ELENET 875

Issue 875 | 1/27/2021

To advertise in the above space and reach 19,000 subscribers, contact [email protected].

Like reading ELENET? Give us a review on Google or Facebook!

ELEVATOR WORLD’S January Issue

Features: 2021 Project of the Year winners; Subir & Bajar’s Golden Anniversary

Focus on Safety: A Nudge in the Right Direction; Electronic Inspections Are Making Elevators Safer; Engineering for Safety; Taking the Highway to Safety; The Importance of Maintenance

Columns: A Woman in Welding; ISO Approves New Standard; Miller’s Patent Screw Hoisting Machine; Escalator Fractal Behavior, Part Three

Current Online Extras

Start your subscription today

Buy this issue

EW FOCUSES ON CABS AND CAB ACCESSORIES: ELEVATOR WORLD’s April issue will focus on Cabs and Cab Accessories. There will also be a Special Advertising Section on COVID-19 products and a Continuing Education article. Bonus distribution of the issue is planned for the International Association of Elevator Consultants Forum NYC and the International Sourcing Exposition for Elevators and Escalators in India. The deadline for editorial submissions is February 15. To participate or for more information, contact the EW editorial department at phone: 251-479-4514, ext. 30 or [email protected]. To advertise, contact ext. 38 or [email protected].

THYSSENKRUPP MAINTAINING UNIVERSITY OF SEVILLE VT SYSTEM: thyssenkrupp Elevator is providing maintenance, including predictive maintenance, for the vertical-transportation (VT) system at the University of Seville in southern Spain, the OEM announced on January 19. The contract covers 161 passenger elevators, 22 small freight elevators, eight platform lifts and 22 chairlifts. The company credits its cloud-based, digital solution MAX with helping secure the contract, which has been in place since June 2020. The university's maintenance department praised MAX for enabling constant monitoring, and predicting and preventing breakdowns. According to thyssenkrupp Elevator, the university "combines future-oriented technology like [MAX] with tradition and architectural highlights like the university's main building," known as the Old Tobacco Factory and dating to the 1700s.

Prysmian Group completes the acquisition of EHC Global, paving the way for the creation of the new Elevator & Escalator Business Unit. Draka Elevator and EHC Global are both well-established and respected companies with nearly 80 years of combined experience and leadership in the global vertical transportation industry. We hold similar principles and values and share a common vision and passion for developing innovative and sustainable solutions that optimize safety, enhance value, and meet the most challenging demands of the Industry. Contact your local sales representative to learn more about our combined offerings. Visit us online at www.drakaelevator.com and www.ehc-global.com. Stronger Together!

ELEVATOR INDUSTRY THIRD COVID-19 SURVEY RESULTS ANALYSIS: Elevator World, Inc., the German elevator association VFA Interlift e.V. and fair organizer AFAG, in association with Credit Suisse, recently shared results of its third survey of elevator industry representatives on current industry status and future business outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey received 600 responses, compared with the 572 in the second iteration (ELENET 861) and 550 in the first. Credit Suisse Managing Director and Head of European Capital Goods Equity Research André Kukhnin assisted with preparation of a chart analysis, including breakdowns by country, of the results, including responses on the risk of rising raw materials costs to businesses in 2021.

For the first time, the release of the results was followed by a webinar in which approximately 200 people participated, hosted by Kukhnin; Achim Hütter, chairman, VFA-interlift; and Henning Könicke, CEO, AFAG. They shared further insight and information, observing that initiatives such as the surveys promise to “put vertical-transportation (VT) on the map as one of the most resilient in the industrial world” and that there is a “clear divide and fork in the road regarding how VT companies will monetize IoT.” Könicke provided an overview of upcoming industry events around the world, and the trio said their aim is to increase the number of survey participants and countries covered. Additional observations include:

Assessment of the current situation clearly improved further in Q4 2020 across all regions and across the supply chain.
The outlook for the next six months gradually moved to a less cautious stance, but with significant variations across regions and the supply chain.
Consultants are more positive than associations.
Businesses are more optimistic about increasing employment, with the most marked improvement seen in the Middle East.
The competitive situation assessment remains cautious but has become slightly less so versus the October 2020 survey.
Employment prospects remain positive and improved further globally.
Uncertainty over economic policy remains the key limited factor, while others have generally abated.
Raw materials inflation is now seen as a significant risk by 80% of respondents.

EEA Solutions Inc. HOLO LIFT - This touchless Holographic and Voice-activated Elevator COP and Hall Station provides users with a safe, zero-contact interaction while reducing the risk of exposure to germs, viruses and bacteria. Hands-free and germ-free elevator ride. Versatile and easy to install, adaptable to interface with any OEM controller. Elevator code compliance ASME A17.5-2019/CSA B44.1-19. HOLO LIFT means a cost-effective strategy to retrofit your existing elevator portfolio and enhance your modernization and construction offerings. For more information, please visit our website www.eea-solutions.com

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC OPENS BOSTON-AREA, SAN FRANCISCO OFFICES: Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc., headquartered in Cypress, California, has expanded its presence in the Northeast with a location at 6 Gill Street in Woburn, Massachusetts, various news outlets, including BOLLYINSIDE, report. Cummings Properties brokered the deal for the 4,500-ft² space, which houses offices and storage. Mitsubishi Electric recently moved into the area to support its two spiral escalators at Wynn Encore Boston Harbor casino (ELENET 723) and has since secured several other large local projects, according to Mike Eden, eastern region director of the company's elevator/escalator division. The location's proximity to downtown Boston, Eden said, "is ideal for our employees, and we also have many vendors and suppliers in the area."

The company is also opening an office in downtown San Francisco, its second in Northern California, the company said on January 26. “Opening an office in downtown San Francisco felt like a natural progression for our division,” said Erik Moeller, western region manager of Mitsubishi Electric's elevator and escalator division. The office is located at 601 Montgomery Street, Suite 770. Other offices are in Dallas; San Diego; Seattle; Honolulu; Las Vegas; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; and Tampa.

CECA POSTPONES HALIFAX EVENT, LOOKS TO MONTREAL IN 2022: The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) has postponed its 2021 Halifax convention to June 2023. The CECA Board of Directors said the decision, announced in January, was based on Nova Scotia COVID-19 regulations regarding in-person meetings and a mandated two-week quarantine for anyone entering the province, continued closure of the U.S.-Canada border, fewer flights to and from Nova Scotia, company travel restrictions and hesitancy to resume air travel, the increase in COVID-19 numbers in Canada and delay in vaccine rollout and availability. In lieu of the Halifax convention, CECA said it is planning regional meetings with more travel options "to offer our members a chance to get together and experience that cozy Canadian feeling — should regulations allow." The association plans its next full convention in June 2022 in Montreal to celebrate its 50th anniversary. CECA was incorporated in Montreal in 1972.

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 [email protected] or visit us online at www.mvtinc.com.

KONE EXECUTIVE BOARD CHANGES, NEW MD IN WESTERN EUROPE: KONE recently announced changes on its executive board and a new managing director (MD) of Belgium and Luxembourg. Johannes Frände was appointed executive vice president (EVP), general counsel and a member of the executive board. Based in Espoo, Finland, Frände reports directly to KONE President and CEO Henrik Ehrnrooth. He succeeds Klaus Cawén, who is focusing on non-executive duties after nearly 40 years of service. Cawén will support Frände in the transition through March and will continue as an executive advisor through April 1. The acquisitions team that currently reports to Cawén will transfer to the finance team, reporting to EVP and Chief Financial Officer Ilkka Hara. Thomas Hinnerskov has been appointed EVP for South Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), starting April 1. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Hinnerskov will continue as a member of the executive board, reporting to Ehrnrooth. He succeeds Pierre Liautaud, who is retiring from the board after serving 10 years as EVP for South EMEA. Axel Berkling has been appointed EVP for central and north Europe, succeeding Hinnserskov. Based in Hamburg, Germany, Berkling will report to Ehrnrooth. KONE also named Ilse Vanderlocht the new managing director of Belgium and Luxembourg. She succeeds Pascal Lekeu, who is assuming new responsibility within the France leadership team.

TOWERS, ACCESS TO SUBWAY PROMOTED IN VANCOUVER: Plans to improve an area of Vancouver include a proposed pair of towers at the intersection of Cambie Street and West 41st Avenue, and a new, addtional entrance from the street to an underground portion of the Canada Line, Daily Hive reported on January 20. The Cambie Corridor Plan calls for a high-density development, with towers on the city blocks radiating from the intersection. Under the Cambie Corridor Plan, this area is designated for a pair of high rises reaching up to 305 ft and 31 stories. It would include retail and restaurant space on the ground level, three office levels and the remainder as residential. Improved access to the transit trains is urged as a way to let pedestrians in the Cambie/West 41st area gain more access into and out of the underground station. The current existing station features a staircase, an up-only escalator and an elevator, but plans call for additional escalators and other improvements to the area.

Elevator Systems Inc. (Garden City, NY), a respected leader in elevator control systems for more than 45 years, is hiring a Senior Technology professional to develop and execute product enhancements and new product development strategies. Click Elevator Systems for information.

BLAIN HYDRAULICS OPENS SHANGHAI LOCATION: Blain Hydraulics GmbH has opened a location in Shanghai in an effort to expand its footprint in China, the company announced. The move came within five years of the German supplier expanding in India, Turkey, Brazil and the U.S. Marking 50 years in business in 2021, Blain aims "to expand further and tap the hydraulic elevator segment in China and East Asia, facilitating the availability of products, spare parts, technical support and hydraulic elevator planning and consulting services to OEMs and other lift companies locally." The new location is in Suite 12C, Huibao Plaza, Hunan Road, 2633 Pudong, Shanghai 201315 and can be reached at phone: 86-21-6803-6528.

PLANS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW OF OAKLAND OFFICE TOWER: Plans for a proposed office high rise at 415 20th Street in Downtown Oakland are set to be submitted to the city's Design Review Committee, San Francisco YIMBY reported on January 15. If approved, the 622-ft-tall building would be the tallest in California outside Los Angeles or San Francisco. As proposed, the 38-story tower will offer 862,050 ft² of office space and include a two-story lobby connected to a landscaped, public courtyard. As envisioned, it will have 30 elevators, with 24 units — eight each for lower, middle and upper office levels — set aside for offices. Two external and four internal units will be dedicated to an open-air sixth-floor landscaped terrace that provides views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline. The plans include parking for 108 bicycles and 262 vehicles. Plans are to be submitted for review on January 27. Kendall Heaton Associates is the architect of record, and Pickard Chilton is listed as a design consultant.

Lift Business Advisors, Inc. the proven choice for independent elevator companies has successfully represented the sellers of more than 65 elevator contractors and suppliers of various sizes in the elevator industry to a broad range of acquiring companies. Since inception in 1998 we have provided hands-on support for companies seeking to grow their business and implement best practices that will improve profitability in the near term and optimize value when pursuing an eventual exit. We also provide valuation services for banking, transfer of ownership and preparation for a sale. If you are considering the sale of your business, implementing improvements, or need a valuation, please contact Jeff Eaton for a confidential discussion and complementary strategic review. www.liftbusiness.com, [email protected]

IRAN ELEVATOR INDUSTRY BOOSTS INTERNAL PRODUCTION: Iran, currently facing economic sanctions, has improved its internal production of elevator parts, while reducing its imports to about US$100 million worth of materials, parts and manufacturing equipment, Financial Tribune reported on January 19. Abbas Abrishami, president of Iran's National Elevators, Escalators and Related Services Union, said the country has improved its internal production, noting, “At present, we have succeeded in manufacturing 75% of the industry’s required spare parts domestically." Imports for Iran's elevator production are about 50% of what the country brought in during 2018-2019. Abrishami expects elevator industry exports to reach US$200 million by fiscal 2025-2026. The country's elevator production capacity is 80,000 per year, but recession has forced a significant decline in output. The source said Iran has about 750,000 elevators operating, with about 250 million riders each day.

CHICAGO’S URBAN ELEVATOR SERVICE GAINS INVESTOR: Chicago-based Urban Elevator Service, LLC announced on January 21 that Chicago-based private investment firm Skydeck Capital is taking a minority stake in the company, one of the largest independent elevator companies in the U.S. The company will continue to operate autonomously under existing leadership, which includes co-CEOs Rene Hertsberg and Tim Cook. Urban Elevator has provided installation, modernization, repair and maintenance services to clients in the commercial, residential, educational, retail and other sectors for more than 35 years. Providing financial and operational support, the partnership with Skydeck “will allow the company to maintain its industry leadership in current markets, as well as grow its footprint of more than 180 employees serving customers in six states.” Maven Group, of Naples, Florida, facilitated the transaction.

THE SLIM SAFETY BARRIER is a more flexible barrier that’s ideal for today’s downsized service vehicles. Its lightweight, space-saving design and built-in shoulder strap make it convenient. The full flat-bottom edge, suction cups and multi-panel, accordion-fold configuration make it effective. Learn more about the Slim Safety Barrier at AdamsElevator.com/barrier.

FIRST TOWER IN EGYPT'S NAC COMPLETED: Egypt's New Administrative Capital (NAC) C08 building, built by China State Construction Engineering Corp. (CSCEC), is the area's first tower to complete, Middle East Monitor reported on January 14. The C08, a twin high rise to C07, had the final piece of its curtain wall installed in early January. CSCEC launched the work in 2017 after it won a US$3-billion contract from Egyptian officials to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing to build 20 towers in the NAC's business district, including the Iconic Tower, which, when it tops out at 385 m, will be the tallest building in Africa. By the end of this year, all Egyptian ministries are scheduled to be transferred from nearby Cairo to the NAC. Some 50,000 employees will make the move after being evaluated for "skills in Arabic and English, personal skills and computers through international programs," reported the Egypt Independent.

REBUILT, MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR NYC BUS TERMINAL PLANNED: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey aims to rebuild its 70-year-old bus terminal at 625 Eighth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, a project that will cost billions and unfold through 2030, ABC 7 was among outlets to report in January. Supported by both New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, the plan involves getting rid of the terminal's "aging tile floors, creaky escalators and creepy corridors" and replacing them with state-of-the-art facilities spread over 1 million ft², with features such as new storage and staging areas for an all-electric bus fleet. Also on the drawing board are four commercial towers of unspecified height and more than three acres of public green space. Expanded in 1981, the terminal has become the world's busiest.

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 [email protected] / 561-225-3320 or Bill Beaury at [email protected] / 239-253-4500; www.mavenelevator.com

MANCHESTER, U.K., PLANNED TOWER APPROVAL DRAWS COMPLAINTS: Residents in Manchester, U.K., have complained after the council expressed support for a 55-story student tower, Manchester Evening News reported on January 20. Hundreds of people living nearby have, for several years, been fighting the GBP130-million (US$177-million) proposal, which would open 853 rooms in the student tower. Complaints have criticized what they call a "tombstone" design with a windowless side, as well as how the target would change the residential makeup. The University of Manchester has spoken against the plan, but the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) is now speaking in support. Foes say the MMU staff would have parking passes on the site. In a statement, MMU said its position changed after "rigorous" assessment of the proposals, as well as other considerations. An application is due to be considered by Manchester Council's planning committee for the first time, with the council being "minded for approval" by planning officers.

INDIA CAMPUS PLANNING ELEVATORS: The operator of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) are planning to install elevators in the structures to improve accessibility to elderly and disabled visitors, Ahmedabad Mirror reported on January 22. The structure, called an “iconic campus,” includes geometrical forms, a grand plaza and the Vikram Sarabhai library. The school is planning elevators in its "legacy buildings" that have four floors. Many seniors, as well as students with physical disabilities, have found it difficult to reach certain areas that have ramps. Several physically challenged visitors praised IIMA's plan to install of elevators, but the source does not say when the work will begin.

21,000 elevator experts from 109 countries visited interlift 2019. These are the top 10 Countries in 2017: Germany 39.2 % I Italy 8.7% I Spain 5.0% I France 4.6% I Netherlands 2.9 % I Greece 2.7% I United Kingdom 2.7% I Switzerland 2.6% I Sweden 2.6% I Turkey 2.0% (www.interlift.de)

PLANNED BROOKLYN TOWER PROMOTED IN NEW RENDERING: New details, including a new rendering by designer ODA, describe the flagship mixed-use building planned in NYC's North Brooklyn, New York YIMBY reported on January 19. The project, a 28-story tower developed by The Collective, is set to rise at 555 Broadway. Standing 319 ft, the tower will offer 254 rental apartments and short-stay rooms, 293 hotel rooms and shared office space, along with retail, community facilities and amenities spaces. With an estimated construction cost pegged at about US$450 million, the project would be one of the largest co-living developments in the city. Planned amenity spaces include a rooftop pool, underground parking for 180 vehicles, a Turkish bath, indoor and outdoor lounge areas and a fitness center. The building will also offer large coworking suites, a restaurant, community spaces and a “market hall.” The developer team has not revealed an official project schedule, but sources say completion is anticipated by the end of 2022.

METRO EXTENSION LINE OPENS IN BENGALURU: The 6-km-long Southern Extension line of the Phase-2 Namma Metro in Bengaluru, India, was opened for commercial use on January 15, Mint reported. Covering the Kanakapura Road Metro section, the line was inaugurated the day before by Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. The elevated line provides major relief to Bangaloreans from traffic congestion. With five stations, each is equipped with eight escalators and four elevators (totaling 40 escalators and 20 elevators). Each station is also being installed with rooftop solar panels, LED lighting and accommodations for disabled passengers, including ramps, restrooms and other functions.

Vertical Transportation: A Primer is a new digital book now available at elevatorbooks.com. The elevator is one of the key enabling technologies of a tall building. In the past few years, vertical transportation has experienced more innovation and change than ever before. This digital primer from CTBUH provides an update on the latest technology and suggests approaches to implementation, arming the imaginative minds behind the design of tall buildings with a framework for understanding vertical transportation; one that will allow them to be more creative and effective as buildings become taller. Purchase your digital copy today.

IAEC FORUM NYC CALL FOR PAPERS: The International Association of Elevator Consultants (IAEC) is soliciting submissions of topics for presentation at the IAEC Forum NYC seminar sessions. The event is taking place on April 19-23 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square. Organizers said education-centered presentations with minimal sales pitch may be given on topics of interest to vertical-transportation consultants, including new products/technology and safety codes. Both consultants and vendors are encouraged to submit presentation ideas to IAEC Executive Director Sheila Swett, including presentation title and summary, and presenter name and company name.

TALL BUILDING UNDERWAY IN KENYA, BUT UNION OPPOSES: Ugatuzi Tower, a high-rise structure being built in Nairobi, Kenya, is getting underway, but one board is asking that the work be stopped, Kenya.co.ke said on January 21. The building, a 50-story tower approved by Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta in December 2020, would allow the structure to host the Ministry of Devolution headquarters and the Council of Government Secretariat. It would also feature a Devolution National Conference Centre that would accommodate 1,200 people and a devolution museum. The Kenya County Government Workers Union is asking the High Court to halt the project and bar providing funds for the construction of the skyscraper, but Secretary-General Roba Duba said that the governors were building the tower, and their pension was being used for the project. He also said the plan was not subject to public participation. A date will be set for the court to hear the union's grievances.

Just for kids - Dinosaur in the Elevator: A Guess Who Book has arrived at elevatorbooks.com. Getting into an elevator to who-knows where with a T-Rex they'd only just met was risky, maybe even loony. But they'd never get another chance at such an adventure. Twins Robbie and Abby get more than they bargained for when they imagine a museum T-Rex back to life. Write your own ending by purchasing your copy.

BRISBANE TOWER PLAN GETS SHORTER, AXES HOTEL: A multiple-tower plan in Brisbane developed by Wentworth Equities has been reimagined with a new name, fewer, shorter towers and no hotel, The Urban Developer reports. Designed by Sydney-based Fuse Architecture, the new plan, Platinum, features an initial, 29-story tower with 153 residences, ground-level retail, parking and sky gardens. It includes an option to build an additional two towers. Approved in 2014, the previous plan, Icon, included four towers up to 34 stories, 567 apartments and a 227-room hotel. Set to rise in Northshore Hamilton between the CBD and Gateway Motorway bridge, the current plan represents "a shift in mindset from apartment living to sky home living" for young professionals with families and downsizers.

NUMEROUS FoBs PLANNED IN HYDERABAD, INDIA: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corp. is planning construction of 28 foot overbridges (FoBs) to ease pedestrians' ability to cross some of the heavily used roads, The Hans India reported on January 20. Hyderabad, capital of India's Telangana state, says the FoBs will both protect pedestrians from being hit and improve the flow of cars in busy areas around markets and malls. City officials said the new FoBs should be operational within three months. Two others already under construction should be finished around the end of February. While the design of the FoBs was not reported, many of those built in other parts of India include escalators and elevators.

EDITORIAL AND SUBSCRIPTIONS: Editorial submissions, reprint permission requests and subscription/removal requests should be sent to [email protected]. ELENET Editorial staff: Angela C. Baldwin, Lee Freeland, Kaija Wilkinson and Matt Irvin.

ADVERTISEMENTS: To advertise and reach ELENET's readership of 19,000, contact the Advertising staff at phone: 251-479-4514 or e-mail: [email protected].

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 2021 © Elevator World, Inc., 354 Morgan Avenue, Mobile, AL 36606, phone: 251-479-4514, fax: 251-479-7043, Internet: www.elevatorworld.com.