Elevator World

LERCH BATES NAMES DUBAI MANAGING DIRECTOR

Lerch Bates Inc. has named Moufid Hilal managing director of its Dubai office. He has more than 23 years of industry experience, including roles as technical engineer, service engineer and branch manager at KONE's Abu Dhabi office. He most recently served as general manager of Mitsubishi, Saudi Arabia. In his new role, he will oversee management functions of the Middle East and North Africa markets, continuing to develop Lerch Bates' new-construction consulting and modernization/maintenance business there. Lerch Bates CEO Bart Stephan said Hilal has "the valuable and unique experience needed to lead our operations in the region."

59-STORY MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT IN DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN

A 692-ft.-tall, 59-story building with 450 condominiums atop four levels of retail is being planned by Extell at 138 Willoughby Street in downtown Brooklyn, New York, New York YIMBY reports. It is part of the larger City Point development, which includes a four-story mall and 19- and 31-story-tall residential buildings over approximately 1.8 million sq. ft. Kohn Pedersen Fox is the architect of what would be one of Brooklyn's tallest towers. No timeframe was given.

EW PHOTO CONTEST DEADLINLE EXTENDED

Due to a high number of photos received, ELEVATOR WORLD is extending the deadline for entries to its fourth annual “Photos of the Elevator World Contest” until May 13. Download the entry form to submit in one of seven categories: “Skylines & Tall Buildings,” “Elevators (Commercial),” “Elevators (Private Residence),” “Escalators/Moving Walkways,” “Inclined Lifts,” “Machines and Components” and the new “Historical/Legacy Equipment” for installations predating 1965. The winners in each category will receive US$250 cash or the equivalent in Elevator World, Inc. educational products or advertising. Judges will first choose up to 20 finalists from each category, which will be presented online during May. Here, readers will vote to decide the best of the best. Winners and runners-up from each category will be featured in the August issue of EW and highlighted online.

NYEI GOLF OUTING ON MAY 3

New York Elevator Industries (NYEI) is planning its annual Golf Outing on Tuesday, May 3, at Leewood Golf Club in Eastchester, New York. The event is set to start with an 11 a.m. brunch, followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, and wrapping up with an oyster and clam bar, cocktails, dinner and prizes. Tickets are US$215 and US$395 per person for the dinner only, and the golf event plus brunch and dinner, respectively. To register and for further details, contact Chris Taurus.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/april-27-2016/

OTIS ANNOUNCES EXPANDED TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS

Otis President Philippe Delpech announced at the Hannover Messe trade show in Hannover, Germany, taking place through April 29, that it has expanded partnerships with AT&T and Microsoft to enhance connectivity, improve performance, lower costs and deliver better results to customers. Otis divisions worldwide will use AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) technology to aggregate data from cell networks and connect to a new, enhanced cloud environment. With Microsoft, Otis aims to develop digital solutions for smart-building equipment, such as elevators, to enhance energy efficiency and productivity. Utilizing Microsoft technology, Otis will expand its use of Microsoft’s IoT and analytics systems to drive condition-based monitoring and maintenance.

NDC WINS QUEEN’S AWARD

Northern Drives & Controls Ltd. (NDC) has been named winner of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, a prestigious U.K. business award presented by the queen on the advice of the prime minister for recognition of growth and commercial success in international trade. NDC repairs and refurbishes variable-frequency drives (VFDs) and converters from hundreds of manufacturers. The focus of the company’s strategy has been on building up a network of distributors around the world. Having expanded rapidly in Europe and penetrated markets in the Middle East, Australia and America, NDC’s target is to further develop in Australia and America and expand into the Far East and China.

PLANT ELEVATOR FATALITY RESULTS IN FINE, MANDATORY UPGRADES

A cement manufacturer responsible for a poorly maintained elevator at its plant in Louisville, Kentucky, in which a worker fell to his death in February 2014 has been ordered by the U.S. District Court to pay a fine and improve its elevator-maintenance procedures, The Pioneer News reports. The company agreed to pay US$200,000 immediately and another US$200,000 if it fails within three years to make repairs (such as installing interlocking switches that prevent doors from opening when an elevator is not at a landing), implement a maintenance control program and submit to regular inspections.

We recently sat down with EESF chairperson, Tom Sybert, to talk about this year’s annual general meeting and the future of the Foundation. With 25 years of experience in the industry, Tom is president at C.J. Anderson & Company. He has served on a number of industry boards and committees and is also the founder and host of the Elevator Radio Show.

FRUITFUL PARTNERSHIP FOR SJEC IN INDONESIA

Chinese manufacturer SJEC Corp. is a long-term supplier and partner of WIKA (Wijaya Karya), one of the largest state-owned construction companies in Indonesia. The team cooperated in the delivery of more than 80 elevators and escalators. PT. Wijaya Karya Realty (Wika Realty), a subsidiary of state-owned enterprise PT. Wijaya Karya (Persero), contracted SJEC to supply its E500 high-speed elevators for the high rises at its Tamansari Hive in Jakarta, Tamansari La Grande in Bandung, Tamansari Lagoon in Manado and Tamansari Papilio in Surabaya. These lifts achieve VDI 4707 Class A in energy efficiency and feature variable-voltage, variable-frequency drives, AFE power regeneration technology and a comprehensive building-management system. Reported by Robin Zhu, SJEC

NASTRI PROMOTED TO UNITEC MANAGER

Unitec Elevator Parts Co. has promoted David Nastri to Business Development manager. Nastri will be responsible for enhancing both new and existing customer relationships, while identifying business opportunities through new product offerings. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the elevator industry, having been with Unitec since March 2007 following his transfer from Otis, where he worked since 1997. In his most recent position, Nastri was an account manager responsible for the Western U.S., as well as managing various transit customers throughout the country. He has also facilitated the marketing of Unitec’s elevator products through customer visits, in addition to cultivating the introduction of multiple new modernization product offerings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Post University and a master’s degree in Management from Saint Joseph College.

EESF ANNUAL “CHICAGO CRUISE ON LAND” COMING UP

The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF) is planning its annual “Chicago Cruise on Land, an Evening for EESF,” at the RIVA Crabhouse restaurant on Navy Pier on June 9 from 7-10 p.m. The facility boasts views of the pier and Lake Michigan. The event includes dinner and a fireworks show. Tickets are US$125 before May 8 and US$150 after, and sponsorships are also available.

EW FOCUSES ON SPECIAL APPLICATION LIFTS

ELEVATOR WORLD will focus on Special Application Lifts (including inclined elevators, platform lifts, stairway chairlifts, private-residence and limited-use/limited-application elevators) in its July issue. It will receive bonus distribution at the Indonesia Lift & Escalator Expo, taking place in Jakarta on July 27-29. The deadline for submissions is May 16. To participate or for more information, contact the EW Editorial Department at phone: (251) 479-4514, ext. 30 or email: [email protected].

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/april-25-2016/

COLUMBIA ELEVATOR ADDS FURTHER POSITIONS

Columbia Elevator Products Co. Inc. has announced the filling of new positions as part of its previously outlined ongoing expansion. Miguel Muñoz, based in Bridgeport, Connecticut (where the company is headquartered), is assuming the position of plant manager, while Jacob “Jake” Brown, based at Columbia’s Winfield, Kansas, facility, is assuming the title of plant supervisor. Muñoz has been at Columbia since 2000 as a press break helper, computer numerical control programmer, compliance administrator, and quality controller. Brown launched his Columbia career in November 1998 as a welder and eventually worked in all departments.

MORTMAN RETIRING

Jackie Mortman is retiring on April 29 as vice president of HUB International Northeast, Ltd.'s JM Associates/Burnham + Co., based in Fort Lee, New Jersey, after an insurance career spanning more than 45 years. Specializing in insurance for the elevator industry, Mortman has become a familiar face at many industry events as a presenter and participant. She was the recipient of the William C. Sturgeon Distinguished Service Award at the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) conference in Boston in 2015, and her agency received the NAEC Contractor's Choice Award in 2010.

US$3 MILLION APPROVED TO FIX BART ESCALATORS

The Bay Area Transit Authority (BART) board has approved US$3 million to replace the obsolete controllers on 12 of the system’s escalators, sfist reports. The San Francisco area transit system’s escalators are often out of service and clogged with human waste. BART officials said they are addressing the issue of getting the units up and running. BART reports that there are 12 escalators out of service, with eight currently undergoing repairs.

http://elevatorworld.com/industry-news/april-22-2016/

PROPOSED TOWER WOULD BE TALLER THAN BURJ KHALIFA

By 2020, Emaar Properties hopes to build a mixed-use tower in the new Dubai Creek Harbour development in Dubai that would be taller than the 828-m-tall Burj Khalifa, various news outlets, including the International Business Times, report. The design is by Santiago Calatrava Valls and resembles a minaret anchored by massive cables. It is inspired by the ancient city of Babylon with landscaping boasting hanging gardens. The building would have approximately 20 floors of hotel rooms and restaurants, viewing decks and rotating balconies.

HOUSTON COMPANY ANNOUNCES GERMAN PARTNERSHIP

Rack-and-pinion specialist Century Elevators of Houston announced during the Bauma trade show in Munich on April 11-17 that it has partnered with Böcker, a German-based manufacturer of aerial work platforms, cranes and industrial lifts, American Cranes & Transport reports. Describing Böcker as an industry pioneer well-equipped to serve the U.S. market, Century Vice President and General Manager Paula Manning said the partnership will help Century "intensify and diversify" its U.S. presence. The news follows Century's recent announcement that it acquired exclusive rights to sell PEGA elevators in 32 U.S. states.

GALLAGHER TO HELP BUILD NY AREA SALES FOR PEELLE

John Gallagher has joined the sales team for The Peelle Co., focusing on maintaining and building the freight elevator and passenger door businesses in the New York area. Gallagher comes from a four-year career as a sales executive for Fujitec America in Clifton, New Jersey, where he was recognized for his success securing maintenance, repair and modernization work. He studied Business Management at Bergen Community College and Finance and Economics at William Patterson University.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/april-21-2016/

NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR AT AVIRE

Avire has named Rob Lewis managing director. He joins Avire from another Halma company, Fortress Interlocks, where he served as managing director for the past six years. During this time, he was lauded for his success in growing sales and innovating products. Prior to this, he held various operations and site leadership positions in GKN's automotive and aerospace divisions for 11 years. Lewis studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cambridge and earned his MBA from London Business School.

EIGSC ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCED

The Elevator Industry Group of Southern California (EIGSC) will be holding its annual golf tournament on June 17 at the California Country Club in Whittier, California. The price is again US$125 per person, and sponsorships are available. For more information, contact EIGSC representative Ray Miller.

ELEVATOR WORKER DIES FROM ELECTROCUTION IN NYCHA BUILDING

A 54-year-old elevator mechanic helper was pronounced dead at the scene in the rooftop machine room of a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) building in Brooklyn, New York, on April 15, various news outlets, including the New York Post, report. His colleague, who had been working in the lobby, found him unconscious after he was apparently electrocuted. The fatality came on the same day the NYCHA demoted its head of elevators and replaced him following a report that charged the authority failed to respond to reported malfunctions and another elevator-related death in one of its buildings on Christmas Day 2015.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/april-20-2016/

NAEC’S CARTER-POWELL RETIRING

Faye Carter-Powell, deputy director of the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) for the past 16 years, is retiring, effective August 16. She will continue as NAEC's chief financial officer, primarily working remotely. Carter-Powell told ELEVATOR WORLD she plans to spend a lot of time at the beach near her home in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

MAXTON AT NAESA WORKSHOP

Maxton Manufacturing Co. presented a class at the NAESA International Central Region Spring Workshop on April 8 in Des Plains, Illinois. The class covered the company’s upcoming UC4M HD commercial electronic valve, the current residential EMV10 electronic valve and what an elevator shutoff ball valve is required to have for code compliance. The 85-plus attendees from multiple states included inspectors, consultants, and representatives from both the major and independent elevator companies.

TWO INJURED IN TUBE ESCALATOR SLIDING

According to the Daily Mail, a 70-year-old woman was “badly injured” by “a young foreign woman in her 20s” sliding down an escalator at the North Greenwich London Underground station on April 15. The older woman was “sent flying” and left lying face down on the floor. Both women were injured, with the younger being taken to a nearby hospital and the other being treated only at the scene. Police are investigating the incident.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/april-19-2016/

ATLANTA TO GET FIRST THYSSENKRUPP TWIN SYSTEM IN AMERICAS

thyssenkrupp's first TWIN elevator system in the Americas is set to go into the High Performance Computing Center (HPCC) in Midtown Atlanta. A project of Georgia Institute of Technology and John Portman & Associates, the HPCC is located at Spring and Fourth streets and is described by the Atlanta Journal Constitution as "one of the most anticipated real-estate projects in the city in years.” It will be a showcase for technology that includes the computer-controlled TWIN system, which boasts two cabs operating in one shaft and is touted by thyssenkrupp for decreasing stops, saving space and enhancing efficiency.

TURKISH FIRM BUILDING TALLEST STRUCTURE IN ZAMBIA

Umran Construction Ltd. of Turkey plans to develop and build a US$30-million, 35-story building in the central business district of the Zambian capital Lusaka, which will be the tallest structure in Zambia, the Zambia Daily Mail reports. Umran said it is confident office space in the building will quickly fill. It is also to include retail and penthouse residences.

FLORIDA GOVERNOR SIGNS HOME ELEVATOR SAFETY LAW

Florida Governor Rick Scott signed Senate Bill 1602, which calls for safety devices such as sensors to be installed on home elevators, into law on April 8 after the bill unanimously passed both houses, SNN TV reports. The law was proposed after a 12-year-old Bradenton, Florida, boy lost his life in January 2015 in a home elevator accident while searching for his pet hamster. His parents and sponsors of the law hope it will help prevent future tragedies.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/april-18-2016/

TOSHIBA JOHNSON ELEVATORS FOR GURGAON COMPLEX

Toshiba Johnson Elevators (India) Pvt. Ltd. has received an order for 40 elevators, including eight 3-mps units, for developer DLF's for its luxury condominium project The Camellias in Gurgaon, India. Scheduled to be completed this year, it will consist of nine towers with 429 apartments. The tallest tower is to reach 156 m. Toshiba Johnson will install its flagship ELCOSMO-III series, designed with environmental consciousness and reliable safety features. It includes a compact, high-efficient permanent-magnet synchronous motor, LED lighting, lightweight car, advanced control panels, lead-free parts and oil-free roller guides and guide rails.

SCREW-JACK LIFTS FACILITATE NEW TAPPAN ZEE

Construction on the towers that will make up the New Tappan Zee Bridge in Tarrytown, New York, is being aided by what the New York State Thruway Authority calls "jump forms," The Journal News reported. Since the towers' construction began in September 2015, crews working on the jump forms have installed rebar and poured concrete. The eight towers, which are to stand 419 ft. by the time construction is complete in 2018, will be created from jump forms raised by a total of 26 screw-jack lifts that ascend 12-18 ft. each. Crews access the jump forms via staircases and temporary elevators mounted on the sides of the towers.

ABSTRACTS AVAILABLE FOR LIFT SYMPOSIUM

Most abstracts are now available for the papers to be presented at the 6th Symposium on Lift and Escalator Technologies on the event’s website. As recently reported (ELENET 647), registration is also open. The symposium takes place on September 21-22 at Highgate House in Northampton, U.K.