Elevator World

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

STRETCHER LIFTS FOR NEW BUILDINGS IN ILLINOIS TOWN

Lawmakers in Sycamore, Illinois, unanimously approved a building-code amendment requiring developers of new buildings with elevators design the units to accommodate a 2-X-7-ft. horizontal stretcher, regardless of the building’s height, the Daily Chronicle reports. The move goes beyond the Americans With Disabilities Act requirement that elevators accommodate a stretcher in the upright position and the International Building Code requirement that applies only to buildings taller than three stories. Mayor Curt Lang stated people will be “better served this way than by being carried by firefighters down the stairs.”

EESF PLANS FUNDRAISER AT NAEC CONVENTION

The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF) will sponsor its fundraising Cornhole Tournament at 8 p.m. Monday, September 11, during the NAEC Convention and Expo in Orlando, the Foundation announced. The tournament bracket will consist of up to 24 two-person teams, with the No. 1 and 2 teams being reserved for the Cornhole King Sponsor spots. The remaining 22 team slots will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. The entry fee is US$500 per team, and different levels of sponsorships are available; to sign up, contact Laurie Dueitt at [email protected]. Spectator tickets are US$100 in advance (before September 1) and can be purchased at https://www.naec.org/news/convention-registration-is-now-open.html; admission will be US $150 at the door. More entertainment, in addition to desserts and beverages, will be included.

MAN DIES IN ELEVATOR SHAFT FALL IN NEW ORLEANS BUILDING

A 50-year-old office worker died in a fall down an elevator shaft in an office building in eastern New Orleans on July 5, WDSU reports. The incident happened when the elevator was stuck between the third and fourth floors and the man tried to jump from the cab to the third floor after being trapped for approximately 30 min. Coworkers who witnessed the incident said the building’s elevators frequently break down and complaints had been made. The city said the unit’s permit is valid through November. Both police and building management are investigating.

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

IN MEMORIAM: HERBERT L. JENNINGS

Herbert L. Jennings passed away on June 25 at the age of 83 at his home in Ventura, California. Jennings was drafted into the U.S. Army and, after an honorable discharge, hired as a draftsman for Elevator Maintenance Co. Ltd. in Los Angeles. This began a lifelong career in the elevator industry and made him a third-generation elevator man. Jennings then became an elevator mechanic, ultimately establishing his own company, H.L. Jennings, Inc. Later in his career, he became an elevator inspector for the State of California, retiring at the age of 72. Jennings was very well respected in the industry and guided the elevator career paths of his two sons, Greg and David. Jennings is survived by his wife of 62 years, Angela, his sons and his daughter, Wendy, as well as many other family members. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made in Jennings' name to the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation.

 

ESCALATOR SAFETY FOR SENIORS A FOCUS IN AUSTRALIA

Mass transit system Transperth in Perth, Australia, has embarked on an escalator-safety campaign geared toward seniors in light of 76 incidents being recorded over the past year, The West Australian reports. Staff have been deployed to stations across Perth to share advice about the safe use of escalators and recommend using lifts in some situations. At least one concerned passenger believes Transperth should go a step further by lowering escalator speeds during non-peak travel times.

 

TWO NYC ACCIDENTS IN ONE DAY RENEW LEGISLATION PUSH

Two elevator incidents on July 5 in New York City (NYC) renewed the push by the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 1 for passage of the state Elevator Safety Act, which would set minimum education and training standards and create an elevator contractor’s license and safety board, CBS New York, reports. In an incident in Lower Manhattan, a worker was admitted to a hospital in critical condition after a basement-to-sidewalk freight elevator fell on him when a chain snapped. Rescue took approximately 20 min. In the other incident, four utility workers were rescued when the elevator in which they were riding broke down 200 ft. below ground in Brooklyn. The rescue of each person took approximately 20 min because of the pully system involved.

Image courtesy of CBS New York.

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

KONE OUTFITTING “ENGINEERING MARVEL” IN CHINA

KONE is providing 196 units to Raffles City Chongqing, described as "one of the biggest engineering marvels being built in the world today," consisting of a mall and eight towers with residential, office and hotel space at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers in China. Designed by Moshe Safdie and developed by Chongqing CapitaLand Guyuxiongguan Property Co., Ltd., the development will span 1.12 million m2 and include two 350-m-tall towers. KONE will deliver 42 MonoSpace® and 41 MiniSpaceTM elevators, and 113 TravelMasterTM escalators. Special features include a heavy-duty high-rise elevator traveling at 6 mps and 20 escalators that cross expansion joints similar to the ones Moshe Safdie incorporated into Marina Bay Sands.

GUSTAV WOLF USA CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

July marks the 10th anniversary of Gustav Wolf USA, Inc., in North Carolina. Serving all major OEMs, as well as mid-level companies and small independents, Gustav Wolf USA has grown into one of the most popular brands of wire rope in North America. Richard L. Lindemeyer, general manager, observes: “Our growth has resulted from offering a full line of wire ropes designed to meet the requirements of the elevator industry in the North American market and from the excellent support provided by Draka Elevator Products, Gustav Wolf’s primary distributor.”

OTIS INDIA EXPANDS PRESENCE WITH NEW OFFICE

Otis Elevator Co. (India) Ltd. has opened a new office in Vijayawada, India, to better meet growing demand in the region. Otis already works closely with BVR Mall and India American Hospital in Vijayawada and, throughout the country, has approximately 80 centers covering around 300 cities and towns. Otis India President Sebi Joseph, who inaugurated the new office, observed that, while Otis has had a strong presence in Vijayawada for a long time, growth of the city prompted the company’s move to open the new office.

Image courtesy of arup.com:

https://www.arup.com/projects/raffles-city-chongqing

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

ISENBERG IS NEW GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR AT NEII

Dylan Isenberg is the new Government Affairs director at the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII®), headquartered in Centreville, Virginia. In this role, he advocates for regulations and policies that support the goals of NEII and its member companies. Isenberg works with the government affairs team to develop and manage lobbying strategies for issues affecting the elevator industry. He comes to NEII from Building Owners and Managers (BOMA) International, where he served as manager of advocacy. Prior to his role at BOMA, Isenberg worked on Capitol Hill as a special assistant to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island). Isenberg received his BA in Government from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York.

 

MONTANARI OPENS LOGISTICS CENTERS AROUND INDIA

Indian traction-machine manufacturer Montanari Lifts Components Pvt. Ltd. is expanding its service offerings by creating a network of logistics centers across India, the company says. The first center opened in January in Kolkata. Since then, centers have opened in Chennai, Delhi and Ahmedabad, and Montanari plans to open others. The aim of creating this network was to offer customers a “unique” level of support, beginning before the sale and continuing afte. The centers offer customers technical service; prompt response within 48 hours; an in-stock inventory of machines, components and parts; and training sessions.

 

IN MEMORIAM: MICHAEL “MIKE” REDMOND

Michael "Mike" Redmond passed away on July 5 in Hamilton, Canada. He was in the elevator business for more than 40 years as an owner of Niagara Elevator Inc. and, most recently, Niagara Elevator Installations Inc. He was also a Canadian Elevator Contractors Association member. He is survived by wife of 43 years, Lorelle Johnson; brothers and sisters; five children; and five grandchildren. More information can be found in his obituary at LifeNews.

 

DURST HAS MORE BIG RESIDENTIAL PLANS FOR QUEENS

The Durst Organization has big plans for 29-55 Northern Boulevard in Long Island City in Queens, New York City (NYC): a 63-story building containing approximately 760 residential rental units and 8,700 sq. ft. of commercial space, The Real Deal reports. The project, near the site of the historic Clock Tower, was designed by Michael Arad of Handel Architects and encompasses nearly 1 million sq. ft. Durst has been busy throughout NYC and particularly in Queens, with plans there for approximately 2,400 apartments in multiple buildings along the waterfront in Astoria.

Image credit: CityRealty and Getty Images via The Real Deal:

https://therealdeal.com/2017/06/30/durst-plans-massive-lic-rental-project-on-clock-tower-site/

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

NEW HEAD OF MEDIA RELATIONS AT THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR

Dr. Jasmin Fischer is the new head of Media Relations at thyssenkrupp Elevator, responsible for press related to elevator technology worldwide. She reports directly to Head of Communications Luis Ramos. Fischer has many years' experience as a journalist and editor in Germany, the U.K. and the U.S. She is adept at intercultural management, project management and international reporting. She has held various roles with a leading Essen, Germany-based newspaper, including foreign correspondent and London office manager. Fischer studied at the University of Leipzig, the State University of New York at Binghamton and the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies in Berlin, and holds degrees in Political Science, Journalism and American Studies.

KONE ACQUIRES ESTABLISHED GERMAN FIRM

KONE has acquired Alois Kasper GmbH of Nonnweiler, Germany, founded in 1945 as a hoist specialist that evolved into an elevator installation, maintenance and modernization specialist. Today, the company has approximately 80 employees and more than 1,100 elevators in service. KONE Executive Vice President for Central and North Europe Thomas Hinnerskov said KONE is "very much looking forward to serving our new customers in Germany through this acquisition, which will strengthen our presence in the Saarland and Frankfurt regions."

TEEN BOY KILLED IN NEPAL ELEVATOR MISHAP

A 16-year-old boy was killed in an elevator mishap on July 4 in Pedang, Nepal, various news outlets, including New Straits Times, report. The incident occurred when he was on the ground floor of a two-story business loading mattresses onto the elevator when it rose abruptly, trapping the upper half of his body. It took responders using power tools approximately 30 min. to free his body. Police are investigating.

ASIA’S TALLEST TOWER SET FOR SRI LANKA

Diversified business company Al Aman Group has announced an agreement to build the World Capital Centre (WCC), a megatall mixed-use skyscraper in Colombo, Sri Lanka, that would be the tallest tower in Asia, the Daily Mirror reports. The WCC developer entered into a US$2-billion investment deal with the Board Of Investment on June 30 to build WCC, a 117-story, 625-m-tall tower. It will offer 1,200 residential units, 2,000 hotel rooms, 3,000 retail outlets and 5,000 parking spaces. Luxury amenities will include a “seven-star” hotel with presidential suites, complete with gold-plated interior touches. It will also have 20 swimming pools, Sri Lanka's first Michelin-starred restaurant and the world's fastest double-decker elevators, according to the report. Topping off the amenities will be an observation deck and rooftop helipad. The report said the WCC will be the ninth-tallest building in the world when completed in 2022.

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

KYUSHIMA RETURNS TO MANAGING DIRECTOR ROLE AT TJEI

Junichi Kyushima became the new managing director at Toshiba Johnson Elevators India Pvt. Ltd. (TJEI) on July 6. He most recently served as vice president of Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corp., and, as part of its senior-management team, played a vital role in global business operations. Kyushima previously served as managing director of TJEI from 2012 to 2015. Kyushima said that working closely with Johnson Lifts, TJEI intends to focus on building strong customer relationships and trust to become a top player in the industry in India.

ELDERLY PAIR STUCK IN MALAYSIAN LIFT FOR 24-PLUS HOURS

An elderly couple was trapped in an elevator in a shopping mall in the state of Ipoh in northwestern Malaysia on June 30 at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time, not being freed until the next day at around 5 p.m., various news outlets, including The China Post, report. Relatives of the pair, ages 74 and 70, filed a police report. After being freed by fire and rescue responders, the individuals were hospitalized for treatment. A relative said they have retained legal counsel.

GAL LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE

GAL Manufacturing Co. has launched a redesigned website that it says will "provide customers with a richer, more engaging user experience. . . specially tailored to the needs of today’s mobile and PC-based audiences." The new design offers visitors a "rebranded corporate appearance" and includes an easy-to-navigate interface with quick access to libraries of company sales, product and informational literature; a media section with updated corporate news; and an up-to-date calendar of events.

Image courtesy of chinapost.com.tw:

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/2017/07/04/499180/an-elderly.htm

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

VT PART OF ANTICIPATED LONDON TUBE STATION UPGRADE

New escalators and elevators would be part of an upgrade to the London Tube’s busy Holborn Station (ELENET 674), according to the blog IanVisits. There has been talk of an overhaul involving new entrances, enhanced access and vertical transportation (VT) since 2013, and whether it happens hinges on redeveloping above-ground property to secure funding. Envisioned are new escalators, and an elevator to the Piccadilly line and a new passage linking both Central line platforms by escalators and inclined elevators. Should it happen, the project would be complete in approximately 2026, four years later than originally planned.

 

ASPIRING MEMBER OF DUBAI’S “SKYSCRAPER CLUB”

Dubai Investments plans to build a new icon in the emirate: a 70-story residential tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to Al Habtoor City and Aykon City (ELENET 646), arabianbusiness.com reported. Dubai Investments CEO Khalid bin Kalban said construction will start before the end of the year. Twenty percent of the US$272-million cost has been deposited with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, and the developer plans to have up to US$123 million financed. The Sheikh Zayed Road tower will join 10 residential structures of 70 stories or more.

 

EECO GAINS ISO RENEWAL

Elevator Equipment Corp. (EECO) has announced successful renewal by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) of its quality-management system per the ISO 9001:2015 standard. The company said the certification demonstrates its policy of setting high quality standards in the elevator industry.

Image courtesy of IanVisits:

https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2017/07/01/major-upgrade-planned-for-holborn-tube-station/

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

MELBOURNE’S TALLEST SKYSCRAPER TOPS OUT

The core of Victoria One, Melbourne's tallest skyscraper, has topped out at 271 m, The Urban Developer reports. Located in the central business district and developed by Golden Age Group, the structure was designed by Elenberg Fraser. Its shimmery green façade reflects an energy-efficient design and inspiration from the elements. Residents of more than 230 apartments up to the 39th of 78 floors have already moved in, as the structure was built to accommodate phased occupancy. Ultimately, there will be more than 620 apartments, three floors of amenities, ground-level retail and Melbourne's largest internal car-stacking machine. Victoria One is slated for completion by June 2018.

ESCALATORS TO EASE TRAVELER FLOW AT PRAGUE STATION

As long as permits are received by November, the transport company of Prague in the Czech Republic plans to install escalators by April 2018 at Nádraží Veleslavín, a station on Prague Metro’s Line A that sees a large number of passengers coming from the international Václav Havel Airport, Prague Morning reports. Travelers have long complained about being forced to either get help from porters or lug heavy luggage upstairs themselves. An initial plan called for a lift for luggage only, but it was abandoned after being widely criticized.

MALAYSIAN STUDY: PARENTS, KIDS HAVE UNSAFE ESCALATOR HABITS

A study that involved observing the behavior of 258 randomly selected parent/children combinations on mall escalators found more than half of parents and children use escalators in an unsafe manner, Free Malaysia Today reports. Led by physicians at Clinical Research Centre Perak in Malaysia, the study found 149, or 57.8%, of children and 162, or 63.8%, of parents, demonstrated at least one unsafe behavior. The study’s suggestions for adults are to use an elevator if more than one child is in tow, hold both the handrail and child’s hand and avoid distractions such as mobile phones. It recommended creation of a national program to educate parents and children.

Image courtesy of praguemorning.cz: http://www.praguemorning.cz/nadrazi-veleslavin-install-escalators-airport-transfer-passengers/

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

ALIMAK PROVIDING EQUIPMENT FOR SYDNEY HARBOUR RESORT

Alimak Group has been awarded a US$6.25-million contract by Lendlease to provide vertical-access equipment for the Crown Sydney Hotel Resort, under construction on Sydney Harbour. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre, the 73-story structure will become Sydney's tallest building. Alimak's contract runs until 2020, with most of the equipment, including construction hoists, to be delivered in 2017 and 2018. Alimak states it is proud to continue its partnership with Lendlease, with which it has worked on numerous projects in recent years.

 

IN MEMORIAM: GIOVANNI FERRARINI

The European Federation for Elevator Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (EFESME) mourns the passing of its honorary president, Giovanni Ferrarini. Services are planned for Ferrarini, who was in his early 70s, on July 3 in Parma, Italy. Ferrarini's commitment to the Federation led to its board of directors appointing him honorary president in 2013. Ferrarini's roots in the elevator industry run deep. He founded Farma Ascensori in Italy in 1970, growing the company into an international player. Ferrarini served as president of ANACAM (Italian elevator association) for 14 years, stepping down in 2004. EFESME expresses its sincere condolences to Ferrarini’s family.

 

WOMAN INJURED IN SINGAPORE ELEVATOR MISHAP

A woman said to be in her 30s suffered a torn leg ligament on July 1 as a result of being trapped in an elevator that dropped several stories in a housing complex in western Singapore, Coconuts Singapore reports. The woman was with four relatives at the time of the incident, which involved the lift suddenly falling from the fourth floor, then stopping part of the way down. At that point, one family member pried open the door and got everyone out. Authorities responded, and the woman was transported to a hospital. The incident is under investigation.

 

TEI MAKES SEVERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

New York City (NYC)-based vertical-transportation (VT) contractor TEI Group recently made several company announcements. In May, it launched a new website, www.teigroup.com. The site has a modern look that includes a News section with company updates, as well as “the latest developments" within the industry. The company also announced that Steven Bonardi has taken a role as maintenance manager, responsible for managing a service zone covering Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Uptown Manhattan. Bonardi has more than 30 years’ VT experience, including positions with BOCA Group, Consolidated Edison Elevator, thyssenkrupp and Archer Elevator. Finally, the company announced it has won a contract to modernize six elevators at Baruch College’s Lawrence and Eris Field Building at 17 Lexington Avenue in NYC.

Image courtesy of Coconuts Singapore.

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

KONE OUTFITTING SYDNEY’S TALLEST RESIDENTIAL TOWER

KONE has been selected to provide the vertical transportation for what will be the tallest residential building in Sydney, the 67-story, 235-m-tall Greenland Centre being developed by Greenland Australia and built by ProBuild. The architect is BVN with interiors by Woods Bagot. The 10-unit order includes MonoSpace®, MiniSpaceTM and TranSysTM elevators. A JumpLiftTM self-climbing elevator is being used during construction. Containing more than 400 apartments, Greenland Centre will have glass-fronted balconies and a five-floor “creative hub.” Completion is anticipated in 2019.

UPCOMING NAEC EVENTS

Registration is now open for the National Association of Elevator Contractors’ (NAEC) 68th Annual Convention & 2017 Exposition on September 10-14 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando and Orange County Convention & Exhibition Center. Additionally, NAEC’s Mid-Atlantic Elevator Chapter is hosting its 8th Annual Golf Tournament at National Golf Club in Fort Washington, Maryland, on October 4. Contact Shawn Cowden for more information.

TWO-TOWER, STYLISH MIAMI DEVELOPMENT COMPLETES

A 49-story, two-tower development designed by Architectonica in Miami’s red-hot Brickell neighborhood is now complete, SkyRise Cities reports. Brickell Heights on South Miami Avenue is distinguished by its focus on art and fitness, with a colorful 35,000-sq.-ft. mural by Argentine artist Fabian Burgos on the exterior of its lower eight floors and the city’s largest fitness center, the 34,000-sq.-ft. Equinox Fitness Club. The Related Group is the developer of the property, which includes 690 units and launched in 2014.

CEA GOLF OUTING COMING UP

The Chicago Elevator Association (CEA) Annual Golf Outing is being held on August 4 at the Gleneagles Country Club in Lemont, Illinois. The cost is US$135 for members and US$165 for nonmembers and additions after July 28. This includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, halfway house tickets, dinner and prizes. Reservations can be made via email, and more information can be found at website.

EW OFFICES CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

The offices of Elevator World, Inc., will be closed for the U.S. Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, July 4. They will reopen on Wednesday, July 5.

Image courtesy of e-architect.co.uk:

https://www.e-architect.co.uk/sydney/sydney-greenland-centre-balcony

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