Elevator World

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

THYSSENKRUPP COMPLETES MAJOR MODERNIZATION IN ST. PAUL

thyssenkrupp Elevator recently completed the modernization of the 14-unit vertical-transportation (VT) system serving Ecolab’s global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, the OEM announced on November 5. A provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions in 170 countries, Ecolab sought to modernize its recently purchased, 17-story tower to support a modern workforce with reliable, efficient VT. Prior to the modernization, elevators in the 1989 building frequently broke down, and the only way to reach the main lobby was via an escalator, creating challenges for disabled individuals. To solve this problem, a low-rise elevator was extended one floor down from the lobby. Westinghouse modular escalators were replaced with Velino models. Involving 12 elevators and two escalators, the project began in March 2019 and wrapped up in August 2020. The package included the AGILE destination-dispatch and MAX predictive-maintenance systems.

Image credit: courtesy of thyssenkrupp Elevator

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

BIM SOFTWARE NOW INTEGRATES THYSSENKRUPP'S MULTI SYSTEM

thyssenkrupp Elevator's MULTI system is now easier to integrate into building designs, thanks to DigiPara's automatic building information modeling (BIM) program, thyssenkrupp announced on November 4. Using DigiPara's lift design capabilities, building designers can now integrate MULTI early in the process. The new software enables 3D model configuration with only a few clicks, and designs and plans complete MULTI installations. In addition, architects’ requests for BIM models are now answered by one push of a button. MULTI is a ropeless system that allows multiple elevator cars within a single shaft and horizontal motion between shafts or other building configurations. DigiPara’s models can be uploaded and adjusted into 3D building models, which allows MULTI to be fitted perfectly into buildings, offering higher planning reliability as well as significantly more detailed information, even in an early stage of construction planning. By using the DigiPara lift designer, elevator manufacturers can automate 3D-BIM models as well as system drawings. Through pre-defined parameters, components and logics, the user-friendly software ensures efficient planning and configuration of elevators and escalators. For MULTI, this can save time because building planning and installation of MULTI systems can happen at the same time.

Image credit: courtesy of thyssenkrupp Elevator

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

CONVERSION OF CHICAGO'S TRIBUNE TOWER NEARING COMPLETION

Work is close to wrapping up on the conversion of Chicago's landmark, 75-year-old Tribune Tower, the onetime home of its namesake newspaper that is about to see new life as a residential/retail high rise. According to a November 1 report by Chicago YIMBY, once open, the 34-story, 463-ft-tall tower will house 162 condominiums. Prices start at US$900,000 for a one-bedroom unit, going up to US$7.6 million for a four-bedroom residence. Homeowners will enjoy more than 55,000 ft2 of amenities, including a gym, a solarium, a billiards room, a golf simulator, a coworking lounge, 47,500 ft2 of retail space and more. Work on the conversion, at 435 North Michigan Avenue, is on track to complete within a few months, and will be followed by phase two, construction of a 1,422-ft-tall, 113-story sister tower to be Chicago's second-tallest building. Developers of the project are CIM Group and Golub & Co. The architect for the conversion is Solomon Cordwell Buenz, and the designer of the second tower is Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture.

Image credit: by Stuart Seeger for Wikipedia

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

UNITED CABS LAUNCHES PODCAST CHANNEL

Jamaica, New York-based United Cabs has begun “The Going Up Podcast,” a webcast series on its YouTube channel. With plans to discuss “all things related to the elevator industry” and serve as “a thought-collective of key suppliers, industry leaders and innovators — both large and small,” it has so far seen Victor Rosario, president of United Cabs, interview Tim Frank, president of Banker Wire, and Omar Pineda, general manager of HS Stone Gallery.

Image credit: by Csaba Nagy for Pixabay

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

HITACHI CHINA, ZHONGTIAN FINANCIAL ENTER PARTNERSHIP

Hitachi Elevator (China) has entered into a partnership with Zhongtian Financial Group, a Guizhou, China, company focused on developing the surrounding region, Hitachi announced on October 29. Zhongtian has developed numerous projects in the areas of urban renewal, industry upgrading, urban construction and boutique real estate projects. Hitachi has worked with Zhongtian to develop multiple projects in Guizhou for several years, establishing itself as a leader in the region's elevator market. With their new association, officially established during an October 14 ceremony in Guiyang, the two companies have committed to a long-term strategic partnership to jointly support urbanization in Guizhou province. The companies' joint projects include Guizhou Zhongtian Financial City, for which Hitachi is supplying 81 elevators and six escalators; and Zhongtian-Future Ark World Trade Center, for which Hitachi is providing 153 elevators and 38 escalators, including 12 8-m/s units.

Image credit: courtesy of SOM

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

LONDON UNDERGROUND ESCALATORS GETTING UV TREATMENT

Handrails on about 25% of the London Underground's escalators are being fitted with ultraviolet (UV) light devices to kill microbes, such as the coronavirus, Ian Visits reported on October 26. Aseptic Ltd.'s ClearWin, a self-powered sterilizer that uses the UV-C light wavelength to kill microbes, was tested at the Heathrow T123 Tube station and, as a result, Transport for London (TfL) decided to move forward with installing them at other stations. Plans call for the device to be fitted on 110 escalators at some of the system's busiest stations. TfL, which has been testing its escalators for the presence of the coronavirus, said it hopes the devices will encourage people to hold the handrails.

Image credit: by IanVisits

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

TRIO OF KONE ELEVATORS FOR NEW PASSENGER FERRY

A trio of KONE MonoSpace® elevators — two passenger and one service units — will be provided for Aurora Botnia, an 800-passenger ferry under construction at Rauna Marine Constructions shipyard in Finland, The Maritime Executive reports. Running on liquified natural gas and biogas, the vessel is "the most environmentally friendly passenger ferry currently under construction," the source said. Carrying passengers between Vaasa, Finland, and Umeå, Sweden, the Wasaline vessel is scheduled for completion in 2021. Features of the KONE machine-room-less elevator system include weather-resistant construction and EcoDisc® gearless traction technology that lowe rs energy consumption.

Image credit: courtesy of Deltamarin

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

HITACHI CHINA WINS CONTRACT FOR LARGE PROJECT IN NANJING

Hitachi Elevator (China) has won a contract to supply elevators to the multiple-tower, mixed-use Jinling Central complex in Nanjing, China, the company announced on October 22. Located in Xinjiekou, Nanjing's CBD, Jinling Central will bring 342,600 m2 of new construction, divided into plots A and B. Plot A will include a 44-story, 235-m-tall grade-A office tower, a 36-story, 161-m-tall high-end apartment-style hotel and a seven-story commercial podium. Plot B will have a 99-m-tall grade-A office building and a four-story commercial podium. Hitachi will provide 65 elevators to the project with speeds up to 6 m/s. Construction has already begun on Jinling Central, which is being developed by Hongkong Land at a cost of CNY12 billion (US$1.8 billion). The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2024.

Image credit: courtesy of Hitachi Elevator (China)

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR'S TWIN USED FOR FIRST TIME IN KUWAIT

thyssenkrupp Elevator has installed 25 vertical-transportation (VT) units in the new headquarters of the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), including 10 of its TWIN elevator systems, the company announced on October 21. The 300-m-tall, 63-story NBK building, with a design reminiscent of a pearl and shell, stands in the heart of Kuwait City. It is the second-tallest in the country and the country's first skyscraper to use thyssenkrupp Elevator's TWIN system, which uses two cabins that move independently within a single shaft. TWIN allowed the building's designers to make the most efficient use of available space while using less energy. NBK is certified to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold rating, among the first in Kuwait to achieve that standard. In addition to the TWIN systems, thyssenkrupp supplied 12 conventional elevators — some traveling up to 6 m/s — one panoramic elevator and two escalators. The VT system uses the company's AGILE destination-control system. thyssenkrupp Elevator has a five-year maintenance contract that gives the building owners access to a standby technician.

Image credit: courtesy of thyssenkrupp Elevator

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

ELEVATOR INDUSTRY SECOND COVID-19 SURVEY RESULTS ANALYSIS

Elevator World, Inc., the German elevator association VFA Interlift e.V. and fair organizer AFAG, in association with Credit Suisse, recently shared results of its second survey of elevator industry representatives on current industry status and anticipated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on business. The survey received 572 responses, more than the first iteration that received 550 responses. Credit Suisse Managing Director and Head of European Capital Good Equity Research Andre Kukhnin assisted with preparation of a chart analysis, including breakdowns by country, of the results (excluding China, as, in July [ELENET 849], only a few of the responses were from that country, and an even comparison of previous and current results was needed). The most recent survey included a new question about the competitive environment that pointed to toughening competition globally across manufacturers, service providers and components suppliers. Additional observations include:

• Respondents in Germany and North America were most positive, while those in Asia (excluding China), South America and the Middle East were most cautious.

• Industry associations and consultants remain most cautious, while all divisions of the industry (component suppliers, manufacturers and service providers) have become positive.

• Overall, the industry has become slightly less cautious, with 29% still expecting unfavorable development over the next six months (the same as in July), but with 24% now expecting favorable development (versus 19% previously).

• Germany and North America both had improved outlooks compared to in July. Europe (excluding Germany) remained broadly unchanged in terms of negativity, while South America improved.

• Outlook in Asia (excluding China) worsened slightly.

• Consistent with July, uncertainty about economic policy remains a perceived limiting factor for business performance.

• The level of concern about demand, financial constraints and materials/equipment shortages lessened slightly.

• Employment outlook shifted from slightly negative in July to slightly positive.

• Globally, business activity is expected to be 5% below pre-pandemic levels, with Germany most positive and nearly fully recovered and South America and Asia (excluding China) most negative, with business nearly 10% below pre-pandemic levels.

Image credit: by Miroslava Chrienova for Pixabay

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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