis Elevator Co. in Russia that was acquired by S8 Capital Holding in 2022, has launched the production of frequency converters in St. Petersburg — a component that until recently was not manufactured in Russia, according to the company's press service and reported by www1.ru. The new production line at the St. Petersburg plant is designed for 20,000 units per year. The product line includes four types of converters for elevators with a lifting capacity of 400, 450, 630 and 1000 kg, with a speed range of 1 to 1.75 m/s. Read more here |
|
Register now for the Argus Elevator webinar on Elevator Pit Flood Protection on September 15, 2026 01:00 PM CST. Presented by Argus Elevator will cover how Pit Flood Protection works, where it is required by code, and how to choose the right solution for your elevator. Advertisement
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
Post a Comment