Elevator World

Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-17-2017/

The first edition of Elevator Engineering by Ben Abbaspour became well-known for being a complete guide regarding practical engineering. The newly released second edition is sure to do the same. This new edition includes the latest code revisions and information on new technologies. Elevator Engineering is available in both print and digital formats. To order your copy and for more information, visit http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/ELEVENG2/elevator-engineering-2nd-edition.aspx.

IN MEMORIAM: JIM SUNDMAN

Jim Sundman, an integral part of the elevator industry in Florida since the 1970s, passed away on December 21, 2016, at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Kim, and brother, Pat. Sundman began his career with Elevator Sales & Service, Inc. (ESSI). He and partner Bob Bryant went on to form International Machine Shop. Sundman was a QEI, retiring from the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 71 in 2007, but continuing to work for International Machine Shop until his death. Friend and colleague Jim Patterson said of Sundman:

"He was a brilliant machinist and go-to resource for hundreds of elevator workers in Florida. He was a metal magician and could fabricate or repair almost anything. He will be missed by many."

VIÑOLY CONDO SHOWCASES NATURE ON MIAMI RIVER

A pair of 65-story condominium towers on the Miami River in Miami are designed by Rafael Viñoly to showcase nature, with a reflective plinth and lavish, landscaped area that includes palm trees and a waterfall, designboom reports. Adding to a growing inventory of luxury condominiums in Miami, One River Point is being developed by KAR Properties and will include a three-story private club and three-story skybridge at floors 56 and 800 ft., respectively. There will be 350 residences, all with their own private terraces. No timeframe was given, but presales are already underway.

BROOKLYN APARTMENT TOWER APPROACHES COMPLETION

A 25-story, 271-ft.-tall apartment tower designed by Handel Architects and developed by TF Cornerstone is nearing completion in Brooklyn, New York, with façade installation underway, New York YIMBY reports. In addition to more than 700 rental apartments, the building is set to have ground- and cellar-level retail within its 734,312 sq. ft. located at the corner of Bond and Livingston streets in downtown Brooklyn.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

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Image courtesy of designboom: http://www.designboom.com/architecture/rafael-vinoly-one-river-point-miami-downtown-usa-01-13-2017/

Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-16-2017/

The first edition of Elevator Engineering by Ben Abbaspour became well-known for being a complete guide regarding practical engineering. The newly released second edition is sure to do the same. This new edition includes the latest code revisions and information on new technologies. Elevator Engineering is available in both print and digital formats. To order your copy and for more information, visit http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/ELEVENG2/elevator-engineering-2nd-edition.aspx.

THYSSENKRUPP’S SPAIN FACILITY MARKS 25 YEARS

thyssenkrupp celebrated the 25th anniversary of its escalator and moving walk plant in Mieres, Spain, located in the Asturias region, this month. Attended by dignitaries including Presidential and Citizen Participation Minister of Asturias Guillermo Martínez, the event was a time to reflect on the facility's accomplishments and its future. Employing more than 300, the site has supplied more than 14,000 units to some of the most high-profile projects worldwide. Representing the facility's biggest order ever, units for a new airport in Medina, Saudi Arabia (recipient of an ELEVATOR WORLD 2016 Project of the Year award), were produced at the facility, the exclusive manufacturer of iWalk. Its current workload promises to keep the facility busy for at least the next two years.

ASANSÖR İSTANBUL PLANNED ON MARCH 23-26

Asansör İstanbul, described by organizers as “one of the top three elevator industry fairs in the world,” is planned on March 23-26 at Tüyap Convention Center in Istanbul. In its 15th iteration, the event expects to play host to approximately 30,000 local and international decision makers. The newest products, equipment and technology will be presented by hundreds of companies from approximately 30 countries, and a conference agenda will include discussions about training and other hot topics in the industry. Find out more about the event at website.

APPLICATION FILED FOR FINANCIAL DISTRICT TOWER IN NYC

Gene Kaufman, designer of many hotels in the New York City (NYC) area, has applied for permits to build a 42-story building at 265 Broadway in the Financial District with a hotel on the first 12 floors and condominiums above, New York YIMBY reports. Kaufman’s firm has owned the site, located across from City Hall between Warren and Chambers streets, since the late 1960s. A five-story office building currently occupies it. The proposed structure would include 30 spacious condos, including a triplex penthouse at the top.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

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Image courtesy of thyssenkrupp:

https://www.thyssenkrupp-elevator.com/en/press/press-releases-44416.html?id=564507

Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-13-2017/

The first edition of Elevator Engineering by Ben Abbaspour became well-known for being a complete guide regarding practical engineering. The newly released second edition is sure to do the same. This new edition includes the latest code revisions and information on new technologies. Elevator Engineering is available in both print and digital formats. To order your copy and for more information, visit http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/ELEVENG2/elevator-engineering-2nd-edition.aspx.

8, “WORLD’S FIRST COMPOSITE LIFT” UNVEILED IN SINGAPORE

Singapore Lift Co. (SLC) unveiled what it describes as “the world's first composite lift,” 8, on January 11 in Singapore. SLC is a joint venture between Far East Organization, Woh Hup Pvt. Ltd. and Pronus (HK) Ltd. Made of lightweight composite materials used in place of steel in industries such as aerospace, Formula 1® racing and yacht building, 8 is "a game changer in its field, having the potential to revolutionize the overall building and construction industry." The lift is initially available for installation in low-rise buildings, and will eventually be extended to serve up buildings with up to 20 floors. SLC Managing Director Alister Bennett tells ELEVATOR WORLD cabins will be manufactured at its facility in north Singapore, with other components sourced from various countries. The facility's initial annual capacity is 1,000 units, and SLC hopes to design and build all components in Singapore within the next five years.

POP/JOE GOLF OUTING COMING UP

The "Pop" Frohlinger/Joe Marchese (Pop/Joe) 43nd Annual Memorial Invitational Outing is taking place on June 12, rain or shine, at the North Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington, New York. Two sessions (morning and afternoon) and an awards dinner are offered. Charges, benefitting the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation, are US$450 per person for golf and dinner, and US$200 per person for dinner only. Lunch, cocktails and golf carts are included in the golfer's fee. In addition to several course contests, raffles and giveaways will take place. This year’s honoree is Bobby Schaeffer of D&D Elevator. More information on the perennially sold-out event is available at www.popjoe.com.

RESIDENTIAL ELLIPSE TOPS OUT IN JERSEY CITY

The 43-story, 444-ft.-tall Ellipse building has topped out on the waterfront of Jersey City, New Jersey, New York YIMBY reports. Located at 1-25 14th Street in the Newport area, the tower will contain approximately 375 residential rentals with one to three bedrooms, ground-level retail and 24,000 sq. ft. of amenities. Developer The LeFrak Organization had begun construction by early 2016, and the project, designed by Arquitectonica, is scheduled for completion later this year.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

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Photo credit: Singapore Lift Company.

Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-12-2017/

The first edition of Elevator Engineering by Ben Abbaspour became well-known for being a complete guide regarding practical engineering. The newly released second edition is sure to do the same. This new edition includes the latest code revisions and information on new technologies. Elevator Engineering is available in both print and digital formats. To order your copy and for more information, visit http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/ELEVENG2/elevator-engineering-2nd-edition.aspx.

KONE TO SUPPLY 145 UNITS TO NEW BIA TERMINAL

KONE has been selected to supply 145 units to the new passenger terminal being built at Bahrain International Airport (BIA), TradeArabia reports. The order consists of 85 elevators, 40 escalators and 20 moving walks, all equipped with the E-Link remote-monitoring system. The new terminal is part of an effort by the Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunication to "develop the BIA into one of the most modern and futuristic airport buildings in the world." Expected to be complete by 2020, the expansion will bring BIA's annual passenger capacity from approximately nine million to 14 million.

HYUNDAI ELEVATOR TAPPED FOR RIYADH MEDICAL COMPLEX

Hyundai Elevator has secured a US$30-million deal from the Saudi Arabian government to outfit Security Forces Medical City, under development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with an unspecified number of units, TradeArabia reports. Noting that Saudi Arabia is a key part of its globalization strategy, Hyundai Elevator said what enabled it to secure the deal despite economic uncertainty due to falling oil prices was the company's energy-efficient and network-surveillance technology. Installation will begin in stages in the third quarter of this year through 2018. Hyundai Elevator is confident it will win work related to another medical facility the government plans to build in Jeddah.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON WARSAW’S TALLEST TOWER

Construction has begun on Varso Place, a mixed-use development in Warsaw’s city center that includes what will be Poland’s tallest building, a 52-story, 230-m-tall office tower, developer HB Reavis reports. Designed by Foster + Partners, the office tower will be joined by 21- and 19-story buildings designed by Warsaw firm Hermanowicz Rewski. Project highlights include a viewing platform at the top that will be open to the public and a restaurant on the 46th and 47th floors of the main tower. Handover is scheduled in 2020.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

Subscribe to ELEVATOR WORLD magazine: http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/CategoryCenter/SUBS/Subscriptions.aspx

Online bookstore: www.elevatorbooks.com

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Photograph via Sun Times

Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-11-2017/

The first edition of Elevator Engineering by Ben Abbaspour became well-known for being a complete guide regarding practical engineering. The newly released second edition is sure to do the same. This new edition includes the latest code revisions and information on new technologies. Elevator Engineering is available in both print and digital formats. To order your copy and for more information, visit http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/ELEVENG2/elevator-engineering-2nd-edition.aspx.

L.A. SEEING BIGGEST CONSTRUCTION BOOM SINCE 1920s

Metropolis, a megaproject with four towers; Wilshire Grand (the West Coast's tallest building) and Circa, a pair of 35-story luxury apartment towers: All are part of the largest construction boom downtown Los Angeles has seen since the 1920s, when 155 projects of at least 50,000 sq. ft. were completed, the L.A. Times reports. Fueled in large part by Chinese investment, the boom includes more than 40 developments of at least 50,000 sq. ft. If it continues at its current pace, it could surpass the 1980s, which saw 64 large projects completed, notably office towers on Bunker Hill.

ELEVATORS COMING TO HISTORIC CTA STATIONS

Elevators are coming to four Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line stations built in the 1920s, thanks to more than US$1.1 billion in federal funds plus local tax dollars, the Chicago Sun Times reports. On Chicago's North Side, the Red Line accounts for approximately 30% of CTA ridership. A flyover for where lines intersect, overhaul of approximately a mile of track and signal upgrades are included in the project, scheduled to begin in 2018. The historic stations to be rebuilt with elevators are Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mayr. Completion is anticipated in 2025.

NYC LAW WOULD EXPAND CONSTRUCTION FATALITY REPORTING

A proposed law would require the New York City (NYC) Department of Buildings to count construction deaths involving workplace safety, rather than only those involving city construction code violation or a threat to public safety, Crain’s New York Business reports. OSHA currently regulates and counts fatalities involving workplace safety, and State Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, who submitted the legislation, believes the city should count them, too. Crain’s found that six of the 17 construction deaths in NYC in 2015 were excluded from the city’s count.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

Subscribe to ELEVATOR WORLD magazine: http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/CategoryCenter/SUBS/Subscriptions.aspx

Online bookstore: www.elevatorbooks.com

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Photograph via Sun Times

Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-10-2017/

The first edition of Elevator Engineering by Ben Abbaspour became well-known for being a complete guide regarding practical engineering. The newly released second edition is sure to do the same. This new edition includes the latest code revisions and information on new technologies. Elevator Engineering is available in both print and digital formats. To order your copy and for more information, visit http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/ELEVENG2/elevator-engineering-2nd-edition.aspx.

INDIA WR TACKLES ESCALATOR TAMPERING USING SOFTWARE

India’s Western Railway (WR) is testing software at Vasai Station in suburban Mumbai designed to detect if an escalator has been shut down intentionally by unauthorized individuals, Hindi News reports. The move comes after complaints about escalators being shut down during peak hours at Borivali Station. Authorities suspect people are pressing escalators' "stop" buttons, which should only be used during emergencies or maintenance, at critical times. The software will be designed to detect when and where button tampering occurs.

“CHAMPAGNE-FLUTE” CONDO BUILDING RISING IN TRIBECA

111 Murray Street, a 58-story, 800-ft.-tall condominium tower in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood, has risen past 30 stories, New York YIMBY reports. Designed by Kohn Pederson Fox (KPF) and Hill West Architects, the structure is one of at least two skyscrapers resembling champagne flutes taking shape in Manhattan. The other is the 65-story, 777-ft.-tall 45 East 22nd Street, also designed by KPF, in the Flatiron District. Fisher Brothers, Witkoff and New Valley are the developers of the Murray Street project, set to contain approximately 160 residential units within close proximity to the World Trade Center.

LATE PAYMENT STALLS INDIAN RAILWAY LIFT INSTALLATION

Installation of 18 lifts at seven Central Railway stations is stalled as contractors for two lifts at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and two escalators at Bhampdu and Vidyavihar stations in the Mumbai area had yet to be paid, The Indian Express reports. This is no word on when contractors will receive payment, allocated each year by railway officials. Stations waiting to receive lifts are CST, Dadar, Ghatkopar, Thane, Dombivli, Lokmanya Tilak Terminal and Lonavala.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

Subscribe to ELEVATOR WORLD magazine: http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/CategoryCenter/SUBS/Subscriptions.aspx

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Image via Pixabay.

Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-9-2017/

The first edition of Elevator Engineering by Ben Abbaspour became well-known for being a complete guide regarding practical engineering. The newly released second edition is sure to do the same. This new edition includes the latest code revisions and information on new technologies. Elevator Engineering is available in both print and digital formats. To order your copy and for more information, visit http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/ELEVENG2/elevator-engineering-2nd-edition.aspx.

MEDITERRA INVESTS IN TURKEY’S ARKEL

Mediterra Capital, a private equity investor of leading companies in Turkey's elevator-technology sector, has bought a majority stake in Arkel. Arkel has been developing elevator safety, comfort, electronic-control and motor-driver products with its own R&D company in the country since 1998. Arkel's founders and current partner Melih Küçükçalık will continue at the company in their efforts to make Arkel a world brand. It plans new products to provide energy recovery and enhance elevator safety and traceability, in line with new European Union standards. It is in the process of moving to a new plant, from which it will export to Europe and India. Mediterra plans to invest a total of EUR250 million (US$264.8 million) in Turkish companies over the next four years.

REVAMPED TOWER WILL STILL BE TALLEST IN LIC

Court Square City View Tower at 23-15 44th Drive in Long Island City (LIC), New York, has been redesigned and shortened from 79 to 66 stories, but it will still be the tallest structure in LIC, CityRealty reports. Being developed by Chris Jiashu Xu and designed by the newly renamed Hill West (formerly Goldstein Hill & West), the building is set to contain 800 condominiums boasting 360˚ views of Manhattan. The latest design shows a sleeker profile than the previous plan, and includes a blue and green glass façade, a third-floor swimming pool and "extravagant" amenities. Groundbreaking had been anticipated sometime this year.

38-STORY STUDENT TOWER PLANNED IN BRISBANE

A 38-story tower containing more than 900 rooms for students is planned at 71-97 Turbot Street/62-80 Ann Street in Brisbane, Australia, by Singapore developer We Hur, Brisbane Development reports. In addition to amenities such as study, communal and recreation areas, the building is set to contain ground-level retail and a large, open sky terrace on the 24th floor. The project includes preservation and restoration of nearby historic buildings dating from the early 1900s. Designed by Woods Bagot, it would be the developer's second such project in Brisbane. No timeline was given.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

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Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-6-2017/

The electronic MCP (eMCP) is a new way to survey, manage and create a Maintenance Control Program for all units under your control. Using a web-based maintenance management system, data such as age, use and environment is gathered from your specific unit and analyzed to automatically generate an annual MCP.

This MCP then gives you the information you need to know, such as what maintenance procedures are needed for that unit’s specific components, and the estimated minimum time required to do them. Visit elevatorbooks.com for more information.

OTIS TO PROVIDE 67 UNITS FOR BISHOPSGATE SKYSCRAPER

Otis has been hired to provide 67 units for Twentytwo, a 59-story, 255-m-tall office building developed by Lipton Rogers and designed by PLP Architecture in London's Bishopsgate. Filling a gap in the area's eastern building cluster, Twentytwo will contain 1.4 million sq. ft. of office space housing approximately 12,000 workers. Minutes away from the new Liverpool Street Crossrail station, it is scheduled for completion in 2019. Otis will provide 18 Gen2®, 13 SkyRise® single-deck and 26 SkyRise double-deck elevators, as well as 10 escalators and a trio of SkyBuildTM elevators to be used during construction. Hemant Jolly, vice president and general manager of Otis U.K. and Ireland, describes Twentytwo as “an intelligent response to the city's evolving needs."

IN MEMORIAM: SUSAN NICEWANDER

Susan Nicewander, who worked at Waupaca Elevator Co. in Appleton, Wisconsin, for more than 35 years, most recently as vice president of sales, passed away on November 24 at the age of 62. Nicewander was known for her kindness to both people and her cats, and talents that included knitting and sewing. She is survived by son, Jonathan; mother, Esther; stepsons, Jarrod, Jeff, Jason and Joel; and many other relatives and friends. Services were held at Maple Crest Funeral Home in Waupaca. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center for Researchers by calling (608) 263-4545 or visiting the website.

61-STORY CONDO TOWER ENVISIONED IN NYC’S FINANCIAL DISTRICT

The Lightstone Group’s latest filings envision a 61-story, 750-ft.-tall condominium tower containing at least 188 units at 130 William Street in New York City’s (NYC) Financial District, New York YIMBY reports. Plans filed in March 2015 called for a 50-story tower. If the new plan comes to fruition, the structure would contain 15,373 sq. ft. of retail on the cellar through second floors. Goldstein, Hill & West has been tapped as the architect for the 386,588-sq.-ft. building. Demolition of lowrise buildings is currently underway at the site, which also fronts Fulton Street.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

Subscribe to ELEVATOR WORLD magazine: http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/CategoryCenter/SUBS/Subscriptions.aspx

Online bookstore: www.elevatorbooks.com

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Photograph by PLP Architecture via CTBUH:

https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/22-bishopsgate/18648

Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-5-2017/

The electronic MCP (eMCP) is a new way to survey, manage and create a Maintenance Control Program for all units under your control. Using a web-based maintenance management system, data such as age, use and environment is gathered from your specific unit and analyzed to automatically generate an annual MCP.

This MCP then gives you the information you need to know, such as what maintenance procedures are needed for that unit’s specific components, and the estimated minimum time required to do them. Visit elevatorbooks.com for more information.

IN MEMORIAM: JACOB “JACK” KELLERMAN

Jacob "Jack" Kellerman, founder of Elite Elevator Cab Remodeling, Inc. of Garden City Park, New York, passed away on January 1. Kellerman was active in the elevator industry for close to 70 years. After service in the U.S. Navy in 1947, Kellerman joined his father's business, elevator cab manufacturer Parkline Corp., where he remained until 1979, when he formed Elite. Friend and colleague Doug Gilman said Kellerman was known for his fairness and honesty, and in 2008 was recognized by the Elevator Conference of New York as a Pioneer of the Elevator Industry. Kellerman is survived by his wife of 68 years, Margie; daughters, Myra and Elizabeth; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A service was held on January 4 in Woodbury, New York, with burial in Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey. Memorial donations may be made to Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society.

43-STORY MIXED-USE TOWER RISING IN LIC

Construction on a 43-story mixed-use tower at 29-26 Northern Boulevard in Long Island City (LIC), New York, has reached the 16th floor, New York YIMBY reports. Developed by Simon Baron Development and Stephen B. Jacobs Group, the structure will stand 481 ft., encompass approximately 500,300 sq. ft. and contain approximately 465 residential units. There will be retail on the cellar through second floors. Completion is anticipated in 2018.

MESA JANUARY MEETING AT PHILLIPS OLD COLONY

The Massachusetts Elevator Safety Association (MESA) plans to host a meeting on January 10 at 12:30 p.m. at Phillips Old Colony Restaurant at 780 Morrissey Boulevard in Boston. On the agenda are election of new board members and a presentation by Jeff Kneuer and Jake Tyler of Innovation Industries titled “Innovations from Innovations.” Board-member nominations may be sent to email, and additional information about MESA may be found on its website.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

Subscribe to ELEVATOR WORLD magazine: http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/CategoryCenter/SUBS/Subscriptions.aspx

Online bookstore: www.elevatorbooks.com

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Photo by JC_Heights via the YIMBY Forums.

Your daily industry news update: www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-4-2017/

Elevator World is the leading publisher for the International Building Transportation Industry. Our magazines cover the latest news, events, new technologies, market trends and education. Sign up for a print subscription or read the issue on any tablet, PC or mobile device. Purchase a one-year subscription or any single issue on the Elevator World apps available at no extra charge from the Apple or Amazon App stores. http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/CategoryCenter/SUBS/Subscriptions.aspx

INVERTEK REACHES MILESTONE, ANNOUNCES NEW FACTORY

Welshpool, U.K.-based Invertek Drives Ltd. has sold more than one million variable-frequency drives worldwide and is building a new 5,000-m2 factory in Welshpool, set to open in 2018. Current production is more than 160,00 units per year, reflecting an annual growth rate of more than 20%. The expansion will bring that to more than 400,000 drives per year, including larger power drives. Invertek drives are used in various applications all over the world, with the lion’s share (61%) sold in Europe.

CHINESE CITY ENACTS VERTICAL-TRANSPORTATION SAFETY LAW

Weifang, China, has enacted its first elevator/escalator safety law as units, and accidents, multiply, China Radio International reports. The number of units grew from approximately 1,300 in 2006 to 25,768 today. Noting that many older units are prone to malfunction and describing the elevator maintenance market as "chaotic," the local safety authority stated the new law will result in fines for any company or individual found to be responsible for a malfunction or failing to address issues in a reasonable amount of time. Horseplay in elevators, blocking elevator entrances, forcing open stuck doors and reversing the direction of an escalator are prohibited. Failure of maintenance staff to respond to a malfunction within 30 min. of being reported will result in fines of up to US$14,000.

SINGAPORE AUTHORITIES URGE ESCALATOR SAFETY

Authorities in Singapore are urging escalator safety and embarking on an awareness campaign in light of receiving 63 incident reports — approximately one per day — since November 1, 2016, The Straits Times reports. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) found that 95% of incidents were due to user error, such as carrying too many items, losing one’s balance or leaning on a unit’s sides. BCA says 78% of incidents involve people older than 60. The Asian city-state has more than 6,000 escalators, and BCA is working with their owners, such as malls, schools and hospitals, to create safety posters. Singapore’s transit systems are already trying out slower escalator speeds.

Submit your best industry photos to our 2017 Photo Contest! You could win one of several great prizes and be published in ELEVATOR WORLD magazine. www.elevatorworld.com/photocontest

Subscribe to ELEVATOR WORLD magazine: http://www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/CategoryCenter/SUBS/Subscriptions.aspx

Online bookstore: www.elevatorbooks.com

Blog: www.elevatorworldunplugged.com

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Photograph via CCTV