OTTAWA, TORONTO CONSULTANCIES MERGE

Canadian elevator consultancies Seaway Elevator Consultants of Ottawa and Solucore of Toronto have merged, the Ottawa Business Journal reports. Seaway will become the Ottawa regional office of Solucore, with Seaway President Ian Richardson stepping into the Solucore regional vice president role. Solucore's Director of Development Ray Eleid called the deal a "win-win" for both companies and for their clients, with Seaway gaining access to Solucore's information technology and, in turn, the ability to provide better customer service.

LIFT SYMPOSIUM: SECOND CALL FOR PAPERS

The University of Northampton, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Lifts Group and Lift and Escalator Industry Association have issued their second call for speakers to present peer reviewed papers at the Sixth Symposium on Lift and Escalator Technologies. The event will be held on September 21-22 at Highgate House in Northampton, U.K., and include speakers who are industry experts, academics and postgraduate students. For more information or to submit an abstract, please visit website.

FATAL LIFT MISHAP PROMPTS CALL FOR CLOSER LOOK IN TURKEY

The International Labour Organization (ILO), an arm of the United Nations, is calling on Turkish authorities to conduct a more in-depth investigation of a September 2015 construction-elevator accident in Istanbul in which 10 workers died when the unit in which they were riding plunged 32 stories, Today’s Zaman reports. The probe would examine causes, responsible parties and preventative measures. The Turkish Statistics Institute reports 1,754 construction workers, including those in the elevator trade, have died in work accidents over the past five years. Although Turkey has ratified several laws recently aimed at improving jobsite safety, the ILO would like to see further legal measures taken.

http://elevatorworld.com/industry-news/february-8-2016

OTIS SINGAPORE WINS BIG METRO MODERNIZATION CONTRACT

Otis Singapore has been hired to modernize 233 escalators at 42 stations within the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit rail network. The US$33.8-million contract will commence in the third quarter of 2016 and entail installation of energy-efficient machines and controllers, which will enable the units to adjust their speed according to traffic and better cater to passengers at different times of the day. The first modernization performed on the North-South and East-West lines, the project is scheduled for completion in 2021.

FLORIDA HIGH-RISE COMMUNITY TAKING SHAPE

Construction has reached the sixth floor on the first of five towers that will make up Kalea Bay in Naples, Florida, a high-rise resort community where prices for residential units start at more than US$1.3 million, Naples Daily News reports. The 22-story tower will have 120 residences on 20 floors atop two floors of parking, plus amenities, including private elevators for each condominium. Sales are brisk for units in the buildings, according to a representative of developer Soave Real Estate. Completion of the first tower is expected by the end of summer 2017.

POP/JOE GOLF OUTING ANNOUNCED

The "Pop" Frohlinger/Joe Marchese (Pop/Joe) 42nd Annual Memorial Invitational Outing is taking place on June 13, 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$425 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 Doug Witham of GAL Manufacturing Corp. For more information on the perennially sold-out event is available at www.popjoe.com.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/february-5-2016/

WATERFRONT VIEWS ON TAP IN NYC’S FINANCIAL DISTRICT

A 35-story building with an elementary school on the lower floors and 85 residential units above is taking shape at 32-42 Trinity Place in New York City’s (NYC) Financial District, New York YIMBY reports. To be known as 77 Greenwich Street, the structure is designed by FXFOWLE Architects and will boast impressive waterfront views. It is set to include retail within its 285,000 sq. ft. Completion is anticipated in 2019.

EW PHOTO CONTEST OPEN

ELEVATOR WORLD is now accepting entries for its fourth annual “Photos of the Elevator World Contest.” Download the entry form at elevatorworld.com/photocontest to begin submission 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. The deadline for entries is April 29. 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.

BC SAFETY AUTHORITY WARNS FINES, SHUTDOWNS

Canada’s British Columbia (BC) Safety Authority told 14 property owners they face fines of US$10,766 each and the shutdown of their single-bottom-cylinder hydraulic elevators, which are out of compliance with a safety order issued in 2010. The units were installed in buildings of seven or fewer stories less prior to 1977 and are susceptible to corrosion that can release hydraulic fluid and result in uncontrolled descent. Approximately 1,300 owners were initially notified, and nearly all are now in compliance. Those who are not may have their elevators removed on or after March 14 if they do not take immediate action.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/february-4-2016/

ITES TO LEAD NEW EQUIPMENT BUSINESS FOR KONE AMERICAS

Aaron Ites has been promoted to senior vice president, New Equipment, Americas, succeeding Mikko Korte, who was recently promoted to leader of Global Operations. In his new role, Ites is responsible for growing new-construction business in the Americas and becomes a member of both the KONE Americas leadership and Global New Equipment management teams. He is responsible for field operations, R&D and supply across the Americas, with additional oversight in Communications, Major Projects and project-management development. He most recently served as a Business Development leader with KONE, based in Brussels.

BEIJING ELEVATOR REPLACEMENT TO BE SUBSIDIZED

The government in Beijing has set aside money for the repair or replacement of outdated elevators with undetermined ownership, Big News Network reports. Approximately 26% of Beijing's more than 192,000 elevators are older than 10 years and at risk of malfunctioning, and approximately 94,000 of the units are in residential buildings. At least 3,956 elevators were determined to be high risk in 2015. That year, the government set aside US$3.5 million, which it used to replace 60 elevators, and has set aside slightly more than US$3 million for that purpose in 2016.

UNITED IN MONTREAL PROMOTION NEARLY OVER

The discounted rate for exhibiting at United in Montreal 2016 will be discontinued on March 11. Sign up to exhibit by contacting Kerrie Rebmann at the National Association of Elevator Contractors.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/february-3-2016/

Check out the Editor's Overview for the February 2016 issue. http://www.elevatorworld.com/magazine/editors-modernization/

IN MEMORIAM: GERALD DEACON WILLIAM HONEY

Gerald "Gerry" Deacon William Honey, a major force in the U.K. lift industry, passed away on January 23 at the age of 86. He was the founder of independent lift consultancy Gerald Honey Partnership, which was a training ground for many notable lift consultants. An associate of EW Founder William C. Sturgeon since the early 1960s, Honey founded the British Lift Association (BLA) in 1979. BLA merged with rival organization National Association of Lift Makers in 1997 to form the Lift and Escalator Industry Association, which organizes the triannual LIFTEX exhibition in London. Honey is survived by his wife, Dodi; son, Garry; daughter, Georgina and numerous grand and great grandchildren.

NEW LEADERSHIP AT THYSSENKRUPP ASCENSEURS

Emmanuel Altmayer has been named CEO at thyssenkrupp's French operation, thyssenkrupp Ascenseurs S.A.S., taking over for Chief Human Resources Officer Benoît Dugenêt, who was filling the position on an interim basis. Altmayer quickly rose through the ranks at Schindler, for which he began working in 1999. He served six years as managing director of Schindler France before becoming CEO of Schindler Asia Pacific. He joined SEVES China as president/CEO in 2008, then founded Altos Consulting in April 2013. He holds a degree in Engineering from the École centrale de Lyon and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.

CANADIAN CONSULTANCIES JOIN FORCES

KJA Consultants, Inc., headquartered in Toronto, has acquired Ayling Consulting Services Inc. (ACSI) of Mississauga, Canada. Among ACSI employees joining KJA's staff are founder Cliff Ayling along with Ian Hambly, Brian Hillier, Forest Delyzer and Dan Hron. Led by President Mark Davies and Chief Operating Officer Rob Isabelle, KJA has six offices in Canada and handles projects all over the world. Due to the acquisition, KJA now has approximately 85 employees.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/february-2-2016/

LANGER CHOSEN AS 2016 EESF CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN

The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF) has announced Michael Langer, safety/regional director for the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), as its campaign chairman for the 2016 fundraising year. Based in Middleboro, Massachusetts, Langer will lead the fundraising team in seeking tax-deductible donations to further the EESF's mission to educate the public on the safe and proper use of elevators, escalators and moving walks through information programs. IUEC is a labor organization representing approximately 25,000 union members in North America and Puerto Rico. Langer has installed, repaired and maintained equipment for KONE, thyssenkrupp and Schindler, among others, and has been a safety director for IUEC since 2006.

GROUND BROKEN ON NEW JERSEY’S FUTURE TALLEST

Ground was broken on January 28 on a 900-ft.-tall, 79-story condominium tower in Jersey City, New Jersey, that, upon completion in 2018, will be the tallest building in the state, New York YIMBY reports. Perkins Eastman Associates designed 99 Hudson Street, which will surpass the 780-ft.-tall Goldman Sachs Tower at 30 Hudson Street, the state’s current tallest. In close proximity to a transit station, the building will boast limestone cladding and large windows for the storefronts separated by limestone piers. The developer is China Overseas America, Inc., and the property is expected to open in 2019.

62-STORY RESIDENTIAL SKYSCRAPER PLANNED IN MELBOURNE

Altus Development has been granted approval to build a 193-m-tall, 62-story residential tower in the Southbank part of Melbourne, Australia, The Urban Developer reports. The skinny, glassy structure, designed by Moull Murray Architects, will house serviced apartments up to the 18th floor, private one- and two-bedroom apartments above that and three-bedroom penthouses on the uppermost 12 floors. No construction timeframe was given.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-new/february-1-2016

NAESA PERSONNEL UPDATE

NAESA International has announced the addition of Robert S. Caporale and the promotion of Emerald McGehee. Caporale is the editor of the organization's monthly newsletter, Progress, and is editor emeritus and former longtime editor and associate editor of EW. His 50-plus years in the elevator industry include 27 years at Jaros Baum & Bolles and stints at DTM Inc. and Syska Hennessy. McGehee has been promoted to the position of assistant executive director. She has been with NAESA since 2010. During her time with the organization, she advanced to the position of certification program administrator and worked to assist NAESA in obtaining American National Standards Institute certification of the NAESA QEI program. In her new position, she will assist new NAESA Executive Director Bob Shepherd with the duties required to run NAESA and its QEI certification program.

V ON SHENTON TO DISTINGUISH SINGAPORE CBD

V (five) on Shenton is set to distinguish Singapore's Central Business District (CBD) with a striking-looking, 53-story residential tower and matching 23-story office tower on the site of the former United Industrial Corp. building, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat reports. The residential building will feature sky lobbies and a sky garden boasting 360° views of Singapore, while the office building will be more understated with a height in line with its neighbors. Designed by UN Studio, both buildings are framed by chamfers that light up at night and hexagonal panels designed to conserve energy. Projected completion is in 2017.

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING, OFFICE TOWER PART OF BOSTON PLAN

Redevelopment authorities in Boston have greenlighted the first two of what developers hope will be six buildings on the site of a Brutalist-era parking garage on Congress Street, ArchDaily reports. They are a 486-unit luxury apartment building designed by CBT Architects and a 43-story office tower designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli. Also set to include a hotel, retail and public amenities, the US$1.5-billion project is being done by HYM Investment Group and National Real Estate Advisors. No construction timeframe was given.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-29-2016

FRENCH, INDIAN TEAM BUILDING MUMBAI CONDO TOWERS

Oberoi Realty of Mumbai has hired a joint venture made up of subsidiaries of Bouygues Construction S.A. of Paris to build four luxury condominium towers next to Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the Mulund District of Mumbai, Global Construction Review reports. The towers will be in pairs: The 59-story, 201-m-tall Enigma towers and the 56-story, 192-m-tall Eternia towers. Together, the four towers will have more than 1,800 residences plus parking, and boast views of northeast part of the city. Construction is expected to start in May and be finished by 2020.

ECNY SEMINAR COMING UP ON FEBRUARY 24

The Elevator Conference of New York (ECNY) is planning to host a seminar on February 24 on “Avoiding the Common Pitfalls of Elevator Maintenance, Modernization & New Installations” at Bruno’s on the Boulevard, 88th Street and Astoria Boulevard, Jackson Heights, New York 11372. The topics will be presented by Joe Caracappa of Sierra Consulting, Nick Montesano of DTM Elevator Consulting and Robert Cuzzi of Van Deusen & Associates. Greg Decola of Omega Industries Elevator Consulting is set to moderate. The seminar starts at 6:30 p.m., preceded by a buffet dinner at 5:30.

UPCOMING CEA EVENTS

The Chicago Elevator Association (CEA) has announced meetings for February 4, March 3 and April 7. The February meeting will be at The Clubhouse restaurant in Oak Brook, Illinois, with a guest speaker from Gorman Co., Inc. A speaker from Vertitron Midwest, Inc. will be at the March meeting. Additionally, there will be a scholarship fundraiser taking place at an undetermined date in May. For more information and updates, visit the CEA website: http://cea-online.org/.

http://www.elevatorworld.com/industry-news/january-28-2016/

OTIS ELEVATORS AT HOUSTON SPACE CENTER

Otis donated a pair of energy-efficient Gen2® elevators to the new Independence Plaza visitor center at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston. Visitors ride the units eight stories up to the decks of the Space Shuttle Independence replica, recreating the experience of astronauts during their more than 220 space journeys since 1977. Otis parent company United Technologies is a sponsor of the exhibit.

MONTANA INSPECTION-FEE HIKE DRAWS COMPLAINTS

The State of Montana has increased annual safety inspection fees for elevators, escalators and moving walks, and the move is drawing complaints from some property owners who feel the increase is excessive and that inadequate notice was given, the Great Falls Tribune reports. The state cited a shortage of inspectors and higher expenses related to travel and information technology, which contributed to a US$450,000 deficit in 2013. The owner of a five-story senior-living facility in Conrad, Montana, said his inspection fees more than doubled, from US$140 to US$390 per lift. There are more than 3,200 units inspected by four inspectors in Montana.

ESCALATOR REPLACEMENT AT BUSY MONTREAL METRO STATION

Escalators are being replaced at the Berri-UQAM station of the Montreal Metro, the system’s busiest station, through June 3, CJAD 800 AM reports. The work, part of a larger improvement project that began in 2010 and set to wrap up in 2017, means passengers will need more time to navigate between the Cote-Vertu and Angrignon platforms, where units are being shut down completely until work is complete.