Elevator World

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KONE WINS 62-ELEVATOR ORDER IN HANOI

KONE has won an order to supply 62 elevators to Goldmark City in Hanoi, Vietnam. Being developed by Viet Han Trading, Goldmark City includes nine 40-story buildings containing 5,000 apartments. The order consists of 57 S MiniSpaceTM elevators operated by EcoDiscTM hoisting technology and five S MonoSpace® machine-room-less elevators, along with the E-LinkTM remote-monitoring system. Goldmark City is centrally located, convenient to Noi Bai International Airport and the National Convention Centre.

51-STORY BUILDING FOR NYC’S UPPER WEST SIDE

The 666-ft.-tall 200 Amsterdam Avenue for the lower blocks of New York City’s (NYC) Upper West Side was revealed in June. To become the neighborhood's tallest building, the former synagogue site was acquired for US$275 million in 2015 by SJP Properties. The developer has since gained US$160 million in financing from Mitsui Fudosan. New York YIMBY reports Elkus Manfredi Architects is designing the exteriors, while CetraRuddy is being contracted for the interiors. The building will house 400,000 sq. ft. over 51 floors containing 112 residences averaging in excess of 3,000 sq. ft. each. No completion date has been announced, but site work is underway.

CSU STADIUM CONTRACT LET

Lerch Bates Inc. has been selected to design the vertical-transportation systems for Colorado State University’s (CSU) new on-campus multipurpose stadium. The stadium is under construction between Lake and Pitkin streets on Meridian Avenue in Fort Collins. It will include nine elevators and feature a capacity crowd of more than 40,000 fans. It will also will serve as a cornerstone for CSU’s athletic department, housing office and administrative space, including football offices, as well as training and competition space for several sports. The US$220-million facility and adjacent US$18-million academic space is scheduled to open in time for the 2017 football season.

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KONE DEBUTS NEW TEXAS FACILITY

On June 20, KONE moved its Texas operations into the new AllenPlace facility in Allen, Texas. Aimed at supporting KONE Americas with the introduction of the MonoSpace® machine-room-less elevator to the market, AllenPlace includes R&D, engineering, light manufacturing and a 128-ft.-tall test tower with six shafts. It encompasses 173,952 sq. ft. and will house 80 employees, who relocated from KONE's previous location in Allen. KONE Senior Vice President Jussi Oijala will serve as site leader.

MAGNETEK HIRES ASIA-PACIFIC MANAGER

Drive designer and manufacturer Magnetek, Inc. has added Vincent Hoe as Business Development manager for its elevator drives business in the Asia-Pacific region. Hoe will manage Magnetek’s elevator drive sales and support operations for modernization and new-construction projects in the Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Shanghai and Australia. He will be based out of the Singapore office of Magnetek’s parent company, Columbus McKinnon. He has held management, technical sales and support positions at Fujitec Singapore and its subsidiary FSP Pte Ltd., thyssenkrupp, and Otis. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and an MBA.

PALACE THEATRE ELEVATION DETAILED

The US$2-billion renovation of Palace Theatre at 1564 Broadway in NYC will have escalators, in addition to a 29-ft. raise. The joint venture between Maefield and the Nederlander Organization intends to raise the theater above ground level, then build 70,000 sq. ft. of retail and entertainment in the newly formed space underneath it. According to the Commercial Observer, patrons will ascend via a series of escalators to the new grand lobby at orchestra level and to enter the theater. New York YIMBY details how it will be moved, despite it being encased within the Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square hotel.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/june-17-2016/

BLAIN TO OFFER SEMINARS AT EXPOELEVADOR

As part of Blain Hydraulic’s continuing-education program and to support a growing hydraulic elevator market in South America, the company plans to host seminars on how to design, configure and manufacture hydraulic power units for interested companies, consultants and technicians at ExpoElevador, taking place on July 14-15 at the Anhembi Convention Center in São Paulo, Brazil. The seminars are intended to help individuals and companies associated with the hydraulic elevator industry learn and understand the basic concepts and become more capable of delivering a quality product in their local markets. Participants are asked to register.

BOSTON GARAGE SITE PLANS REVEALED

The Boston Redevelopment Authority is weighing proposals for redevelopment of a shuttered garage. Six projects have been put forth for the downtown Winthrop Square Garage site, which the Boston Globe reports will include one of the tallest buildings in Boston. To cost an approximate US$1 billion, the winning development will be chosen from a few finalists to be further pared down over the summer.

IAEC FUNDRAISER ANNOUNCED

The International Association of Elevator Consultants (IAEC) will be hosting its 23rd annual fundraiser on the rooftop of the Dream Downtown, located at 355 West 16th Street, New York, New York 10011 on August 25. Proceeds benefit the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation. Reservations are US$350 per person. For more information or to RSVP, contact IAEC.

Industry News for June 16, 2016

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TIANJIN ORAC TO ADD ROBOTS TO ASSEMBLY LINE

Tianjin ORAC Elevator Co. Ltd., based in Tianjin, China, plans to add robotics to its assembly line to improve efficiency in the midst of strong sales, China Daily reports. The company intends to invest US$10 million in the technology. Tianjin ORAC projects annual sales to grow by 30%, resulting in revenue to reach up to US$106 million in 2016. Sales soared from approximately 2,000 elevators in 2015 to an estimated 5,000 in 2016. Holding more than 80 patents, the company produces elevators, escalators and components and owns numerous brands.

AL-FUTTAIM AWARDED DUBAI MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

The elevator division of Al-Futtaim Engineering of Dubai has been awarded an annual service and maintenance contract for the 22-unit high-speed Hitachi elevator system serving the Burj Al Salam Tower on Sheik Zayed Road in Dubai, Reuters reports. Al-Futtaim Senior Managing Director Dawood Ozair said he looks forward to exceeding the expectations of Abdulsalam Al Rafi Group, which awarded the contract. Representing major brands such as Hitachi and Shenyang Brilliant Elevator Co., Al-Futtaim has supplied elevators to significant Middle East projects including Jumeirah Lake Towers, Al Maktoum International Airport and the Nassima Royal Hotel.

CONDOMINIUM PROJECT RISING ON NYC’S UPPER EAST SIDE

The Kent, a 30-story, 367-ft.-tall condominium tower at 200 East 95th Street on the Upper East Side of New York City (NYC), is rising quickly, New York YIMBY reports. Located on the corner of Third Avenue, it has reached four stories. The 317,664-sq.-ft. structure is set to have approximately 80 residences and 13,225 sq. ft. of ground-level retail. Extell is the developer, and Beyer Blinder Belle is the architect. The project is scheduled for completion in 2017.

Industry News for June 15, 2016.

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MAYR OPENS CHINESE FACTORY

Mayr Power Transmission's new plant in Zhangjiagang, China, near Shanghai, has been inaugurated. Its production area of 8,000 m2 provides space for up to 200 employees in production and additional workplaces in the office building. Mayr stated it is expanding and continuing to develop its capacities in the country's Middle Kingdom. Its Mayr China branch now has 110 employees and is 10 years old, having developed from a simple representative office into a company with its own production. In addition, Mayr is expanding the complex at its German headquarters in Mauerstetten. There, construction work for a new communications center called “mayr.com,” and new production and assembly halls, is underway.

SUPPORT SHOWN FOR NEW YORK REGULATIONS

Supporters of the Elevator Safety Act held a rally in Albany, New York, on June 9 to promote state legislation that would mandate training requirements for elevator repair workers. At the event, covered by timesunion, the deaths of eight people due to faulty elevators in New York (four passengers and four repair workers) were remembered. International Union of Elevator Constructors Local One President Lenny Legotte explained, "Six of the eight contractors did not participate in training."

ESCALATORS OPEN IN MUMBAI STATIONS

The Times of India recently reported that several passenger amenities, including escalators, in the Mumbai suburban section of the Western Railway, have been opened. The escalators were at Bandra Terminus, Kandivali station and Goregaon station. In addition to being a busy suburban station, Bandra is a major terminus, home to 40 pairs of trains handling 20,000 passengers daily. Goregaon station, which now has six escalators, caters to more than 154,000 originating passengers daily.

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NYCHA LAUNCHES SAFETY CAMPAIGN

NY1 News has reported that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is taking new measures to keep tenants informed. The agency has launched advertisements as part of a new safety campaign designed to make residents aware of possible dangers involving elevators. The campaign includes posters, notecards and flyers that show residents safety steps to take and to immediately alert staff of potential hazards. In April, NYCHA The New York Times reported NYCHA was initiating changes after the city’s Department of Investigation found the division failed to properly respond to malfunctions among its 3,300 elevators. In addition to safety training and better communication, the changes include an overhaul of its elevators.

SCHINDLER FORMS CHINA JV WITH VOLKSLIFT

Schindler recently reported that it has established a joint venture (JV) with Chinese elevator company Volkslift Elevator (China) Co. Ltd. The agreement entails Schindler initially acquiring a 25% equity stake in Volkslift with options to purchase the remaining shares. Based in Zhejiang Province, Volkslift is a local independent Chinese elevator and escalator company with its own design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance operations. The agreement, the details of which are confidential, is subject to approval by the relevant authorities.

NEW DELHI ESCALATORS MAKING STATION “STAIRCASE FREE”

Fourteen escalators have been installed at the New Delhi railway station so far. Staircases are being eliminated in favor of the machines, and the station now boasts more than one escalator at all its platforms, excluding entry and exit points. Railway authorities are expecting to have elevators installed at each platform, also, by the end of the year, "making the railway station almost 'staircase free,'" The Hindu reported. It also states there are "elevators coming soon."

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http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/june-13-2016/

TRITON EXPANDS PRODUCTS, FOOTPRINT

Lancaster, Texas-based Triton Consolidated, Inc. has bought Triton Elevator, historically a diversified elevator parts and accessory company specializing in cab and accessories. Now, the elevator company will expand into the manufacturing of residential elevators and general service equipment for the aviation industry. To this end, the now-parent company has entered into an agreement to purchase a 19,400-sq.-ft. industrial manufacturing/office facility in Duncanville, Texas. The agreement includes a provision to lease the property as management completes financing arrangements with Triton's banking institution.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR UNITED IN MONTREAL

Registration is now open for both attendees and exhibitors for United in Montreal 2016, taking place at the Westin, InterContinental, Hyatt Regency and Palais des Congrès de Montréal on September 19-22. A discounted rate will be offered until August 26, and all online registrations will be automatically entered into a drawing for a US$50 Best Buy gift card. Registering online will provide immediate confirmation and will allow the registrant to make registration modifications.

HOLOGRAM DEPLOYED TO CHANGE ESCALATOR BEHAVIOR

London’s Tube Network has placed a hologram of a talking woman employee speaking to passengers getting on escalators at Holborn Station during morning rush hour. Projected onto a human-shaped cutout, the smiling informant persuades tenants to stand on both sides of the escalator, rather than reserve one side for walking only. According to some sources of Atlantic CITYLAB, the apparition even sings songs, serenading commuters with the likes of Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.” The goal is for the transit authority to change London escalator riders’ stand-on-the-right/walk-on-the-left habit, which has been shown to slow rush-hour traffic. Atlantic CITYLAB writer Feargus O’Sullivan reported: “Visiting Holborn during rush hour this morning, I can verify that not a single person was standing on the escalator’s left side.”

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN TO ADD ELEVATORS

The University of Wisconsin has scheduled its Witte Residence Hall for US$47 million in renovations, including expanded and faster elevators, starting in spring 2017, The Badger Herald has reported. The Madison, Wisconsin, building, built in the early 1960s, will require improvements to meet current university residence hall standards, including heating and air-conditioning. An 11th floor, adding 108 beds, is also to be part of the work if approved by the city. A further addition with elevators would connect Witte’s two towers with a central core structure.

Image courtesy of thyssenkrupp.

Industry News for June 10, 2016

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MULTI FOR METROS MUSED

Leaders from Transport for London, London First, Arup, WSP, thyssenkrupp and Weston Williamson gathered in London on June 7 to discuss MULTI as a solution for increasing demands in underground transportation hubs. thyssenkrupp believes that in addition to buildings, the concept is "a prime solution to the challenges of metro stations, as well." It notes that as the world's oldest underground transportation network, the London Underground is among the most pressured. Furthermore, transportation hubs are increasingly being developed into retail and dining locations — places where people want to stay, rather than leave quickly as has been the norm. MULTI is being installed at thyssenkrupp’s test tower in anticipation of testing. Its first working installation expected in 2017.

CHICAGO SPIRE REVIVED AS GATEWAY TOWER

San Francisco-based design and architecture firm Gensler has proposed a concept for the waterfront site of the now-scrapped Chicago Spire in Chicago. It plans to avoid another US$50-million loss (as took place in 2008 with the global economic downturn) by having mixed-use floor space to attract and retain diverse investors. The proposed Gateway Tower would house condominiums, rental apartments, two hotels and tourist attractions. It would keep the old plan's height at 2,000 ft. but use a thin, rectilinear shape, rather than a twisting one. Though the high rise is still “purely conceptual,” Dezeen reports its amenities include a funicular for mid-level access, a water taxi service, two Riverwalk entries and a tall "skydeck" with a restaurant and garden.

NEW DELHI OFFICE MAY LIMIT ELEVATOR USE

The Huffington Post reported on a document dated April 12 that appears to be a notice reportedly found displayed in the Bar Council of India office in New Delhi. It indicates that any staff member younger than 50 years of age with a rank lower than that of an assistant secretary cannot use the elevator unless he or she is unwell. The notice also states that any “outsourced” employee cannot use the lift used by staff members and other senior members without penalty.

30-STORY LOUISVILLE HOTEL UNDERWAY

The Omni Louisville Hotel in downtown Louisville has had a fast start to construction, Broken Sidewalk recently reported. The 30-story tower will feature 660 hotel rooms, 225 apartments, two "enormous ballroom spaces" and a mix of retail. HKS Architects designed, and Brasfield & Gorrie is contracting the US$300-million-plus development. It remains on schedule for its spring 2018 opening.

Industry News for June 9, 2016

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AVIRE SUPPLIES TIANJIN AIRPORT DISPLAYS

Avire recently completed the supply of 177 C2 color LCD displays with multimedia content to Terminal 2 at Tianjin Binhai International Airport in China. In partnership with KONE, the company has installed 41 12.1-in. units as in-car displays. The remaining 136, combined with hall lanterns and gongs, are positioned in landing areas. The Tianjin airport is among the fastest growing in China and one of the country’s major air cargo centers. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the airport handled a total of 12 million passengers in 2014.

CANADIAN CITY BOOM RAISES DENSIFICATION QUESTIONS

According to The Vancouver Sun via The Province, there are 106 high rises under construction in the town centers of Burnaby, Canada, almost half of which are more than 40 stories tall. The newspaper stated such numbers are unprecedented in Greater Vancouver and, possibly, Canada. The work is expected to produce 30,000 high-rise units in Burnaby. Public opposition, however, has been stiff, mostly citing densification that forces tenants from the few affordable units in the city. Burnaby does not have rules in place requiring developers to replace lost rentals like Vancouver does. In other comparisons, there are 68 high rises under construction in Vancouver. In Burnaby, 47 of its 106 are 40 stories or more, while the former figure in Vancouver is 13.

ROTH ELECTED HOME-CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR

Torrington, Connecticut-based Elevator Service Co., Inc. has announced that its president, Steven Roth, has been elected to the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County (HBRA) Board of Directors. Torrington is in adjacent Litchfield County, Connecticut. Roth is a veteran in project management and project administration, and a member of the National Association of Elevator Contractors. He has also served as co-chair of the HBRA Associate Council, which supports the 70-year-old organization and its members.

Industry News for June 8, 2016

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OTIS, MEYER SHIPYARDS SIGN CRUISE DEAL

Otis has been selected to provide the elevators and escalators for four new cruise ships to be built by Meyer Werft in Germany and Meyer Turku in Finland. The OEM will install 160 of its elevators and 16 of its heavy-duty escalators. Zardoya Otis, the company's operating unit in Spain, will provide units specially designed to withstand damp and salty environments at sea. The elevators are equipped with special operational modes, such as luggage mode, gangway deck mode and radio-frequency-identification-based priority service for VIPs. Each of the "next-generation" ships will have a capacity of 2,500 cabins, exceed 180,000 gross T in size and are scheduled for delivery in 2018 and 2020.

LARGE MALTA PROJECT DETAILED

According to the Malta Independent, a project cost estimate has been drawn up for the proposed twin 40- and 25-story, mixed-use Mercury House development in the Paceville district of Malta. Though developers had only planned to pay around EUR110 million (US$125.1 million), the estimate puts the construction price at EUR160-180 million (US$181.9-204.7 million). Developers said that due to the building’s unique shape and the fact that this type of project would be unique in the country, reliable cost data was difficult to secure. Among the many imports that will be required, "fast lifts for high rise vertical distribution would have to be brought in from abroad," the newspaper reported. Gozitan hotelier Joseph Portelli's proposal was "still on the drawing board" as of June.

THYSSENKRUPP TEST TOWER ON TRACK IN ROTTWEIL

thyssenkrupp's 807-ft.-tall test tower in Rottweil, Germany (ELENET 609, 626 and 630), is on schedule and on budget, poised to start operations in December and open to the public in May 2017. A service elevator is already transporting workers to the upper levels at approximately 13 fps, and a panoramic elevator that will take visitors up 761 ft. to Germany's highest viewing platform has been installed. One of the company's largest drive units is being manufactured at its Neuhausen, Germany, plant. The structure will serve as the exclusive testing ground for thyssenkrupp's MULTI system (ELENET 613), which is ropeless and travels both vertically and horizontally via maglev technology. During a media briefing on the tower on June 1 (ELENET 651), CEO Andreas Shierenbeck called the tower “a beacon for thyssenkrupp Elevator.”

400-FT.-TALL TOWER PLANNED IN HONOLULU

A pair of Los Angeles developers and a Japanese investor hope to build the 400-ft.-tall Manaolana Place hotel/residential building in Honolulu across from the Hawaii Convention Center, Pacific Business News reports. The structure is set to include more than 100 condominium units and 125 hotel rooms, along with four levels of parking for 276 vehicles. Partners on the project are Jim Ratkovich and Bill Witte of Los Angeles and Kaijima Kagaku USA Inc. of Japan. Pending local authorities’ approval, the partners will combine properties they own totaling approximately 51,000 sq. ft. at Kapiolani Boulevard and Atkinson Drive.