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August 23, 2010

LODHA PLANS THREE-TOWER PROJECT NEAR MUMBAI
According to DNA India, the Lodha Group has announced plans to develop a high-rise residential complex in Goregoan (East), a suburb of Mumbai. The complex will consist of three towers, one with 63 floors and two with 43 floors. The towers are expected to offer a total of more than 300 residential units, each with two or three bedrooms, a hall and kitchen.

LODHA HIGH-RISE PROJECT ON HOLD
Construction on Lodha Developer's proposed 117-floor residential tower in Mumbai is being delayed because it has not been approved by a state high-rise committee. The five-year term of the committee members expired on July 27, and the state has not appointed new members. According to the Hindustan Times, the state government is not rushing the appointments due to problems that surfaced with one of the former committee members after his appointment. Located in the Lower Parel section of Mumbai, the tower is scheduled to open in 2014.

MECCA TOWER FEATURES LARGE CLOCK FACES
A tower under construction in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, includes clocks on four sides with faces that measure 46 meters across and are located some 400 meters above ground level. Elevators will carry visitors to a balcony just below the clocks that will offer views of Mecca's Grand Mosque and other sights. The clock tower, which is expected to be at least 590 meters tall when completed next year, is one of seven towers in the Abraj Al-Bait complex. The other six towers will be between 42 and 48 stories. Together, the seven towers will offer 3,000 hotel rooms and apartments, conference halls, shopping and other amenities.

KESI PLANS LIFT SAFETY EXPO
As part of its recognition of the 100th anniversary of the first elevator installation in Korea, the Korean Elevator Safety Institute (KESI) has announced plans for Korea Lift Safety Expo 2010, to be held on December 15-18. The expo will be held at Hall C, Coex in Seoul. The organizers expect more than 20,000 students and representatives from industry organizations, universities and lift companies to participate. For more information, contact KESI at 352-5 Yang-jae 2-dong, Seoul, Korea, 137-898; phone: (82) 2-3497-7443; fax: (82) 2-3497-7419; or website: www.kesi.or.kr.

FERRARI WORLD INCLUDES TL JONES PHONE SYSTEMS
TL Jones recently supplied emergency elevator telephone systems to the Ferrari World theme park on Yas island in Abu Dhabi. The Memcom telephone systems were installed on Otis elevators throughout the complex. The project was managed by Laith Hasen, general manager of TL Jones U.A.E. Ferrari World was developed by Aldar Properties. The Ferrari-themed amusement park is located adjacent to the Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ferrari World attractions and experiences include Formula Rossa, a 240-kph roller coaster that completes its circuit in less than five seconds. In addition to amusement rides, the park is home to numerous interactive, shopping and dining experiences.

FRASERS PROPERTY GAINS APPROVAL FOR SYDNEY PROJECT
Frasers Property has gained approval for the first stages of its massive Central Park building project at Broadway in Sydney, Australia. In addition, two residential towers designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel have been approved. A commercial campus designed by Foster + Partners on the corner of Broadway and Abercrombie Street has also been approved. The entire project will take up 5.8 hectares on the site of the old Carlton United Brewery, which is opposite University of Technology Sydney. The site will include tri-generation electricity, making its own power rather than drawing from the grid. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of this year and be complete in mid 2013.

JAKARTA FIRE LEAVES TWO DEAD IN ELEVATORS
The Jakarta Post recently reported that firefighters found two people dead inside a Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Indonesia, office building on August 6. The victims, 27 and 50 years old, respectively, were found in separate elevators and died of suffocation after being trapped during a fire that “gutted the tower.” Ahmad Lamping operation chief of Central Jakarta’s fire brigade, stated that the building’s electricity system failed as the fire escalated, which caused the elevators to stop operating.

August 16, 2010

THYSSENKRUPP SUPPLIES NEW DELHI AIRPORT
ThyssenKrupp Elevator (Asia/Pacific) recently announced that it provided 260 units to the Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 3 in New Delhi. The ThyssenKrupp order included 77 elevators, 34, escalators, 92 moving walks and 57 passenger boarding bridges. Among the moving walks is one of the longest in Asia at 118 meters. The terminal, which opened in July, is expected to handle 34 million passengers annually.

THAILAND LIFT FALLS
According to Pattaya People, on July 26, a Pattaya, Thailand, hotel lift fell to the fourth from the 18th floor before momentarily stopping and continuing its descent to the ground. Passengers were injured in the fall. The incident remains under investigation.

HCM CITY REGULATES BUILDING HEIGHT
Viet Nam News reported in July that Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City, Vietnam, plans to crack down on construction companies that violate the city’s height regulations on buildings in District 1. The criteria for the height of buildings vary according to location, street, population and distance to historic structures, among other factors. In order to protect the landscape and ease traffic congestions, HCM City’s People’s Council recently passed a regulation that requires city agencies to regulate the number of high-rise construction projects in inner-city District 1.

TOSHIBA ANNOUNCES FIRST FINANCIAL RESULTS
On July 29, Toshiba Corp. announced its consolidated results for the first quarter of its current fiscal year. The company reported net sales of JPY1.47 trillion (US$17 billion) and operating income of JPY29.5 billion (US$341.4 million). Both were increases over the same period last year. Toshiba's Social Infrastructure segment (which includes elevators and escalators) reported lower sales and operation income for the quarter.

ITC CONSIDERED HIGHEST BUILDING IN BEIJING
The International Trade Center (ITC) will be considered the tallest building in Beijing when it opens this month. Reaching 74 stories, the building is equipped with 52 elevators. Among the elevators, four are among the fastest in China, taking only 33 seconds to travel from the first floor to the top. A manager from the construction company that worked on the building said the elevators were designed to be ergonomic. The elevators are also designed to stop at the nearest floor to allow passengers to exit, in case of earthquakes and strong winds. In addition, the building is equipped with five asylum floors, which allow people to find shelter from fire for up to three hours. In order to make sure the ITC had enough support, its foundation was placed 23 meters underground, the equivalent of an eight-story building.

FACILITY RELOCATION AND EXPANSION PLANNED BY KONE
KONE has announced plans to relocate and expand its manufacturing unit and R&D center in China in the Kunshan New & Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone. The industrial park is located close to the Suzhou-Shanghai Expressway, which allows improved connections to suppliers and customers. It is expected to open in 2012. The current R&D center will be expanded and a new high-rise test tower will be built on the site.

August 9, 2010

IN MEMORIAM: ALISTER PINTO
Trevor Rodericks recently reported that his colleague Alister Pinto died on July 25 in New York. He was a retired industrial engineer who earned his degree from Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute. He worked with Ex-cello before joining Otis India, where he worked for 27 years. As an industrial engineer, Pinto's area of expertise was the production line, but he also designed field-friendly tools. He moved to the U.S. after he retired. He is survived by his wife Doris, children and grandchildren.

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC REVISES 2011 FORECAST
Thanks to growth in its Industrial Automation Systems segment and increased demand in Asia, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced on April 30 that it had revised its 2011 fiscal year consolidated earnings forecast. It now expects net sales for the 12-month period ending on March 31, 2011, to be JPY3.53 trillion (US$40.91 billion), while operating income is expected to be JPY160 billion (US$1.85 billion), and income before income taxes to be JPY145 billion (US$1.62 billion). These revisions reflect increases of 1.4%, 14.3% and 31.8%, respectively. All three figures are also greater than the actual results Mitsubishi Electric reported in these categories in its 2010 fiscal year.

EW ANNOUNCES SECOND VEE
ELEVATOR WORLD has announced the Second Annual Virtual Elevator Event (VEE) 2011, to take place on January 26, 2011. The online exhibition, which can be accessed worldwide, will once again feature booths to visit, live and on-demand presentations, chat opportunities and numerous online resources. The presentations will be of both the educational and technical varieties. Speaking opportunities and sponsorships are available. To sign up as a speaker, visit website: http://www.elevator-world.com/vee/speakers.php. For more information or to become a sponsor, visit website: www.elevator-world.com/vee. Online registration will be available soon.

THYSSENKRUPP INSTALLS TWIN ELEVATORS IN HOSPITAL
ThyssenKrupp Elevator announced in July that it will install two of its TWIN elevators (systems with two cabs running independently in the same shaft) and one conventional elevator at Ajou University Hospital in Suwon, South Korea. The installation is a part of a modernization project. After the replacement of three traditional single elevators that have reached their capacity limits, five cabs will be available, allowing more passengers to be transported in the same amount of space. In addition, a destination control system will shorten passenger wait times. Ajou University Hospital is one of the largest in the country. Each TWIN cab has its own counterweight and separate safety and drive equipment, but both cabs use the same guide rails and shaft doors.

KONE MONOSPACE RECEIVES VDI 4707 RATING
KONE recently announced it had received the A-class energy rating from the VDI 4707 classification rating for its MonoSpace® elevators. In making the announcement, the company noted that the "A-class rating is the best rating that can be given under the VDI 4707 classification standard." KONE customers will be able to order elevators meeting the VDI 4707 classification beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010. The VDI guideline is a code of practice that was established by the Association of German Engineers (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure) and is used mainly in Europe but also in other countries.

JAKARTA BUILDING DEVELOPMENT SHIFTS
Property consultants at PT Procon Indah reported in July that developers are moving southward to construct new office buildings in Jakarta, Indonesia, in search of more affordable land prices and a specific image. The company’s data as of the second quarter of 2010 showed that South Jakarta had almost 20% of all high-rise offices in the city. Over the last five years, the demand for office space in South Jakarta has increased by 29%, while the same demand in other parts of Jakarta increased by 15%. Procon Indah’s research and consulting head Utami Prastiana said, “South Jakarta has a prime neighborhood image. It is surrounded by established prime residential and commercial developments.” Prastiana also added that as many as 90% of companies in South Jakarta preferred to buy office space instead of rent.

August 2, 2010

DELHI METRO PREPARES FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC
Delhi Metro has plans to install more escalators at Rajiv Chowk and Chandni Chowk metro stations in Delhi. At the former, four additional escalators have been commissioned, while at the latter, two new escalators from ground to concourse level are planned. Separate entry and exit gates will be erected for better passenger flow into the Chandni Chowk. This station also acts as an integrating point for the Old Delhi Railway Station of Indian Railways. Additionally, Chawri Bazar Metro Station will receive a high-capacity lift on the Hauz Qazi side of the station. The work has been prompted by expectations of additional traffic for the Commonwealth Games, to take place in October 3-14 in Delhi.

SHANGHAI MITSUBISHI BUILDING NEW ESCALATOR PLANT
Work has begun on a new escalator manufacturing facility in the Minhang Development Zone in China. The Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator Co., Ltd., plant will cover an area of 53,000 square meters. Construction is expected to be completed in September 2011. It was designed to produce up to 5,000 escalator and moving-walk units annually.

TEHRAN INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION EXHIBITION PLANNED
The 10th Tehran International Construction Exhibition will be held August 3-6 at the Tehran International Fair in Iran. Domestic and foreign construction-industry companies will be exhibiting, as will research and scientific centers and government organizations. Donya-ye Asansor, the Iranian elevator-industry trade publication, also plans to be present. For more information, contact the organizers at phone: 91-21 22662488 or e-mail: info@iranconfair.ir.

VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION ASIA
An event designed to bring key industry-related stakeholders in Asia together under one roof has been scheduled for November 29-30 in Hong Kong. Vertical Transportation Asia will offer an opportunity for participants to discuss engineering challenges and best practices, including safety requirements, energy efficiency, code standardization, the use of lifts for evacuations and other topics. For more information, contact the event organizers at website: www.verticaltransportationasia.com.

INSPARISK ACQUIRES AND RE-LAUNCHES FORUM
Insparisk, LLC announced on July 9 that it acquired and re-launched authorizedinspector.com, an industry forum dedicated to nationally accredited inspectors. The upgraded site will incorporate additional professionals such as QEIs and façade inspectors. Insparisk President Stephen Kleva, stated, “We are pleased to expand our web portfolio by providing a site dedicated to the open exchange of information for the inspection industry. With no professional or geographic boundaries limiting participation, we anticipate the site will be a tremendous resource for seasoned veterans, as well as those interested in entering the field.”

LASERMOTIVE LAUNCHES LASER-POWER-BEAMING VIDEO
LaserMotive, the Seattle-based winner of the 2009 National Aeronautics and Space Administration-sponsored Space Elevator Games, recently released a video on laser-power beaming, the wireless transfer of energy from one location to another. The new video highlights a variety of uses and demonstrations of the technology, including a fully functional field-demonstrated laser-power-beaming system. For more information, visit LaserMotive at website: www.lasermotive.com.

July 26, 2010

THYSSENKRUPP UNITS IN DELHI AIRPORT
ThyssenKrupp Elevator (Asia/Pacific) recently announced that the company has provided 204 units to the Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi International Airport) in Delhi, India. The work was done in the new Terminal 3, which can now handle 34 million passengers annually and is considered one of the largest passenger terminals in the world. The vertical-transportation installed by the company consists of 69 elevators, 37 escalators and 98 moving walks. The longest walkway is 118 meters.

FIRST STAGE OF CENTRAL PARK PROJECT APPROVED
Sydney Central recently reported that the first stage of a two-tower residential project in Sydney has been approved. The two towers of Frasers Property's Central Park project are expected to reach heights of 116 meters and 64.5 meters, respectively, and sit atop a five-level retail podium. Ateliers Jean Nouvel designed the towers. Construction is expected to begin late this year and be completed in 2013.

KONE RECEIVES ORDER FOR EQUIPMENT IN CHONGQING
Chongqing Shui On Tiandi Property Development has ordered 31 elevators and six escalators from KONE to be installed in the 220-meter-tall Hualongqiao B11 in Chongqing, China. KONE will deliver 25 KONE MiniSpace™ elevators, six KONE MonoSpace® elevators and six KONE TravelMaster® escalators for the high rise, which was designed by the Chongqing Architectural Design Institute. It is scheduled to open at the end of 2012.

July 19, 2010

MADURAI AIRPORT TERMINAL TO OPEN
The Airports Authority of India is expected to open a new terminal building at the Madurai Airport soon. With an area of 17,000 m2, the space has six escalators and six lifts, with separate enclosures for immigration and customs. Seven flights will be able to be accommodated during peak times. Three “aero bridges” (two of which are to become operational this year) will take passengers directly to flights. International connectivity for the airport is also expected in 2010.

COMPANY SUPPLIES ELEVATOR SAFETY SYSTEM
Memco will install its Elite elevator safety systems in 74 elevators at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India. The system features two independent detection systems. The first is a light curtain of infrared beams that criss cross the elevator’s car doors; the second is a 3D proximity detection system in the landing zone. Any person or large object breaking the light curtain or detected within the 3D zone will trigger a system that automatically reopens the elevator doors. The Elite features the latest software and can be fitted to almost any new or existing elevator. The system will be installed in the airport’s new Terminal 3, which is expected to add a passenger capacity of 33 million people annually.

CENTRE 66 TO FEATURE KONE EQUIPMENT
KONE recently announced it had won an order to supply 42 elevators and 56 escalators for the first phase of the Centre 66 development project in Wuxi, China, which is being developed by Hang Lung Properties Ltd. The order includes 22 KONE MonoSpace® elevators, 20 KONE MiniSpace™ elevators and 56 KONE TravelMaster® escalators. The development consists of a 250-meter-tall office tower and a shopping mall in the central business district of Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. The complex was designed by Aedas Ltd. and is scheduled to open in 2014.

July 12, 2010

BENGALURU'S MANTRI MALL WINS AWARD
Mantri Square in Bengaluru, one of the largest malls in India, recently received the Images Shopping Centre 2010 Award as the "most admired shopping centre launch of the year" in the southern region of India. Johnson Lifts supplied the 17 elevators, 26 escalators and four inclined walks as the vertical transportation in the mall. Developed by Mantri Development, the retail mall was designed by Bentel Associates of South Africa.

WTC TOWER SET FOR 2012 COMPLETION
Doha’s West Bay area is getting a new 50-story tower. Currently underway, the development is scheduled to be ready in summer 2012. The project includes office space, parking arrangements, and a spherical building with an auditorium, an exhibition hall and additional office space. Dubbed the World Trade Centre (WTC), the building will join a global network of more than 300 other WTCs. The joint contract between project owner Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Co. and main contractor Arabtec Construction Co. was announced in June. Once complete, the tower is expected to be among the tallest in Qatar.

MERO CITY CONSTRUCTION STARTED
Royal Orchid Developers started the construction of Mero City apartments on June 14. The development is located in Hattiban, Nepal, and will consist of five residential towers. Each tower will have two automatic elevators with 24-hour power backup. Royal Orchid also signed contracts with all apartment buyers in June. The project has received all necessary approvals from the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction. The towers will also be equipped with firefighting systems and earthquake-resistant frame structures. A completion date for the project has yet to be released.

COMPANY ANNOUNCES CONTINENTAL ACQUISITION
SearchMedia Holdings Ltd. has completed its acquisition of China’s Zhejiang Continental Advertising Co., Ltd. in a combination cash and stock transaction. SearchMedia is a multi-platform media company and one of the largest operators of integrated in-elevator advertising networks in China. SearchMedia currently operates a network of elevator advertisement panels consisting of approximately 125,000 frames in 50 cities in China. Continental is also an advertising company, with more than 10 years of operating history.

NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL IN MOZAMBIQUE
The new terminal at Maputo International Airport in Mozambique was close to completion in June with only minor things left to complete. Contractors started the work in April 2009. The new terminal has escalators and elevators, including some deigned for mobility-impaired passengers. The terminal is expected to serve 400 passengers an hour, compared to the previous 150 in the old building. Once the international terminal is complete, the domestic terminal construction will start and is expected to take 14 months to complete.

HIGH-RISE BUILDING BAN IN HANOI MAY BE REMOVED
A ban on new high-rise construction is being reconsidered by officials in Hanoi, Vietnam. According to VietNamNet, The Ha Noi People's Committee has sent a proposal to Vietnam's prime minister to allow "Multistoried construction projects that satisfy the city's planning and social and technical infrastructure standards." However, the proposal includes a provision that new buildings in the central city not unduly increase the area's population density. The prime minister halted high-rise construction in many parts of the city in December 2009 to preserve their historical and cultural integrity.

REDEVELOPMENT PLAN UNVEILED
Mitsubishi Estate Co. unveiled the outline of its urban- renewal project in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district in June. The development will be located where a former golf driving range was. Among the new development plans for the 3.7- hectare plot are a 20-story office building and a 32-story luxury residential building. The company anticipates strong demand because of the location’s proximity to a subway station and the lack of large office buildings and condominiums in the area. The office building will occupy about 70% of the total area and is expected to be complete in April 2012.

July 6, 2010

MUMBAI HIGH-RISE CONSTRUCTION
In June, the Lodha Group, a Mumbai, India-based real-estate developer, announced its plans for a 442-meter-tall residential tower in Srinivas Mills. According to a spokesperson for Lodha, the World One tower will be one of the tallest residential buildings in the world, reaching 117 stories. The group purchased the Srinivas Mills area in 1995; however, construction has been stalled due to labor claims and court disputes. The project has not been approved, but the municipal corporation’s high-rise committee has allowed Lodha 40-story construction permission. In addition, the Lodha Group is planning two 80-story towers. The World One project is expected to be complete within five years, of the beginning of construction, based off a calculation of past construction experience.

IMPROVEMENTS FOR METRO STATIONS
Five new Gurgaon-Qutab Minar metro stations in Delhi have had double escalators for entry and exit installed. In addition, 25 lifts and 31 escalators have been installed in the nine stations on the corridor, excluding Chhattarpur Metro Station. According to a chief project manager of one of the metro lines, these types of equipment are not available in other metro stations in the area. The stations have also installed automatic fare collection machines to prevent commuters from walking in improper directions.

SEMATIC LIFT DOORS FOR SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO
The World Expo in Shanghai, China, is going to be the biggest in the World history. During the six months during which the Expo will be open it is expected to draw about 70 million visitors. One of its main attractions is the Italian Pavilion which offers a rich display of Italy’s excellence in different sectors, contributing to an improvement of the quality of urban areas ranging from engineering, urban development and architectural design up to technological innovation, infrastructures as well as urban and vertical mobility. The Pavilion features 7 elevators and 2 escalators, which allow the visitors to admire comfortably the exhibiting spaces situated on different levels. Thanks to its high quality performance products, Sematic Group has been chosen by Tecno to supply, for all the elevators installed in the Pavilion, its multipurpose car & landing 2000 B-AP lift doors, which are specifically designed for the Asian Pacific market, and feature central opening, hairline finishes, full glass or steel panels. Along with other universally recognized design objects and products “Made in Italy”, such as for example Ferrari’s cars or Dolce&Gabbana’s clothes, Sematic Lift Doors shine at Shanghai Expo as an excellent example of innovation, originality and attention to details.

WORLD CUP STADIUMS IN SOUTH AFRICA
KONE has provided 33 elevators inside four of the stadiums hosting this year’s Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in South Africa. The elevators were installed in Nelspruit’s Mbombela Stadium, Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, as well as in Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium and Soccer City Stadium. A total of 27 games will be played in all four buildings, and the final match of the tournament will be played in the Soccer City Stadium. All the elevators are under KONE’s maintenance and include full-time standby crews at all venues during the FIFA World Cup, which concludes on July 11.

SHANGHAI COMPLEX ELEVATOR ORDER
Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced on June 21 that it had received an order to supply 127 elevators and escalators to the Shanghai JingAn Kerry Centre. The order includes 42 high-speed elevators capable of reaching speeds up to 480 mpm, 37 low-speed elevators and 48 escalators. Seventy-two of the elevators will feature an energy-saving power-regenerative function, which allows the elevators to efficiently reuse energy generated from operation. This is the second consecutive order Mitsubishi Electric has received for elevators and escalators from Kerry Properties Ltd. The complex will include two towers with officers, commercial facilities and a Shangri-La Hotel.

NEW ACCESS TO PREMISES STANDARDS PROPOSED
In its latest newsletter, the Lift Engineering Society of Australia reported on the new Disability (Access to Premises -- Buildings) Standards 2010, which are expected to lead to changes in the level of access required in new buildings and existing buildings undergoing renovation. The new standards will be implemented on May 1, 2011. In a joint effort, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and Australian Building Code Board (ABCB) will offer Premises Standards Awareness Seminars throughout August and September. Michael Small of AHRC and Kevin Newhouse from ABCB will be seminar presenters. For more information on these seminars or to register, visit website: www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/ps_registration.htm.

MODEL WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT IN AUSTRALIA
The Lift Engineering Society of Australia recently reported in its newsletter that a new version of the model Work Health Safety (WHS) Act was approved by Safe Work Australia on April 29. A public comment period is scheduled to open in November, and the model WHS Act and model WHS Regulations are schedule to commence in January 2012. For more information, visit website: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/swa/Model+Legislation/Model+Work+Health+and+Safety+Act/.

HONG KONG UNIVERSITY EXPANSION
The Chronicle of Higher Education recently reported on the expansion of the University of Hong Kong. The new construction is needed to house additional students and staff as a result of a decision by the Territory of Hong Kong to make its undergraduate degrees four-year programs rather than three years. Due to space limitations, the school most hollow out the side of a mountain to accommodate new building space. High-speed elevators will rise 90 meters from new subway stops to access University Street, which is being developed to connect the two halves of the new campus.

191 ELEVATORS FOR CHINESE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
China-based assembler and manufacturer of elevators and escalators Symax Lift (Holding) Co. Ltd. recently entered into a contract with Wuxi Tai Hu Jia Yuan Property Development Co. Ltd. to manufacture and install 191 elevators for a government-funded residential development project. Symax will also provide repair and maintenance services for three years after installation of the CNY33.83-million (US$4.99-million) project is finished. Delivery and installation have been scheduled to commence in July, and completion is slated for this year.

June 28, 2010

June 21, 2010

WOMAN DIES IN VIETNAM ELEVATOR ACCIDENT
A woman died on June 2 as a result of injuries she sustained from being trapped between a lift and the floor. Vietnam News reported that the woman and another passenger were in the open-door elevator when it started going up and down without stopping. The other passenger was able to jump to safety as the elevator passed a floor level. The cause is being associated with an unstable power supply. Police are investigating the incident.

GAUTRAIN BEGINS AIRPORT SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA
The Gautrain rail line connecting O.R. Tambo International Airport and Sandton, South Africa, began operating on June 8. There is a total of 39 elevators and 49 escalators in the 10 stations on the complete route, which links Hatfield in Pretoria to Johannesburg Park Station and Sandton to the airport. The Bombela Concession Co. operates the Gautrain.

THYSSENKRUPP SUPPLIES EQUIPMENT FOR GAUTRAIN
The 25 escalators and 12 elevators in the five recently opened stations of South Africa's new Gautrain high-speed rail system (ELENET® 496) were supplied and installed by ThyssenKrupp Elevator. The company has also been awarded a contract to supply 24 escalators and 27 elevators in five additional stations planned for the system. The first section of the rail line connects the O.R. Tambo International Airport and Sandton. Once completed, the Gautrain transportation system will cover about 80 kilometers.

June 14, 2010

MUMBAI RESTRICTS HIGH-RISE CONSTRUCTION
According to Express India, the technical committee for high-rise buildings in Mumbai will no longer consider proposals to build high rises on plots smaller than 1,000 square meters. The seven-member committee has forwarded its draft guidelines to the Mumbai municipal commissioner. The guidelines define a high rise as any building above 70 meters in height. As of April 19, that committee had received 218 building proposals, of which 155 were cleared.

ITEC CENTER IN INDIA
KONE announced on June 2 that it had inaugurated its new Indian Technology and Engineering Center (ITEC) in the suburb of Ambattur, about 20 kilometers from Chennai, India. ITEC will serve as a testing and research hub to support the company’s latest technology and developments for the elevator and escalator industry. The new center allowed KONE to bring all of its Indian R&D engineering units to one location. ITEC is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certified and uses renewable energy and a built-in rainwater harvesting system. The building is equipped with 36 of KONE’s MonoSpace® elevators and two TravelMaster escalators.

SIX PASSENGERS TRAPPED IN LIFT
The Times of India reported on May 30 that six people were trapped in a Mumbai lift. The incident occurred in the afternoon of May 29. The lift stopped on the third floor of the building and started moving down, but stopped before reaching the second floor. The passengers were stuck in the elevator for 45 minutes, then the lift started to move down, and the doors opened.

SKYSCRAPER PROJECT TO BEGIN IN DUBAI
Damac Properties announced in early May that it had awarded Arabtec Construction, LLC, its Damac Heights project to be located at the Dubai Marina. Work was scheduled to begin shortly after the contract was signed around the end of April. The 420-meter-tall skyscraper is set to include 85 floors and provide around 600 residential units. It will be the second tallest project by Damac Properties. Damac Heights was formerly named Ocean Heights 2 and is within walking distance of Damac’s other Ocean Heights property, which is scheduled to open later this year.

COMPANY’S ROLE IN WORLD EXPO 2010
KONE will play a role at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, which opened May 1 and is scheduled to run until October. It is expected that more than 70 million visitors from around the globe will attend the expo. KONE is a national partner for the Finland Pavilion and will also provide vertical-transportation solutions for 21 flagship pavilions. The company maintains more than 500 elevators and escalators that are being used in the expo. Specifically for the Finland pavilion, KONE provided a custom elevator, which contributes to the building’s high-tech look and feel. Combining technology and design, the elevator will serve both as an exhibition object, as well as a mode of vertical transportation. Overall, KONE supplied 59 elevators and 34 escalators for 21 different pavilions.

HIGH-RISE TOWER APPROVED FOR BRISBANE
The 236-meter-tall Infinity Tower has been approved in Brisbane and is expected to include 73 floors. The tower will be located at Northern Herschel Street and will accommodate 414 apartments, 10,000 square meters of office space and 10 levels of basement parking, according to skyscrapernews.com. The design is slender, with the southern face of the building to appear like an elongated semi-circular tube. The other side of the tower will appear like half a hexagon. As of press time in May construction start and completion dates were not yet released.

http://skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=2530

June 7, 2010

EW PROJECT OF THE YEAR DEADLINE NEARS
The deadline to submit projects for consideration in ELEVATOR WORLD’s 13th annual Project of the Year contest is August 31. Winning projects will be featured in EW’s January 2011 issue. EW is seeking entries in nine categories: Elevators, New Construction; Elevators, Modernization; Escalators, New Construction; Escalators, Modernization; Moving Walks; Inclined Elevators; Accessibility Systems; Private-Residence Elevators; and Automated People Movers. A panel of industry experts will select a winner in each category in which entries are received. For more information and a copy of the entry form, visit website: http://elevator-world.com/pdf/POYForm.pdf.

KUNMING UNIVERSITY CITY PROJECT
According to China New Elevator Weekly, Shanghai Yungtay Elevator has signed an agreement to provide 114 elevators for a residential development in Kunming University City in Yunnan, China. Yunna Real Estate Co. is developing the project.

SHOPPING CENTER TO GET ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS
Centro Comercial de Viana, a new shopping center in Luanda, Angola has been under construction, since August 2009. The center will include two escalators that will connect seven floors. This portion of the project is scheduled to be inaugurated in November. The second phase of the project was expected to start in about three months. This phase will include six elevators and four escalators. At least 1,600 people are expected to visit the shopping center per day once it opens.

JOINT VENTURE TO PROVIDE EQUIPMENT FOR CHINA HOTEL
Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator Co. Ltd., a joint-venture company of Mitsubishi Electric Corp. in Shanghai, announced in May that it was awarded a contract by Dalian Wanda Group Corp. Ltd., one of China’s leading property developers, to provide 50 elevators and escalators to the Dalian Wanda Center, a twin-towered property to be built in Dalian’s Donggang District. The center will have a north tower and a south tower. The former, with 36 floors above ground, will incorporate two hotels (the Conrad Wanda Hotel and the Hilton Wanda hotel) in its upper and lower floors. The latter, with 44 floors above ground, will provide office space. The project is scheduled to be complete in June 2011.

LIFTASIA 2010
The International Elevator & Escalator Technology Exhibition & Conference Liftasia 2010 will be held on June 15-18 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Malaysia. Green lift and escalator technology will be the main focus of the event. Mitsubishi, Ryoden Sdn. Bhd. and Eita Elevator will update attendees on the latest green technology for the industry. For more information, or to register for the event, visit website: www.isfexpo.org/registration.html.

ISO REPORTS ELEVATOR USE COULD SAVE LIVES IN EMERGENCIES
A technical report recently released by an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) committee finds that elevators may be the best escape options in an emergency. ISO Technical Committee 25743 also provided a chart to help identify risks. In particular, the findings may be a benefit to those unable to use stairways or find them difficult to use, such as the elderly, physically handicapped, pregnant women and small children. For more information, visit the ISO website at www.iso.org/iso/pressrelease.htm?refid=Ref1325.

May 17, 2010

U.A.E. PAYMENT PLAN TO ENSURE TOWER COMPLETION
According to zawya.com, R Holding and Real Estate Investment Corp. of Ajman, the U.A.E., announced in April that a new construction-linked payment schedule had been launched. The plan is intended to ensure the 2011 completion of the Paradise Lakes Towers project. The plan will include payment installments that will be made based on construction progress, which will be monitored by the Ajman Real Estate Regulatory Agency. The tower is located near the Dubai Airport and includes four high-speed elevators and a 15,274-square-foot entertainment zone.

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR 2010
On April 30, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced its consolidated and non-consolidated financial results for its 2010 fiscal year, which ended March 31. Net sales for both consolidated and non-consolidated results fell 9% when compared to the previous year. Consolidated results included a 33% decrease in operating income, but an increase in income before income taxes of 46% when compared to last year. In its non-consolidated results, Mitsubishi Electric reported a 48% increase in ordinary profit when compared to 2009. Its building systems business experienced decreases in both orders and sales from the previous fiscal year, primarily due to decreases in the global demand for elevators and escalators, as well as postponements and cancellations in large-scale projects.

FUJITEC TO EQUIP BEIJING SUBWAY
Huasheng Fujitec Elevator Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Huasheng Fujitec Escalator Co., Ltd. have jointly received an order for 264 escalators to be supplied and installed in the Beijing Subway, which is currently under construction. The two companies are subsidiaries of Fujitec Co., Ltd. Combined with an order of 108 escalators Fujitec has already delivered to the metro system, the company will have 372 escalators in 47 stations when the Beijing Subway opens in September 2013.

LIFT ASIA 2010 SET FOR JUNE ON MALAYSIA
The first LiftAsia is scheduled for June 15-18 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia. Billed as an international elevator and escalator technology exhibition and conference, LiftAsia 2010 is designed to bring manufacturers and suppliers in contact with specifiers and users of industry equipment. Its theme is "Innovative Technologies for Designs & Efficiency." A regional conference focusing on "Green Innovations in Building Transportation Systems" will be held in conjunction with LiftAsia on June 17. For more information on LiftAsia, contact Michelle at phone: (603) 40454993 or e-mail: mha@ambexpo.com or visit website: www.liftasia.org.

May 7, 2010

AGENCY TO OVERSEE INSPECTIONS
Top News recently reported that the Minister of Public Safety in Saskatchewan, Canada, Yogi Huyghebaert, announced in April that a stand-alone agency to oversee the inspection and licensing services for elevators, and other equipment would benefit the area by effectively clearing a backlog. A bill was put forward by the minister in order to establish a “delegated administrative organization,” known as the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan. Once the bill is passed, the programs and services which are provided by the ministry’s licensing and inspection branch would shift over to a new authority, which would be governed by a board of directors consisting of government officials and members of the industry.

CITY RENOVATIONS TO INCLUDE ELEVATORS
Cambridge, Canada, has plans to renovate and upgrade various parts of the city with a CAD21.6 million to-do list. Among the renovations will be elevators. The locations of the equipment were not released as of April. Additional upgrades will include energy-efficient renovations of seven of the city’s arenas and other public places which are currently underway. The city expects the renovations will have an overall energy savings of between 15-20%. According to chief administrative officer Jim King, the city has plans to save for additional energy-efficient funds for the future.

KONE'S SHARE CAPITAL INCREASES
As of April 15, a total of 353,940 new KONE class B shares have been subscribed with 2005C option rights. The corresponding EUR88,485 (US$113,507) increase in KONE Corp.’s share capital was entered into the Finnish Trade Register on May 3, and trading of the new shares began on May 4. According to a statement from KONE, "The shares acquired shall first qualify for dividend payment for the financial year during which the subscription has taken place. Other rights related to the shares shall commence on the date when the increase in the share capital is entered into the Trade Register." KONE 2005C option rights were listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. as of April 1, 2008. The subscription period for the KONE 2005C option rights expired on April 30, 2010.

http://www.kone.com/corporate/en/Press/Releases/Pages/KONE_share_capital_increases_through_subscription_of_shares_with_2005C_option_rights.aspx

May 3, 2010

SIX YEAR OLD DIES IN INDIAN LIFT ACCIDENT
The Times of India reported on April 18 that a six-year-old girl died as a result of injuries she sustained when she became trapped between the door and gate of an elevator that began to move. The incident occurred in a Dharavi residential building in Mumbai. Family members stated they saw her attempt to enter the lift, but it began to descend. When the elevator returned, she was trapped and died before fire-brigade personnel could free her. The police registered a case of accidental death but are investigating the possibility of negligence on the part of those who operate and/or maintain the equipment.

CORPORATION RECEIVES ORDERS TO SUPPLY EQUIPMENT
KONE Corp. recently received an order to supply 38 elevators, 22 escalators and six moving walks for the five towers of Raffles City Chendgu, a new landmark building in Sichuan Province, China. The order includes 19 MiniSpace™ elevators, 12 MonoSpace™ elevators, six double-deck elevators, one TranSys™ freight elevator, 22 TravelMaster™ escalators and six moving walks. Together, these travel solutions will provide energy-efficient people flow in the building complex. The building was designed by Steven Holl Architects of New York, and will include offices, a shopping mall, a hotel and apartments. The project is expected to be complete in 2011.

HCM CITY BUILDING TO OPEN IN OCTOBER
Vietnam News recently reported, that construction of 56 of 68 proposed stories of the Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City, Vietnam, were complete. The building will be one of the tallest in the country and is scheduled to open in October. According to Vu Quang Hoi, chairman of the Binh Minh Import Export Production and Trade Co. (Bitexco), the building is the first in the country to be equipped with double-deck elevators running at speeds up to 7 mps. The lotus-shaped tower will provide 38,000 square meters of grade-A office space and 8,000 square meters of retail space. The architect is Carlos Zapata of the U.S., and the main contractor in construction is Hyundai of South Korea.

COLFAX NAMES NEW SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Colfax Corp. of Germany announced in April that it promoted Arne Forslund to its newly created position of senior vice president Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. This position also names Forslund as CEO of Allweiler AG. He will also be responsible for the company’s global marine strategy. Prior to this promotion, he was managing director of Colfax subsidiary Imo AB in Sweden. Forslund joined Colfax in 2009. Prior to joining Colfax, he was president and CEO of NOTE AB, based in Sweden. He has also worked with Telefex Morse (as operations director for Europe) and Danaher Corp.

RECORD NUMBER OF HIGH RISES IN JAPAN
According to Nikkei Inc., there was a record number of high rises built in Japan in 2009. Roughly 35,000 units in buildings with 20 or more stories were completed last year. However, construction is expected to slow down this year, according to figures released by the Real Estate Economic Institute on April 7. The institute predicts an overall 17% drop across Japan, but greater Tokyo area construction is still expected to rise, despite the 9% decline it saw last year.

NOTICE OF REVISED BUSINESS FORECASTS
Toshiba Corp. announced in April that it had made revisions to its business forecast for fiscal year 2009, ending March 31, 2010. Reasons for the revision include the consolidated forecast due to an upward revision of profits in the Digital Products, Electronic Devices and Home Appliances segments, which are now expected to surpass the estimate issued on January 29. Accordingly, income (loss) from continuing operations, before income taxes and non-controlling interests, and the next loss attributable to shareholders of the company have also been revised upward.

April 26, 2010

April 19, 2010

NEW MASTER PLAN FOR MANGALORE
The Mangalore (India) Urban Development Authority (MUDA) recently unveiled its new master plan for city development. P.G. Ramesh, commissioner of MUDA, said that the majority of the 30,600 hectares available in the Mangalore local planning area has been earmarked for the total urbanization process. Of this, 11,317.59 hectares (46.66%) has been set aside for residential purposes. Due to recently made government regulations, the master plan will consider buildings exceeding 18 meters tall to be high-rise buildings. MUDA predicts that the master plan will be implemented within two years.

JOHNSON LIFTS RECEIVES AWARD
Johnson Lifts Pvt. Ltd. of Chennai has been awarded the IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality -- Performance Excellence Trophy in the Manufacturing Category for 2009. The award was received by V.M. Thomas, joint managing director of Johnson Lifts, on March 19, from Dr. Ashok S. Ganguly, Padma Vibushan, Member of Parliament and Rajya Sabha. The event was held at Y.B. Chavan Auditorium in Mumbai. The IMC-RBNQA Trust also honored Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director at Reliance Industries Ltd., by presenting him with the IMC Juran Quality Medal for 2009. The winners had been announced by a panel of judges chaired by Deepak Parekh, chairman of HDFC Ltd. The IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj Quality Award is aligned to the internationally renowned Malcolm Baldrige criteria for business excellence. The award was instituted in 1996 by the IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality Award Trust in order to give recognition to business excellence in organizations.

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR CTBUH AWARD SUBMISSIONS
The submission deadline for the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH)’s ninth annual awards program is approaching. Deadline for receipt of nominations is April 30, at which time the CTBUH Awards Committee will deliberate and choose the winners in the council’s five Tall Building Award categories. As nominated projects, submitted buildings will be profiled in the Annual Awards Book. All nominated buildings must have been completed between January 1, 2009, and October 1, 2010, as stipulated in the awards criteria. The awards ceremony and dinner will take place in Mies van der Rohe’s Crown Hall in Chicago on October 21. For more information, contact Steve Henry at e-mail: shenry@ctbuh.org or visit website: http://awards.ctbuh.org.

April 12, 2010

CITY TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC FLOW
The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has recently completed the installation of modern elevators at some pedestrian bridges in the main traffic detour areas on Al Salam Street. Elevators were installed on three of the pedestrian bridges, the first near Le Meridian hotel, the second on Road No. 10 between Hamdan Street and Mina Road, and the third near Abu Dhabi mall. The municipality of Abu Dhabi City opened a U-turn access at Mina Road. The right lane that links Mina Road with Corniche Road has also been opened to help facilitate traffic in areas affected by construction.

PROPOSED HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
Dhaka City Corp. in Dhaka, Bangladesh, has proposed a project to construct 45 15-story buildings at Mohammadpur. After completion, the project will provide permanent housing for 38,667 families. The proposed project plans to build the high rises on 15 acres of land at the Town Hall area and Geneva Camp was discussed at a meeting on March 3. Dana Media, the organization that made the architectural design of the project, presented various aspects of the project during the same meeting. The project is expected to be complete within four years once construction has started.

ELEVATOR TO CLIMB MOUNTAIN
The Da Nang, Vietnam, municipal People’s Committee has approved a VND10-billion (US$524,109) elevator system for the Thuy Son mountain in Ngu Hanh Son, Vietnam. The 43-meter-high system will have two cabins with glass frames in the front and a zinc-plated steel bridge connecting the top of the elevator to the front yard of the Xa Loi Tower in Linh Ung Temple. The Ngu Hanh Son area receives about 100,000 visitors each year.

ELEXPO ESTABLISHING WORLDWIDE NETWORK
China Elevators and Accessories Expo 2011 (ELEXPO), which is scheduled for March 23-25, 2011, at the Suzhou International Expo Center in China, is establishing relationships with communication firms in other countries with respect to overseas expansion. It recently reached a cooperative agreement with Room 13 Exhibition Co. in the U.K., which covers networks, media and other resources. In addition, it is working with the organizers of elevator exhibitions in Poland, Russia, Germany, India and other countries. The ELEXPO committee has also set up mutual business partnerships with Elevator U in the U.S., the Lift and Escalator Industry Association in the U.K., the Poland Elevator Association, the Russian Elevator Association, the German Elevator Association, the Singapore Elevator and Escalator Installation and Manufacturers Association, and the New Zealand Elevator Advisory Industry Association.

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM COMPLEX COMPETITION
Steven Holl Architects of New York was awarded first prize in a design competition to redevelop the site of the oxygen and boiler plants in Hangzhou, China, in February. The second and third prizes went to Herzog & de Meuron and David Chipperfield Architects. The design includes residential towers and an international urban exposition center and other amenities. The complex is designed around the concept of Shan-Shui, meaning mountain and water. The tower acts as a vertical gathering of the water and mountain zone. The Mountain Tower at the center of the site is joined to an event space at the top of the water tower by an escalator bridge. In 2009, Steven Holl was also awarded the “Best Tall Building Overall” award by the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (ELEVATOR WORLD, APRIL 2010).

April 5, 2010

INDUSTRY EQUIPMENT IN HYDERABAD OVERPASSES
Escalators and/or lifts are to be added to pedestrian overpasses in Hyderabad, India. Such work has already commenced at the LV Prasad Eye Hospital on Road No. 2, Banjara Hills; Rasoolpura; and Dilsukhnagar near Hanuman Temple. Future equipment installations are to take place at the Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet; St. Anns School, Secunderabad; RS Brothers at Ameerpet; and at the Khairatabad junction. Private advertising companies, to which the overpasses are leased, are reportedly constructing and installing the equipment. Operation and maintenance will also be handled by them for six to 20 years.

DELHI STADIUM STATION TO GET ESCALATORS
Delhi Metro Rail Corp. is renovating its Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium station in preparation of the Commonwealth Games 2010’s opening and closing ceremonies at the stadium. Part of the project is the installation of four escalators that will connect the concourse with the stadium. This would help the station cater to 4,000 passengers per minute in peak times. It has been designed to accommodate a total traffic flow of 80,000 persons per hour, with a platform area of 1800 m2. The Delhi Metro will provide connectivity to 10 out of 11 venues of the Commonwealth Games, to be held on October 3-14.

MUMBAI WOMAN DIES AFTER FALLING DOWN HOISTWAY
According to The Times of India, a 50-year-old woman died on March 23 as a result of injuries she received after falling down an elevator shaft in a Borivli, Mumbai building. Though recently serviced, the elevator did not have its car at the third-floor landing when the woman attempted to enter. It was two floors above, and as a result, the woman fell 35 feet down the empty shaft. The police registered the case as an accident, but it remains under investigation.

TOSHIBA ELEVATOR TAKES STOCK IN THE MIDDLE EAST
At a press conference in Dubai on March 27, Shunichi Kimura, global president and CEO of Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corp., Japan, outlined the company's plans to double its turnover in the Persion Gulf/India region in less than five years. The increase is expected to be driven by strategic expansion in the area facilitated by the U.A.E.’s “strong signs of recovery, as reflected in new contracts won by Toshiba Elevator,” reported Eye of Dubai. Talks with a partner in Oman for launching operations there are also in their final stages. Additionally, Toshiba Elevators plans to open offices in Saudi Arabia and Qatar with local partners.

PORT MORESBY BUILDING BOOM
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is reportedly undergoing a building and construction boom. First, Waigani Vision City in the Waigani suburb will incorporate a three-story mall, 12-story hotel, office blocks, a convention center and apartments. A high-rise hotel and residential apartments are also in the works for Douglas Street, adjacent to the Crown Plaza Hotel. The Ela Beach Hotel in Touaguba Hill is undergoing expansion with the construction of an extra 42 premier suites, while the hill that overlooks Ela Beach is being excavated for buildings to be erected on it. Waigani Vision City is expected to be opened this year.

MAN FALLS SEVEN STORIES IN DHAKA
The Daily Star recently reported that a 70-year-old man died after falling seven stories in a shopping complex elevator shaft in Dhaka, Bangladesh. According to the report, witnesses said the man entered the hoistway through open landing doors, but the elevator car was at a higher floor in the building. The man was from Zaflong of Sythet. The March 15 incident is under investigation.

OTIS HONG KONG RECOGNIZED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
For the fifth consecutive year, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) recognized Otis Elevator Co. (H.K.) Ltd. with its Caring Company Award. The Caring Company recognition program, introduced by HKCSS in 2002, aims to build a caring community by cultivating corporate citizenship and promoting strategic partnerships among business, public and nonprofit organizations. To be recognized, companies must meet three criteria: Caring for the Community, Caring for Employees and Caring for the Environment.

March 29, 2010

DELHI TO GET FOBS WITH LIFTS
The Delhi, India government recently proposed a plan to equip nodal roads with five foot-over bridges (FOBs) in order to reduce the number of accidents that occur due to jaywalking, and to manage traffic. The new bridges will have lifts attached to them. A senior official with Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System said that the first FOB with a lift will be at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and the other at Mathura Road. The hospital bridge will have lifts on both sides in addition to escalators and should be complete in August, and the Mathura Road FOB will be complete in April, this one will also have escalators and lifts on both sides. The Mother Teresa Crescent (near Africa Avenue) bridge will have escalators on both sides and is expected to be ready for use by July. The BRT corridor will receive its first FOB, which is expected to be in operation by April. The FOB at Ambedkar Nagar will be ready for use by May.

SOFIA WORKER INJURED IN HOISTWAY FALL
Focus Information Agency recently reported that a construction worker suffered injuries requiring medical treatment when he fell down an empty elevator hoistway in Sofia, Bulgaria. The 36-year-old man was taken to a hospital after the March 13 fall. The incident is being investigated.

ISRAEL UNVEILS DEVELOPMENT PLANS
In February, the Tel Aviv, Israel, municipality released information on T.A./5000, a plan to revamp the town center and provide more accommodations for the growing city. Among the plans is a recommendation to replace current four-story apartment buildings with buildings up to 10 stories tall along Tel Aviv’s main roads. The idea is to take the population upward by constructing tall buildings. Tel Aviv plans to nearly double the accommodation units for the city by 2025.

COMPANY TO SUPPLY EFFICIENT CONTROLLERS FOR RESORTS
Power Efficiency Corp. (PEC) has received an order to supply and install its three-phase motor-efficiency controllers for three resort properties owned by Sands China Ltd. in Macau, China. The three properties are The Venetian Macao, Sands Macao and The Four Seasons Hotel Macao. The controllers will feature PEC’s E-Save Technology®. PEC Chairman and CEO Steve Strasser noted, “This is our first major project in Asia, which is our largest vertical- transportation market. China, for instance, represents close to half of global escalator sales. In addition, China’s vertical transportation and industrial equipment buyers are sharpening their focus on energy savings, which we believe will increase demand for our motor-efficiency controllers. This project will greatly increase awareness of our products in China and other parts of Asia.”

LATEST SAFETY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED
ELEVATOR WORLD has announced that Tadhg Buckley is the latest winner of its Jobsite Safety Awareness Contest. He identified the safety errors in the photograph on EW's Elevator Industry Jobsite Safety website. The errors in the "What's Wrong with this Picture?" included an open pit (no barricades), unguarded winch and unserviceable wood being used dangerously as a working platform. A new contest photo is now posted on the contest website (http://safety.elevator-world.com/safety_contest.htm). The picture will be posted for two weeks. One entrant who correctly identifies the safety violations in the photo will be selected to win. The winner will have the option of receiving a one-year subscription to the digital ELEVATOR WORLD magazine (or a one-year extension for those already subscribing) or a US$10 gift coupon to the EW Online Bookstore.

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC REVISES FORECAST
On March 23, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced that it had revised its earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending on March 31. According to the announcement, Japan continues to experience low capital expenditures and building construction, but the global market, mainly in Asia, is exceeding previous expectations with increasing demand in those areas. Under these conditions, Mitsubishi Electric expects sales in the Industrial Automation Systems and the Electronic Devices segments to increase from the company's forecast announced on February 2. Both operation income and income before income taxes are expected to increase from the previous forecast due to a growth trend in sales over the original plan, as well as a decrease in fixed costs and efforts in enhancing the company’s cost reduction activities. Net income attributable to Mitsubishi Electric has been revised to become profitable.

March 22, 2010

JAMES FORTUNE INTERVIEWED
Raghuvir Srinivasan of The Hindu Business Line recently interviewed industry veteran James W. Fortune on his three decades of experience as an elevator consultant. Based in Colorado, the president/principal of Fortune Consultants Ltd. spoke to the reporter in Chennai, India. To read the discussion, visit website: http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3865912/pageid/1.

KONE TO INSTALL NEW SYSTEMS IN INDIA
KONE Corp. currently has a presence in the Asia-Pacific market, and it continues to grow annually. Given the demand for newer technology, KONE is planning to install destination-controlled software systems to optimize traffic and waiting time. The product will first be introduced in Mumbai with an initial cost 20% higher than that of normal installations, according to KONE President and CEO Matti Alahuhta.

TWO INJURED FROM LIFT FALL IN INDIA
In January, a recently installed elevator fell in Surat, India, injuring two people. Four passengers entered the elevator, and as it reached the second floor, the doors opened and the lift collapsed into the hollow space below the ground floor. This is the second incident involving this particular lift since its installation in December 2009. Prior to the lift falling, two passengers were trapped for 4 hours when it became stuck.

SOUTH KOREAN PROJECT CONSTRUCTION STARTED
Groundwork has started on a residential project in Incheon, South Korea. The four-tower Lake Park has been designed by Heerim Architects and will feature buildings up to 190 meters high with 58 stories. The development, which will be set in an urban park, will have the four towers set along a single axis, with the height of each building increasing several floors as they step up toward the nearby river, giving the impression of a marginal increase in height. The project is being built by Posco E&C with the involvement of Hyundai Construction as a joint venture between developers HeungHwa Industry and the Korean Land-Housing Corp. The project is expected to be complete in 2013.

CTBUH RATIFIES STATUS OF BURJ KHALIFA
After receiving and reviewing detailed drawings of the recently completed Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has confirmed the tower's official height at 828 meters. uilding owner Emaar Properties submitted the drawings after the tower's official opening on January 4. CTBUH ratified the status of the Burj Khalifa as the "World's Tallest Building" on March 11. CTBUH noted the tower had become the 16th building to hold that status. The Burj Khalifa is 15 times taller than the Home Insurance Building, which was completed in Chicago in 1885 and is considered the first "World's Tallest Building" titleholder by CTBUH.

TOKYO SKY TREE TOWER REACHES 300 METERS
Construction on the Sky Tree broadcasting tower located in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward reached 300 meters in February. Once it is completed, it will be one of the world’s tallest towers, standing at 634 meters. People can now see the tower from other surrounding districts. The planned height is said to be derived from the name of the former Musashi Province, which includes Tokyo, Saitama and part of Kanagawa prefectures today. When written with Kanji numerals, 634 is pronounced “musashi.”

HITACHI NAMES NEW PRESIDENT
Hitachi, Ltd., has announced that effective April 1, Hiroaki Nakanishi will become the company's representative executive officer and president. He is currently executive vice president and holds other positions within Hitachi. He succeeds Takashi Kawamura as president. The change is in accordance with a resolution passed by a meeting of the board of directors. Nakanishi was also proposed as a candidate for director, with his approval expected at the company's ordinary general meeting of shareholders in June.

HIGH RISE PLANNED FOR FUJIAN PROVINCE IN CHINA
The Xiamen Evening News recently reported that a 262-meter-tall building will be part of the second phase of the Xinglin Bay Business Operations Centre in Xiamen, China. According to the report, the planned high rise will be one of the tallest in Fujian Province. In addition, the project is expected to include two 150-meter-tall office buildings. The first phase of the project is already under construction and includes 12 high-rise buildings. The whole project is expected to be completed in five years.

March 15, 2010

MAN DIES FROM INDIAN ELEVATOR ACCIDENT
A 25-year-old man died as a result of an elevator accident in Udaipur, India on February 23. According to a report from 24dunia.com, the man was trying to see when the elevator

LATEST SAFETY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED
ELEVATOR WORLD has announced that David Devera Aman of KONE Elevators & Escalators in Ad Doha, Qatar, is the latest winner of its Jobsite Safety Awareness Contest. He identified the safety errors in the photograph on EW's Elevator Industry Jobsite Safety website. The errors in the "What's Wrong with this Picture?" included unguarded light, stored energy, missing toe guard, material stored near hoistway, sharp edges and housekeeping/tripping hazards. A new contest photo is now posted on the contest website (http://safety.elevator-world.com/safety_contest.htm). The picture will be posted for two weeks. One entrant who correctly identifies the safety violations in the photo will be selected to win. The winner will have the option of receiving a one-year subscription to the digital ELEVATOR WORLD magazine (or a one-year extension for those already subscribing) or a US$10 gift coupon to the EW Online Bookstore.

FATAL FALL IN MUMBAI HOTEL
A 61-year-old man died from injuries sustained when he fell into the hoistway of a hotel in Mumbai. A resident of Bhopal, India, the man was in the city to assist a friend with an injury. According to The Times of India, he opened the door to the elevator on the third floor and stepped through the opening, but the elevator car was at ground level. The police are investigating the incident.

OUB TOWER 2 CONSTRUCTION PROGRESSES
Construction of the Overseas Union Bank Centre (OUB) Tower 2 in Singapore is progressing and should be complete in 2011. The original OUB Tower was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange and stands 280 meters high. The OUB Tower 2 is expected to reach 205 meters and will be designed by Paul Tange, Kenzo’s son. The whole complex will be renamed One Raffles Place and provide office space. The two towers will be close to each other. The new tower will meet environmental criteria, being Green Mark certified.

SIXTY-ELEVATOR ORDER IN BISHKEK
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is soon to have at least 60 new elevators installed, according to Bishkekgorlift chief Azat Beknazar. The municipal enterprise paid approximately US$825,000 for the new Mogilevliftmash elevators, to be manufactured in Belarus. The units will be placed in condominium houses and make up a part of Bishkekgorlift’s 735 elevators.

NEW REPORT ON CHINA ELEVATOR INDUSTRY
In February, www.168report.com issued its "2009 China Elevator Industry Report," which included that the country's "output of elevators continued to rise . . . in 2009." For the year, China produced 262,000 units, an increase of 5% when compared to production in 2008. However, the report noted that the current economic crisis was having an effect, including the declining new-construction market. The complete report is available by purchase from the website.

KOREA LIFT COLLEGE OPENS
On March 1, the Korea Lift College began its first semester of operation with 220 new students. Located in Songjong-Ri Geochang-Eup Kyungnam, South Korea, the school offers five two-year courses, including Lift Safety Management, Lift Electrical Design, Lift Mechanical Design, Lift Mechatronics and Lift Maintenance Engineering. Sung-Il Lee is president of the college.

March 8, 2010

INDIAN RAILWAY STATION UNDERGOES CONSTRUCTION
According to The Times of India, the Hubli railway station is undergoing additions and improvements including escalators. In addition, there will be separate and wide exit and entry points. The new building will be on an 8,000-square-meter area with parking facilities. The number of platforms will be increased from four to six once the new building is in place.

ELEVATORS TO BE INSTALLED IN HISTORICAL RENOVATION
Desheng Mico Co. was awarded a contract to install 57 elevators for the Shikumen project, also dubbed “Jianyeli” in Shanghai. Shikumen is an architectural style in Shanghai. Jianyeli was built in the 1930s and is one of Shanghai’s largest projects to undergo this type of reconstruction. Installation started in early 2009 and is expected to be complete by the end of this year. The historical structure called for specific technology. Desheng Mico used technology for its warship traction elevators to meet the specific structural demands.

March 1, 2010

BANGALORE PLANS SKYWALKS WITH ESCALATORS
The Deccan Herald recently reported that Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) plans to install skywalks with escalators at 12 intersections in Bangalore, India. The pedestrian bridges are expected to reduce jaywalking across busy streets. The escalators will be built on a design, build, operate and transfer basis. BBMP will award 20-year contracts for the operation of the skywalks.

CHINA ELEVATOR INDUSTRY REPORT RELEASED
ResearchInChina.com recently announced the release of a new report -- China Elevator Industry Report, 2009. The report analyzes the development course, market trends, imports, exports, key enterprises and future trends of the elevator industry in China. The details of the report can be found at website: www.researchinchina.com/Htmls/Report/2010/5827.html.

SCHINDLER ACQUIRES SAUDI ELEVATOR
Schindler recently announced that it had acquired 100% of the shares of Saudi Elevator Corp. Ltd. The agreement was, however, still subject to the approval of the Saudi Arabian authorities. Schindler remarked of the deal, “The acquisition strengthens the position of the Schindler Group in the Gulf region’s largest market.”

February 22, 2010

ELEVATORS TO TRAVEL 28 STORIES IN 32 SECONDS
According to Mid-day.com, the Municipal Corp. of Delhi (MCD) is expecting to receive some of the fastest elevators in India for its 112-meter-tall building. The civic body (which is presently housed in Chandi Chowk) will move to a new location in Central Delhi. The move date was not scheduled as of press time. The MCD purchased 43 elevators for the project. Fourteen of the 43 elevators will be among the first of their kind in the country and move at speeds up to 3.5 mps. The lifts will also have a capacity of 20 passengers. An additional 14 elevators will move at speeds up to 2.5 mps and also have a 20-passenger lift capacity. The remaining 15 elevators will travel at a speed up to 1.5 mps.

NINE INJURED IN DHAKA ELEVATOR CRASH
According to The Himalayan Times, nine athletes were involved in a Dhaka, Bangladesh, “elevator crash” on January 29. Three players were injured and hospitalized following the incident, while those remaining only sustained “minor injuries.” It is undetermined what sent the unit into a freefall. The athletes are members of Nepal’s judo and weightlifting team.

BURJ KHALIFA CLOSES AFTER ELEVATOR ENTRAPMENT
According to The Canadian Press, the recently opened Burj Khalifa in Dubai was closed after 15 elevator passengers were trapped inside a unit near the 124th floor on February 6. Rescuers freed the passengers after 45 minutes and led them to a freight elevator that took them to the ground floor. The tower had been open a little over a month when the incident occurred. While the incident is still under investigation, electrical problems have been implicated.

WORLD ELEVATOR & ESCALATOR EXPO IN CHINA
Organizers of the World Elevator & Escalator Expo 2010, to take place in Langfang, China, on April 21-24, have announced that it will be larger than ever, being spread over 50,000 m2 and hosting 650 exhibitors. Exhibitors include major multinational and local system and component suppliers. More than 35,000 professionals are expected to visit the exhibition. The ISO/TC178 plenary and working group meetings, as well as a CEN/TC10 meeting for harmonizing world standards, will also be held during the expo. For more information, contact Mr. Mazhentao at phone: (86) 316-6078325, fax: (86) 316-6078903 or e-mail: expo@cea-net.org, or visit website: www.elevator-expo.com.

65-STORY COMPLEX IN VIETNAM
According to Skyscrapercity.com, the Lotte Group of South Korea has started the 65-story Hanoi City Complex in Hanoi, Vietnam. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 22, 2009 and the project expected to be complete in 2013. The 267-meter high building will rest on 14,000 square meters and include luxury residences, office space and a shopping center.

FUTURE PROJECT AWARDS 2010 WINNERS
Architecture and Design announced that the eighth-annual Future Project Awards 2010 awards competition has named a total of eight category winners, with 16 additional projects awarded a “highly commended prize.” Winners come from Austria, Denmark, Japan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the U.K. The “One New Change,” currently under construction close to St. Paul’s Cathedral in the London, was named both the overall and mixed-use winner. The winner in the office-building category was the 23-story Günesli Tower, to be located in Bagcilar, Istanbul. The Mina El Hosn’ housing project, planned to rise 142 meters high in Beirut, Lebanon, won the residential category. The winner of the sustainability category was the Town Town Office Tower in Vienna, the design of which is intended to create an “energy-active system” with low-energy-consumption, environmental-control and energy-harvesting systems.

SHANGHAI ESCALATOR FALL
According to the Shanghai Daily, a woman lost consciousness after falling off an escalator in a Shanghai department store on February 7. The “serious tumble” was reportedly a result from her missing a step on the escalator. The woman regained consciousness after police officers came to her aid. She was then sent to a hospital.

February 15, 2010

CHOICE MARINA WITH GREEN TECHNOLOGY UNDERWAY
New York-based architecture and interior-design firm CetraRuddy announced on February 2 that it had broken ground on Choice Marina, a high-rise residential resort condominium property in Cochin, a port city in the South Indian state of Kerala. Dubbed Choice Marina, the waterfront project is being developed by the Indian company Choice Group. With 138,000 sq. ft. of total area, the 13-story complex consists of two towers connected by core and service areas. Private elevators are included in the luxury amenities, and the building has been designed for maximum energy efficiency and sustainability. To respond to the tropical climate, the towers are sited and oriented to reduce solar-heat gain and minimize the impact of monsoons. Each tower will bear an array of fixed and operable exterior screening and sun-shading devices to enhance the performance of the curtain wall and further improve energy efficiency. Occupancy is slated for July 2011.

EXPOSITION DATE CHANGES
Lift Expo Gr lift trade fair rescheduled its expo and will now be held on April 23-25 at the Peristeri Exhibition Center in Athens. For more details on Lift Expo Gr, visit website: www.liftexpo.gr. In addition, the HellasLift exhibition dates have also been rescheduled and will be held on April 15-18 at the Elliniko Exhibition Centre, also in Athens. For more information on HellasLift, visit website: www.hellaslift.gr.

NEW OTIS PLANT IN CHINA
Otis is establishing a new factory in Chongqing, China. The company is hoping to capitalize on economic growth in the region. “We want to be closer to our customers and market,” Otis President Didier Michaud-Daniel told China Daily after announcing the plans for the manufacturing facility, its fourth in China. Industry research firm Freedonia Group recently reported that per-capita elevator use in China remains less than 10% of that in western Europe, illustrating its potential as a growing market.

SEMATIC GROUP SUPPLIED AUTOMATIC LIFT DOORS FOR SHANGHAI WINTER GARDEN
Sematic Group has recently supplied its 2000 B central-opening car and landing doors (1100 x 2800 mm) for the inclined lifts of the Winter Garden, built in the modern Gaoyang International Cruise Terminal of Shanghai, China. The Winter Garden, which will host exhibitions and artistic performances, is part of the architectural renovation and development project of the areas along the Huangpu River that has reshaped the Chinese metropolis for the World Expo 2010, which will start next May. Gaoyang International Cruise terminal is the first facility of its kind in the world to be placed underground; naturally insulated, passively cooled, and covered by an extensive at-grade park, it’s an evidence of China’s emerging green awareness.

February 8, 2010

GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE FINES TO HIGH RISES
According to The Nation, the Punjab government recently announced that it had plans to regulate 160 illegal high-rise plazas in Lahore, Pakistan, by issuing fines. This is a major shift in the demolition operation that was launched by the directives of CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif following the Supreme Court’s orders. The fines are proposed to replace the demolition plans. Sources privy to development revealed that the Lahore Development Authority had constituted a committee to regularize the illegal plazas and plans to take stock of the infringements in their construction, in addition to providing recommendations on the imposing fines.

YOUNGTAY ELEVATORS FOR CHINESE PROJECTS
China Elevator recently reported on the participation of Youngtay Elevator in two large projects in China. According to the report, Youngtay Co. supplied and installed 115 elevators of various kinds and sizes for Baolong International Community and Town Plaza in Qingdao, China. In addition, China Elevator reported that Shanghai Youngtay had received an order to supply and install 93 elevators for the Lake-shining Housing Estate in Jinjiang, China. The units include machine-room-less elevators and high-rise passenger elevators.

FUJITEC TO SUPPLY SHANGHAI PENINSULA HOTEL
According to China Elevator, Fujitec Elevator Co. is supplying elevators and escalators for the new Shanghai Bund Peninsula Hotel in Shanghai. The ninth hotel of the Peninsula Hotels Group, the Shanghai edition is being equipped with two sets of escalators and 25 high-speed elevators, four of which are machine-room-less units driven by Fujitec's Talon drive system.

February 4, 2010

LATEST SAFETY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED
ELEVATOR WORLD has announced that Sunil P. Bhatkar of ThyssenKrupp Elevator India Pvt. Ltd. in Mumbai is the latest winner of its Jobsite Safety Awareness Contest. Smith identified the safety errors in the photograph on EW's Elevator Industry Jobsite Safety website. The errors in the "What's Wrong with this Picture?" included extremely poor housekeeping, multiple tripping hazards and no hoistway barrier. A new contest photo is now posted on the contest website (http://safety.elevator-world.com/safety_contest.htm). The picture will be posted for two weeks. One entrant who correctly identifies the safety violations in the photo will be selected to win. The winner will have the option of receiving a one-year subscription to the digital ELEVATOR WORLD magazine (or a one-year extension for those already subscribing) or a US$10 gift coupon to the EW Online Bookstore.

EW ONLINE MUSEUM TO RELAUNCH
In early February, the Museum for the Preservation of Elevating History (www.theelevatormuseum.org) will be re-launched with a redesigned website featuring improved navigational tools and new content. New features will include a library of selected ELEVATOR WORLD articles on the history of vertical transportation that users may read online, downloadable historical documents (elevator codes, catalogs, etc.) and a featured exhibit that will change every six months. The first “Special Exhibit” consists of selected images from vintage elevator catalogs, which provide a glimpse into the world of “selling” vertical transportation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This initial Special Exhibit is a prelude to a more extensive exhibition of catalogs and trade materials that will appear later in the year. The next phase in the development of the site will include enhancing the image galleries and seeking new ways to display subject matter -- such as videos of old elevator machinery in operation.

ELEVATED WALKWAY IN KOWLOON BAY
On January 15, the government in Hong Kong announced plans for an elevated walkway that will connect the Kowloon Bay Industrial Area and Telford Gardens to the Mass Transit Railway Kowloon Bay Station. The government is seeking bids for the construction of the 550-meter-long covered walkway and associated works. The project is expected to include elevators, escalators and stairways.

HITACHI TO SUPPLY WUHAN METRO PROJECT
China Elevator recently reported that Hitachi Elevator (China) Co. Ltd. received a contract for the first phase of the Wuhan Metro Line 2 project in Hubei province, China. According to the report, the contract calls for Hitachi to provide 121 escalators for the project, with installation to commence later this year and be completed in 2012. Phase one of the new metro line is planned to extend 27.98 kilometers.

January 25, 2010

DMRC HOW-TO-RIDE-ESCALATORS WEBSITE
According to mid-day.com, the Delhi Metro Rail Corp. (DMRC) has proposed to revamp its website. Some of the proposed website features include animated videos and audio tools to guide passengers how to ride an escalator, teach the correct way of boarding and embarking, lessons about metro security and interactive maps of the entire rail network. It will also feature a calendar of the DMRC and its running schedule. According to a DMRC spokesman, the metro’s staff will be trained for one month by the website developing agency.

A B SYSTEMS AT IEE EXPO
A B Systems has announced that it will offer its services for exhibitors at the International Elevator & Escalator (IEE) Expo 2010, to take place on February 3-5 at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai, India. The company designs and fabricates stalls and interiors, and can add plasma televisions and projectors to booths. For more information, contact A B Systems at e-mail: skyl@vsnl.com or website: www.absystems.in.

20-STORY MANGALORE RESIDENTIAL HIGH RISE
According to daijiworld.com, the port city of Mangalore, India, will soon be home to Siliconia, a 20-story residential apartment in Kuttar Junction. The Siliconia is to cover 2.75 acres of land and include 400 apartments. Other features include four automatic elevators with an eight-passenger capacity and two service elevators.

TÜVRHEINLAND® 2010 INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR
TÜVRheinland recently announced its 2010 schedule for its International Approvals Roundtable Series. The event will be moderated by Bill Holz of TÜVRheinland’s International Approvals Division. He will provide an overview of the Global Regulatory Approvals process, review potential roadblocks and offer a question and answer session with the moderator. The agenda will also include topic discussions on product safety, country-specific requirements and program management, among other topics. For more information, contact TÜVRheinland at toll free: (888) 743-4652 or visit ELEVATOR WORLD’s online calendar: www.elevatorworld.com/calendar_flat.php.

PLANNED CITY IN PALESTINE
Gulf News recently reported on a proposed city under development in Palestine. Called Rawabi, the city is designed to include high-rise residential buildings, a commercial district, green parks and other infrastructure to accommodate up to 40,000 residents. The development will offer 23 neighborhoods on its 6.3 million square meters. Rawabi, which means "hills" in Arabic, will be located 9 kilometers from Ramallah, the temporary seat of the Palestinian government.

DEVELOPMENTS PLANNED IN THE PHILIPPINES
According to philstar.com, SM Prime Holdings has signed a memorandum of agreement with the City of Cebu, the Philippines, to develop projects in the city. The developer has acquired 30 hectares at South Road Properties to build several projects at the site and also plans a shopping mall in the northern part of the city. SM Prime Holdings President Hans Sy announced that the South Road project would include a large mall, hotels, high-rise condominiums, a convention center and other facilities.

MANILA CONSTRUCTION INCENTIVES MAY BE REMOVED
The Manila Bulletin recently reported that the Board of Investments in the Philippines plans to remove housing project incentives in the 2010 Investment Priorities Plan. According to the report, for vertical construction were particularly targeted after several high-end developments in Metro Manila received incentives. The board extended the incentives to build housing projects last year in response to the continued worldwide economic situation.

January 18, 2010

IEE EXPO 2010
On February 3-5, the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai, India, will host the International Elevator & Escalator (IEE) Expo 2010. The title of the featured seminar is “Technological Advancement in Elevator and Escalator Industry.” For more information, visit website: www.ieeexpo.com or contact organizer Virgo Communications & Exhibitions (P) Ltd. at #132, 1st Floor, 5th Cross, Cambridge Layout, Bangalore -- 560008, India; phone: (91) 80-25567028 or (91) 80-25567029; or website: www.virgo-comm.com.

HIGH-RISE CONSTRUCTION IN KASHMIR
Asian News International recently reported that construction work on high-rise buildings is “in full swing” in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir in India. This is purportedly flying in the face of a five-year ban that authorities have imposed on construction in the area. Many commercial and residential projects remain in development.

INDIAN GOVERNMENT APPROVES 22-STORY HOSPITAL
According to dnaindia.com, the Ahmedabad, India, state government has approved the development of a 22-story specialty hospital near Thaltej. The urban development department also approved the project to be in an R2 zone. In the future, it may get converted to an R1 zone, which suggests that high-rise construction can be expected in the region. Once the hospital is complete, it will be the second-tallest building in the city, next to the Patang hotel on the city’s western side.

BURJ KHALIFA OPENS IN DUBAI
On January 6, about 400 journalists and media professionals from around the world were invited to ride Otis elevators as part of the official opening of Burj Khalifa (formerly Burj Dubai). The official inauguration of the tower took place that evening, and the building was open to the public. Upon completion, the tower reached a height of 828 meters, 319 meters taller than Taipei 101, the previous tallest building in the world. Developed by Emaar Properties, Burj Khalifa has more than 160 stories. The Dubai landmark was renamed to honor U.A.E. President Khalifa Bin Zayed.

HANOI CONSTRUCTION STARTED
According to VietNamNet Bridge, construction recently started on a US$660-million project in the Ha Dong district in southern Hanoi, Vietnam. The Cleve complex will have 15 high-rise buildings on nearly 66,000 square meters. Park Chun Sun, president of the South Korean company Inpyung, said Cleve is considered a landmark project that will meet standards of the Southeast Asia market. According to CityScape Intelligence, phase one of the project is expected to be complete in 2012, with the entire project being completed in 2017.

THIRD ANNUAL ULTRA HIGH-RISE BUILDING SUMMIT
The Third-Annual-Ultra-High-Rise Building Summit 2010 will be held March 23-24 in Shanghai. The event is being organized by JFPS Group and the East China Architecture Design Institute. The summit will focus on safe and sustainable aspects of building ultra-high-rise buildings.

PRE-EXPO FORUM ON VERTICAL DENSITY
Vertical Density: the Public Dimension 2010 will be held on January 21-22 as a “pre-expo forum” to World Expo 2010 Shanghai China, scheduled for May 1-October 31. This international conference is described as “a dialogue on creating, enhancing and celebrating public space” and will feature speakers from New York, Shanghai and Hong Kong who will discuss topics based on the vertical density of their respective cities. The event is organized by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China Executive Committee. For more information or to register, visit website: www.hk-ny.com.

January 11, 2010

TL JONES PRODUCTS AT IEE EXPO
TL Jones India will be showing the company’s new Commander ™ range of products at the Third International Elevator and Escalator (IEE) Expo, to be held on February 3-5, 2010 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The new products are car-operating panels and digital lobby directories that use graphics and interactivity, combined with touch-screen technology to provide an enhanced ride for elevator passengers. The products are fully programmable and customizable. Other products at the TL Jones stand (Hall 1, Stall D5) will be Evolution ™ LCD displays, Microscan® and Panachrome light curtains, and varied accessory products.

KONE ORDER FOR BEIJING SUBWAY LINES
KONE recently won an order to supply elevators and escalators for Beijing’s subway system. The order includes 140 TransitMaster™ escalators for line 6, which is under construction, and 32 MonoSpace® elevators for the extended line 8. Line 6 is expected to be complete in 2014, and line 8 is expected to be in operation by 2012. KONE also employed its People Flow™ solutions to improve passenger travel.

NER TO GET ESCALATORS
According to the Press Trust of India, The North Eastern Railway (NER) recently announced in Gorakhpur, India, that several of its stations will get upgrades to include escalators, among other amenities. Additional efforts are to make the Gorakhpur station platform one of the longest in Asia.

HITACHI ANNOUNCES CHENNAI ORDER
M/s Olympia Infratech Pvt. Ltd. has given Hitachi Lift India an order of 30 elevators to be installed in Olympia Opaline a multiple-tower residential project in Chennai, India. The elevators will be provided from Hitachi’s manufacturing facilities in Singapore and China. Hitachi Lift India plans to start delivery of material in the second quarter of 2010. With this order, Hitachi Lift India plans to move forward with its efforts to enhance its presence in the Indian market.

CHINA ELEVATOR STUDY
The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm has conducted a study on the increase of elevator installations in China. The elevator and escalator market is expected to increase at an annual rate of 10.9%, reaching CNY111 billion (US$16 billion) in 2013. The study also looks at other industry trends, such as product sales, which is expected to account for 72% of the elevator and escalator market in 2013. The increase in installations will also increase revenues generated by maintenance and repair services. To purchase this and other Freedonia Group reports, visit website: www.elevatorbooks.com/Products/CategoryCenter/92/industry-statistics.aspx .

ENERGY-EFFICIENT HIGH RISE CONTRACT
KONE recently won an order to supply elevators and escalators for Leatop Plaza in Guangzhou, China. The order includes five MonoSpace® and 28 MiniSpace™ elevators and two TravelMaster escalators. The 303-meter building will be the highest building KONE will have supplied in China. The building will use an automatic sun-shade tracking system, elevator energy feedback technology and energy-efficient LED lighting, among other ecologically efficient technologies.

January 4, 2010

GIRL DIES AFTER FALLING DOWN ESCALATOR
According to Daily News & Analysis, on December 29, 2009 a one-and-a-half-year-old girl died as a result of falling down an escalator in a Malad, India, mall. The girl was holding her grandfather’s hand when he tripped, causing her to lose balance. The incident has been recorded as an accident.

ELEVATORS IN MUMBAI SKYWALKS PROPOSED
According to The Times of India, Mumbai plans to install elevators in 23 of its skywalks and pedestrian overpasses if the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has an increase in financial support. The city is not opposed to having advertisements on the structures in order to earn revenue for the city’s metropolitan administration.

ABU DHABI GATE TOWERS ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS
KONE recently won an order to supply 41 elevators and four escalators for four Gate Towers in Abu Dhabi. The company will provide 11 KONE MonoSpace® Special platforms, 27 MiniSpace™, three TranSys™ freight elevators, and four TravelMaster™ escalators. The Gate Towers are part of the Gate District in the Shams Abu Dhabi development. The development includes three 65-story towers and one 22-story building. The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2012.

December 28, 2009

EW OFFICES CLOSE FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY
The offices of Elevator World, Inc. will close Friday, January 1, for the New Year's Day holiday. The offices will reopen on Monday, January 4, for usual working hours. The officers and staff of EW wish all of its readers and customers a prosperous and healthy new year.

PERSIAN GULF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
According to npr.org, Turkmenistan is currently planning to construct a US$5- billion resort complex on the Caspian Sea. Dubbed Avaza, the project will include high-rise hotels, conference centers (on a manmade island) and vertical transportation. In addition, Kazakhstan is building Aktau-City, which is estimated to cost US$38 billion. The development already houses Caspian State University of Technology and Engineering, which opened earlier this year. Both projects are also expected to be complete during 2020.

14-TOWER SUNRISE CITY PROJECT
According to Vietnam Real Estate Market News, Nova Real Estate Joint Stock Co., a subsidiary of Novaland Real Estate Investment Group plans to carry out construction on the Sunrise City Complex in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The project will include 14 towers and be built on a site of 5.2 hectares on Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Tan Hung Ward, District 7. Completion is expected sometime in 2012.

MITSUBISHI TO REPURCHASE OWN SHARES
Mitsubishi Electric Corp. of Tokyo recently announced that it plans to repurchase its own shares based on the company’s articles of incorporation pursuant to Article 459, Paragraph 1 of the Japanese Companies Act. In addition, Mitsubishi Electric also agreed on a share exchange with SPC Electronics Corp., which will make SPC Electronics a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric, effective April 1, 2010. Mitsubishi Electric’s share repurchase will facilitate its delivery of shares to SPC Electronics stockholders through the share exchange.

December 21, 2009

ELITE RESIDENCE TOWER IN DUBAI
KONE recently won an order to supply elevators for the Elite Residence Tower in Dubai. The tower measures 381 meters and will include 12 elevators: three KONE MonoSpace® Special platforms and nine MiniSpace™ elevators that reach speeds of up to 6 mps. During construction, KONE will arrive onsite early in order to provide transportation for goods and crews with its JumpLift solution, which includes a temporary machine room that is moved up as the construction work progresses. Construction on the tower is expected to be completed in September 2011.

80-STORY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
According to DNAindia.com, DB Realty is constructing one of India’s tallest residential buildings at Jacob Circle in Mahalaxmi. The project will include two 80-story residential buildings and have 12 elevators with four that will open directly into the apartments. The first 18 stories are reserved for car parking and other amenities. Workers have already started construction of the foundation and steel columns.

HIGH-RISE PROJECT IN DUBAI
According to the Middle East Economic Digest, three contractors recently started preparing bids for a contract to build a 78-story building on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The contractors include Dubai’s Al Habtoor Enterprises, Lebanon’s Arabian Construction Co. and Dubai’s Arabtec Construction. Tasameem Real Estate invited the contractors to estimate the total cost of the project in October. The contractors will work together to select subcontractors and suppliers for the project. The 78-story tower will contain offices, a five-star hotel, apartments and a penthouse.

SUBSIDIARY PROVIDES ELEVATORS FOR PUBLIC-HOUSING ESTATES
Otis Elevator Co. recently reported that its subsidiary Sigma Elevator Singapore has been awarded two contracts from the Singapore Housing and Development Board (HDB). Sigma will supply and install 1,300 elevators in public-housing estates. The contracts were part of the HDB’s elevator upgrading program to replace existing elevators and improve accessibility throughout the buildings. In addition to supplying and installing the elevators, both contracts include maintenance contracts for the units. Sigma was also awarded a contract to install 654 elevators in 2005 for the HDB upgrading plan.

ELEVATOR SAFETY EDUCATION
Hitachi Elevator Co. Ltd. recently launched a series of educational elevator safety meetings in conjunction with infrastructure company Wanke Electrical Co. Ltd among others. The series includes activities such as surveys, quizzes, interactive games and prize giving. The most recent safety event was in Xi’an, China, where Hitachi Elevator worked on major projects.

ELEVATOR TECHNOLOGY ACHEIVEMENTS
Joint research by Giant KONE Elevator Co. ,Ltd. and Zhejiang University on traction elevator technology has recently achieved results, which are being applied to the growing demand of high-speed elevator products. September 30 marked the first check of the joint research. Leaders from the Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province and Huzhou were among some of the experts to critique the research. The research project started in early 2006 in conjunction with other colleges and universities to determine the status and development trend of the traction home elevator in terms of design, manufacturing and installation difficulties. The research achievement has improved the quality of high-speed elevators from KONE.

LARGEST HIGH-RISE APARTMENT BUILDINGS FOR TOURIST STRIP
According to the China View, the Gold Coast council planning committee announced on December 8 that development had been approved for the largest apartment complex on the tourist strip Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. The City Plan Partners (CPP) project will cover nearly 11,500 square meters and include 55 and 40-story towers, housing 715 combined apartments. Carl Lee, head of CPP, said “The project will provide hundreds of much-needed jobs for the Gold Coast’s lifeblood construction industry, with further employment created through contractors and consultants over the next few years.”

December 14, 2009

VEE ON FOR FEBRUARY
Elevator World, Inc.'s first Virtual Elevator Event (VEE) for the elevator industry will be held on February 17, 2010 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time (GMT-06:00). The VEE is driven by ON24, a leader in virtual events, and Elevator World, which has served the vertical-transportation industry for over 57 years. For more information contact Elevator World at website: www.elevator-world.com/vee or T.Bruce MacKinnon at phone: (251) 379-0564 or e-mail: tbruce@elevator-world.com.

CTBUH WORLD CONFERENCE 2010
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) will host a World Conference on February 3-5, 2010 at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Centre in Mumbai. There will be more than 60 global speakers, who will cover various sustainability topics concerning the "vertical age," and more than 700 people from across the globe are expected to attend the event. For more information, visit website: www.ctbuh2010-india.com.

BRUGG WIRE ROPE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Brugg Wire Rope Middle East FZCO recently held the official opening of its Jebel Ali Distribution operation at the Le Meridian Hotel in Dubai. The launch was attended by representatives from the elevator and platform industries, and included a presentation on the range of products and services the new facility will offer, followed by a buffet lunch and prize drawing.

LAST PHASE OF MALAYSIAN DEVELOPMENT
According to Business Times, property developer IGB Corp. Bhd. is planning the last phase of development at Mid Valley City (MVC), in Malaysia, which will feature two high-rise office towers. Group Managing Director Robert Tan Chung Meng said that IGB is waiting for approval and hopes to start construction in early 2010. The two towers will be built similar to the 35-story The Gardens North and South Office Towers and offer 600,000 square feet of commercial space.

December 7, 2009

BANGALORE METRO BEHIND SCHEDULE
According to Express News Service, the underground section of Phase 1 of the Namma Metro Rail in Bangalore, India is behind schedule by about three months. Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corp. Ltd. N. Sivasailam noted, "However, the delay of three months in starting the underground section work would be made up, and the entire Phase 1 project would be completed by July-September 2012." Sivasailam also mentioned a recent contract for 176 escalators to be installed in metros.

ABU DHABI'S CAPITAL GATE TOPS OUT
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat recently reported that builders have topped out the central core of the Capital Gate high rise in Abu Dhabi. Architects RMJM designed the 160-meter-tall tower, which leans 18°. Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Co. is developing the project. It is located in the city's Capital Center development.

FRENCH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WINS QATAR DEAL
According to Reuters, French construction company Bouygues was recently awarded a US$1.31-billion construction contract in Qatar. Barwa Real Estate Co. awarded the contract, and Bouygues will work with Qatari companies Midmac Contracting Co. and Aljabar Engineering LLC on the project. It is expected to include high-rise buildings, a hotel, a shopping mall, a conference center and a mosque. On November 16, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Co., an international specialist in sustainable development, announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Bouygues.

FOUR INJURED IN MECCA ELEVATOR
On November 24, Arab News reported that four people were injured in an elevator incident in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Three victims were treated at the location, while the fourth required treatment at a hospital. Foul play has been ruled out as the cause, according to authorities, who also stated that the episode occurred due to a technical fault in the four-floor apartment building.

CTBUH CHANGES HEIGHT CRITERIA
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) recently announced that it has changed its height criteria in response to recent developments with several tall buildings. The new criteria will be worded, "Height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to..." The CTBUH Height Committee determined that height can no longer be measured from the sidewalk outside the main entrance. In addition, the Height Committee elected to discard its previous "Height to Roof" category. Antony Wood executive director of CTBUH, added: "The roof category just doesn't make sense anymore. In the ear of the flat-topped modernist tower, a clearly defined roof would usually be identified, but in today�s tall-building world -- which is increasingly adopting elaborate forms, spires, parapets and other features at the top of the building - it is becoming difficult to determine a 'roof' at all, even less so to measure it."

REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN PHILIPPINES
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, real-estate developer Ortigas & Co. has started a redevelopment program to increase the value of its central business district. The program includes four large-scale projects with a total of PHP100 billion (US$2.1 billion) of investments. The first project has already started and is expected to include five residential towers in Bagumbayan, Quezon City. Ortigas COO Rex C. Drillon II said that his company will start the redevelopment of Greenhills Commercial Center next year, transforming the shopping complex. The complex will also include a three-level underground parking facility that will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 vehicles. The final project in the plan will be located in front of the Asian Development Bank compound in Ortigas Center. Drillon added, "On this property will rise one of the tallest buildings in the country."

November 23, 2009

KOREAN SAFETY INSTITUTE SIGNS MOU
According to Elevator & Parking Systems, the Korean Elevator Safety Institute recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. in order to market Korean elevators more effectively overseas. Both parties will share information on elevator safety testing and certifications. In addition, they will exchange information on elevator technologies and standards.

OCEAN PARK REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Anlev recently announced that it has received a contract by Ocean Park of Hong Kong. The project includes the design, manufacture and supply of equipment for Entry Plaza, Aqua City and Grand Aquarium of the Ocean Park Redevelopment Project. Anlev will supply 13 machine-room-less elevators and nine public-service escalators. Project completion is scheduled for April 2010.

THYSSENKRUPP FISCAL REPORT
According to ThyssenKrupp AG, the 2008/2009 fiscal year was one of the most difficult in its history. However, the elevator segment continued to show positive performance. Although order intake decreased by 9% compared to the prior year, sales and earnings improved significantly. Sales increased by 8% and profits increased by 29%, despite restructuring expense and impairment charges. Lower volumes in the escalator segment necessitated restructuring at the Hamburg, Germany, escalator plant. Overall, the elevator sector had to absorb restructuring expense and impairment charges of EUR34 million (US$51 million). Elevator technology also continued to have high earnings contributions due to order backlog, and stable modernization and maintenance business.

NASA PAYS SPACE ELEVATOR WINNER US$900,000
On November 4, the second-place winner of the 2009 Space Elevator Games Climber/Power-Beaming Competition saw Team LaserMotive win a US$900,000 prize from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Centennial Challenges program. Team LaserMotive was the only team to have its climber exceed the required benchmark of 2 mps to climb the 1-km-long competition tether. The team�s climber used a high-power laser array to shine infrared light onto high-efficiency solar cells that converted the light into electric power that drove a motor. It performed the achievement four times at nearly 4 mps, more than twice the record climber speed of 1.8 mps in 2007. While a US$2-million prize was offered for a team exceeding the benchmark of 5 mps, that feat was not accomplished this year. However, the US$1.1 million left in the prize pool will carry over to be the pot for the next such competition, which will likely be held in 2010.

November 16, 2009

SEMATIC GROUP ANNOUNCES JOINT VENTURE
During Interlift 2009, Sematic Group announced an agreement to form a joint venture with Revathi Enterprises to provide components for elevators to the Indian market and surrounding countries. The joint venture will be named Sematic RE Pvt. Ltd. and will sell and manufacture Sematic doors and cabins. The manufacturing plant where Sematic products and Revathi Enterprises components will be produced and distributed will be in the Mumbai industrial area. The new company will be presented at the Mumbai 2010 International Elevator & Escalator Expo, which is scheduled for February 3-5, 2010.

MALL TO RECEIVE NEW ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS
According to The Times of India, New Delhi's Palika Bazar shopping center will receive a makeover to include new elevators and escalators. Four escalators will be installed, in addition to four capsule elevators and ramps. The spiral staircases at Gates 4 and 5 will be converted into straight-flight staircases and two ramps will be added at gates 2 and 7. The upgrades are expected to make the mall more accessible for people with disabilities.

LINKED HYBRID WINS CTBUH HONOR
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has named the Linked Hybrid building in Beijing as its "Best Tall Building Overall" for 2009. The honor came during the organization's annual award dinner, held October 22 in Chicago. Designed by Steven Holl Architects, the winning project was chosen from among four regional winners announced earlier in the year. The four 2009 regional winners were Manitoba Hydro Place for Americas, Linked Hybrid for Asia and Australasia, The Broadgate Tower for Europe, and Tornado Tower for Middle East and Africa. The CTBUH Awards Committee was chaired by Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture.

EXPANSION AGREEMENT IN HUIZHOU, CHINA
Cree, Inc. recently signed an agreement to purchase a 592,000-square-foot facility in Huizhou, China. The facility will be Cree's first chip production facility outside of North America and is also targeted to house future-components- manufacturing expansion. Cree also announced that Huizhou is joining the Cree LED City® program to promote energy-efficient LED lighting.

November 9, 2009

WORK COMMENCES ON TOPMOST FLOOR OF DIFC TOWERS
DAMAC Properties recently announced that work on its Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) twin-tower project Park Towers has reached the final floor. According to AME Info, The 46-floor-tall pair of towers has already undergone all the necessary work on main concrete structural elements. The mixed-use buildings have been rising at a rate of one floor every five days courtesy of contractor Shapoorji Pallonji. The final touches on the towers are expected to come in 2010.

LATEST SAFETY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED
ELEVATOR WORLD has announced that Kishor Kadam of Mumbai is the latest winner of its Jobsite Safety Awareness Contest. The ThyssenKrupp Elevator India employee identified the safety errors in the photograph on EW's Elevator Industry Jobsite Safety website. The errors in the "What's Wrong with this Picture?" included an exit blocked by scaffolding, untidy housekeeping, tripping hazards, a drill not properly put away when not in use and an unsafe platform on the scaffolding (does not cover full area). A new contest photo is now posted on the contest website http://safety.elevator-world.com/safety_contest.htm. The picture will be posted for two weeks. One entrant who correctly identifies the safety violations in the photo will be selected to win. The winner will have the option of receiving a one-year subscription to the digital ELEVATOR WORLD magazine (or a one-year extension for those already subscribing) or a US$10 gift coupon to the EW Online Bookstore.

SECOND-TALLEST BUILDING TO BE IN SOUTH KOREA
According to Greenpacks.org, the Lotte Super Tower 123 will be the second- tallest building in the world once it is completed in 2014. The building will be built by Lotte Construction (a subsidiary of the Lotte Group) and house the company headquarters of Lotte Group. The builders are aiming for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver certification. The structure will include public- transportation connectors, retail and residential space, offices, a hotel, an observation deck, and other public areas.

CHONGQING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PASSES REVIEW
According to xindianti.com, a Chongqing elevator-operation management system recently passed a national acceptance review. The National Elevator Safety Testing Center, China Elevator Association and other experts carried out an inspection of the Chongqing YuBei District elevator-operation management system pilot program. They agreed that the project passed the acceptance and suggested a wider marketing application.

VIETNAM HIGH-RISE PROJECT STARTED
According to vnrealestatemarket.com, the construction of the Hesmico-Xa La high-rise building started at the end of October. The building is built on a 2,808-square-meter site and will include 31 stories. The Hesmico building is expected to be completed and operating in 2012. The building will include space for offices, public-service facilities, kindergarten and apartments.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT ELEVATORS IN CHINA
Otis Elevator Co. recently announced that it was awarded a contract to supply and install 334 energy-efficient Gen2® elevators for the Longtan City Industry Zone in Chengdu, China. The Gen2 system reduces energy by up to 50% compared to conventional systems. The 32-million-square-foot project is being developed by Chengdu Yudu Industry Ltd. Corp. and will feature environmentally friendly industries, companies and residential housing. Otis has earned several awards for the Gen2, including the China Environmental Protection Foundation's Green Product Award and recognition as one of the "Top 10 Construction Scientific and Technological Achievements in China" by the Ministry of Construction.

TRANSPORTATION ROBOTS USE ELEVATORS
According to plasticpals.com, Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru, began developing robots for transporting cargo in pharmaceutical plants in 2007. The products are now equipped with a software module that allows them to communicate with elevator systems which allows them to ride elevators to move between floors. The products are also equipped with software modules that allow line tracing, ultrasonic-sensor recognition, ultrasonic-sensor wallrunning, wheel odometry and laser triangulation. The robots are now being used in a Tsumura plant, which packages food items and other necessities. They are equipped with charge-coupled-device cameras, which track a line taped to the ceiling and can operate in areas as small as 1 meter wide.

November 2, 2009

TRAPPED WORKERS ESCAPE BLAZING BUILDING
According to GulfNews.com, a fire erupted at a car-park building under construction on Al Reem Island, injuring several workers. The workers were rescued through the temporary lift of the tower as firefighters were able to control the fire on the ground floors. The Emergency and Public Safety department at Abu Dhabi Police has launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire.

EMAAR PROJECT CANCELLATION IMMINENT
The National has reported that Dubai-based developer Emaar could shelve plans to build 13 high-rise buildings planned for the Burj Dubai site in Dubai due to the financial downturn. Emaar has allowed investors to transfer their down payments to other projects. According to the company, "Projects announced by Emaar in Downtown Burj Dubai are in various stages of development. Emaar has commenced handover of homes in Burj Views, with more projects to come online in the coming months. End users have the option of transferring their purchases from projects that will be completed at a later stage to those in the advanced stages of development."

INTERLIFT 09 DEEMED A SUCCESS
Organizer AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen GmbH reported that Interlift 09 was a success. Although there was a slight reduction (2%) in the number of exhibitors, the area booked increased 5%. The record number of visitors in 2007 was only just missed, with 18,200 attendees from more than 60 countries coming to Augsburg, Germany, for the trade show and technical conferences. A majority of the 480 participating companies expressed satisfaction with their participation. The percentage of foreign visitors fell slightly to 46%, which the organizer believes reflected the current economic conditions, but this figure is still above the average of 25% for other international trade exhibitions in Germany. Beginning in February, AFAG will begin promoting the next Interlift, which is scheduled for October 18-21, 2011, in Augsburg.

CR TO INSTALL ELEVATORS IN THREE STATIONS
According to The Times of India, Central Railway (CR) plans to install at least 15 air-conditioned elevators at platforms in Thane, Kalyan and Dadar stations. These elevators will be an addition to the escalators announced in last year's railway budget. Despite concerns of local commuters, feasibility studies were conducted, and the first lift will be installed in Kalyan, followed by Thane and Dadar. The lifts will carry nine to 10 passengers at a time. Every island platform will have at least one elevator connected to pedestrian bridges to assist passengers with physical disabilities.

KONE RELEASES INTERIM REPORT
KONE recently announced its interim report for January-September 2009. The orders received totaled EUR766.5 million (US$1.152 billion). July-September 2008 saw orders received total EUR892.4 million (US$1.247 billion), a 14.1% decline. However, net sales increased by 0.3% to EUR1.127 billion (US$1.693 billion). Operating income also increased from EUR146 million (US$219 million) to EUR160.1 million (US$240.3 million). Matti Alahuhta, president and CEO of KONE, said in conjunction with the report, �The service business and operational excellence are key priorities for us in the current weak economic environment. I am pleased with our good development in these areas. These have contributed positively to our profitability and cash flow.� Orders received in the third quarter were lower due to project delays toward the end of the year. However, KONE estimates that orders received will be higher during the fourth quarter.

October 26, 2009

JOHNSON LIFTS, SJEC LAND BANGALORE ORDER
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corp. Ltd. has awarded a contract to a consortium of Johnson Lifts Ltd. and Suzhou Jiangnan Escalator Corp. (SJEC) for 176 heavy-duty escalators to be installed in 40 Bangalore transit stations. The contract includes a three-year maintenance agreement with Johnson Lifts. SJEC will manufacture the escalators. The contract is to be completed by September 2012.

UTC PROFIT DOWN
According to The Associated Press, United Technologies Corp. (UTC) continues to see a downturn in aerospace and real-estate markets in its third quarter. CEO Louis Chênevert said that order rates have stabilized year over year, although at lower levels. UTC earnings are down by 17%, and subsidiary Otis Elevator Co. has posted a 6% drop in operating profit.

FMI LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
FMI Corp. announced on October 20 that its new website is up and running at www.fminet.com. The website was designed with a particular emphasis on developing the "Information Resources" pages in order to allow access to FMI articles, webinars, case studies and research reports. FMI's quarterly articles are now available online. The quarterly publication issues eight to 12 articles on various business management topics. FMI will also post research topics, event information and seminars on the new website.

UTC CHAIR BOARDMAN TO RETIRE
United Technologies Corp. (UTC) announced that George David will retire as chairman of the group�s board of directors at the end of the year. Louis Chênevert, president and CEO of UTC, has been elected to succeed David effective January 1, 2010. David has worked with the company for 34 years and will continue to serve as a consultant and advisor to the company for 2010. "It has been my privilege to lead this great corporation. UTC truly reflects the forces that make and shape our world, from deep and sophisticated technologies to its remarkable international presence to its process and productivity disciplines," David noted.

October 19, 2009

NEERAJ SHARMA NAMED MD AT KONE INDIA
KONE Elevator India has named Neeraj Sharma its managing director (MD). The appointment was effective October 6. He will be based in Chennai, India. Sharma succeeds A. Sankarakrishnan, who retired from KONE Elevator India after 17 years. Prior to this appointment, Sharma was region general manager of Energy Services at GE Energy, with responsibility for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He has more than 27 years of engineering experience and is a graduate of the Marine Engineering College (Directorate of Marine Engineering Training) in Kolkata.

FERMATOR DOORS IN MECCA AND SHENYANG METRO
Fermator has been selected to supply the doors for the elevators in the new metro lines in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and Shenyang, China. The 20-km-long line in Mecca will have a transportation capacity of 72,000 people an hour and 122 high-traffic/high-capacity lifts equipped with the companys automatic cabin and landing doors, with a clear opening of 3,000 mm, clear height of 2100 mm and stainless-steel finish. Currently under construction, this infrastructure is planned to begin operation in November 2010, coinciding with the arrival of nearly two million pilgrims during Hajj. The new Shenyang Metro Line 1 will serve more than seven million people in Shenyang and be one of the first of 10 upcoming lines to service the city. Its construction began in 2005, and it is due to start operating in October.

FALLING GOODS LIFT KILLS MAN IN NEW DELHI
According to Dainik Jagaran, a freight elevator installed in a factory near Mayapuri Thana in New Delhi fell, killing a 27-year-old businessman on September 11. The police have registered a complaint of negligence against the factory owner and are investigating. According to the report, around 9 p.m., the lift was being loaded with goods on the third floor when it fell on the man who was standing below.

TWO FALL IN RAILWAY STATION HOISTWAY
The Times of India recently reported that two young men fell into the hoistway of a planned elevator installation at the Cantonment Railway Station in Varanasi, India. According to the report, the two men allegedly climbed to the top level of the station and fell while attempting to detach a steel plate covering the shaft. Rescuers had to tear down a wall to reach them. They were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries. The incident is being investigated.

SIX OVERCOME AFTER FIGHTING FIRE IN THANE
The Times of India reported on October 18 that six firefighters "suffocated due to toxic fumes, which engulfed the lift" they were using after extinguishing a fire in a 14-story building in Thane, India. The fire was on the top floor. It was the second time firefighters had been called to the building to battle a blaze. According to the report, both fires were believed to be caused by firecrackers used to celebrate the Diwali holiday. The incident is being investigated.

October 12, 2009

VIRTUAL ELEVATOR EVENT ANNOUNCED
On February 17, 2010, Elevator World, Inc. will launch the first Virtual Elevator Event (VEE) to support the industry and complement physical events. Enhanced features within VEE booths include video and multiple formats for materials, such as portable-document format, and Microsoft ® Office PowerPoint and Word files that are available for attendees to download. Chats are live, and the conference hall itself will have prerecorded and live events from exhibitors and a variety of professionals in the industry. Attendees can register and attend for free. Registration for attendees will open on November 4, when a complete conference schedule will be posted. VEE will be on demand for 90 days following its opening. For a live demonstration, visit Elevator World's booth at hall 2, booth 204 at Intelift, or visit website: vshow.on24.com/ vshow/on24. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact T.Bruce MacKinnon at Elevator World at e-mail: tbruce@elevator-world.com.

FOUR-YEAR-OLD SINGAPORIAN IN ESCALATOR ACCIDENT
According to AsiaOne News, a four-year old boy was injured on October 4 when his rubberized sandal was caught in an escalator in a Jurong, Singapore, shopping center. The sandal "was caught in the base of the escalator, trapping his last two toes" on his left foot. Singapore Civil Defence Force members freed the boy's foot. It was bandaged, along with his left calf, at a local hospital before the victim was discharged. The boy's mother was standing in front of him on the escalator carrying a baby stroller with the boy's brother inside. A third brother stood next to her.

L&T CONTRACTS
According to Sify.com, engineering and construction company Larsen and Toubro (L&T) has recently secured four contracts in India. DB Hospitality Ltd. has asked L&T to build a high-rise tower at Charni Road in Mumbai. The ITC group has asked L&T to develop its ITC Sonar Hotel in Kolkata. In addition, the National Building Construction Corp. plans to work with L&T on a hospital in Coimbatore, and in the upgrade of six others in Haryana. L&T will also be in charge of developing a �free trade warehousing zone� in Sai at Panvel near Mumbai. In addition, it plans to bid on the navy�s second submarine line contract.

LATEST SAFETY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED
ELEVATOR WORLD has announced that Roop Kishore Cahuhan of Delhi is the latest winner of its Jobsite Safety Awareness Contest. The ThysseKrupp Elevator (India) Pvt. Ltd. employee identified the safety error in the photograph on EW's Elevator Industry Jobsite Safety website through its link on Facebook. The "What's Wrong with this Picture?" has holes in machine room floor that were not covered during a construction job, leaving workers exposed below and creating a tripping hazard. A new contest photo is now posted on the contest website (http://safety.elevator-world.com/safety_contest.htm ). The picture will be posted for two weeks. One entrant who correctly identifies the safety violations in the photo will be selected to win. The winner will have the option of receiving a one- year subscription to the digital ELEVATOR WORLD magazine (or a one- year extension for those already subscribing) or a US$10 gift coupon to the EW Online Bookstore.

October 5, 2009

FREQUENCY-INVERTER PRESENTATIONS AT INTERLIFT
Ziehl-Abegg AG will present several innovations at Interlift in Augsburg, Germany, October 13-16. The focus is on the frequency inverter sector, but there will be innovations in the motors sector as well. The products, which include Zetadyn frequency inverters and Zetatop gearless elevator machines, can be viewed at the Ziehl-Abegg exhibit in Hall 1, Booth 119.

KZN RECEIVES MODERNIZATION CONTRACT
According to a report in Engineering News, KZN Elevator Consultants is modernizing eight elevators in a 14-story office building in Durban, South Africa. The original Otis and Express equipment will be upgraded with new Otis control systems and mechanical equipment. The work began in August, and the company expects the project to be completed within four months.

September 28, 2009

HUASHENG FUJITEC TO SUPPLY ELEVATORS FOR ANSHAN
The Anshan Municipal Development Department has awarded an order for 248 elevators from Huasheng Fujitec Elevator Co., Ltd. The elevators are to be installed in a large housing development project in Anshan, China. The completion of the project is scheduled for May 2010. The elevators are to be installed sequentially. The residential project is part of an effort begun by the Anshan municipal government in 2007 to revitalize the city. The massive redevelopment project covers an area of 400,000 square meters.

KONE INVOLVED IN SHANGHAI 2010 WORLD EXPO
KONE will supply more than 30 elevators and 30 escalators for a variety of pavilions involved in the Shanghai 2010 World Expo. Its participation includes equipment for the pavilions of Spain, Australia, Finland and Hong Kong, as well as the Shanghai World Expo Performing Arts Center, Pudong�s Logistics Center Equipment, the National Grid Enterprise Pavilion and the expo�s Information and Communication Pavilion. KONE also announced that it will be a national partner for the Finnish Pavilion. As part of this partnership, KONE will provide a custom-made elevator for the pavilion, which is expected to play an integral part in the pavilion�s high-tech look and feel.

FLOWEXPO SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 2010
The 13th International Exhibition on Valves, Pipelines, Fluid Engineering and Process Industry, also known as FLOWEXPO, is scheduled for March 24-26, 2010, in Guangzhou, China. The trade show targets the manufacturers, suppliers, installers and end users of this equipment. For more information, contact Faye Liu at Guangzhou Flow Expo Co., Ltd., 505 Lifeng Center, 7 Qingnian Rood, GETDD, Guangzhou, China P.C. 510730; phone: (86) 20-82220077; fax: (86) 20-62614523; e-mail: flowexpo@hotmail.com or website: www.flowexpo.org.

September 21, 2009

ESCALATORS DISCUSSED FOR NEW DELHI STATION
The Times of India recently reported that Indian Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee spoke at the opening of a new three-story building at the Ajmeri Gate side of the New Delhi railway station. According to the report, Banrejee instructed Northern Railway General Manager Vivek Sahai to offer the rail line's full support for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. In addition, Sahai announced that final discussions were underway to install 16 escalators at the station.

BAKU SUBWAY STATION OPENS
Azerbaijan Business Center recently reported that the Icarishakhar underground station in Baku, Azerbaijan (a former Soviet Union state), had opened following the installation of new Victoria® escalators from ThyssenKrupp Elevator. According to the report, escalators in other Baku subway stations will be replaced in phases. In 2010, it is expected that the escalators in the Sakhil, 28 May, Nizami and Khatai stations will be replaced. In addition, a new station at Prospekt Azadlig is expected to open.

THYSSENKRUPP TO EQUIP LARGE EGYPTIAN PROJECTS
The developers of two new cities have awarded ThyssenKrupp Elevator Egypt a contract to supply 584 synergy elevators for the projects. Located east of Cairo, the cities of Madinaty and Al Rehab are designed to accommodate 600,000 and 200,000 inhabitants, respectively. The cities will consist of schools, medical care facilities, hotels, entertainment and shopping centers, sports venues, green spaces, office buildings, villas and apartment units. According to the developer’s plans, the construction work in Madinaty is scheduled to be completed in 2023. The first part of Al Rehab is due for completion in 2011 and the remainder in 2017.

SEOUL ADVOCATES WALKING ON ESCALATORS
JoongAng Daily recently reported that the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to place signs in the city's subway system "encouraging people to walk on the right on escalators and moving walkways." The promotion is scheduled to begin on October 1. The campaign is part of the government's plan to get pedestrians to walk on the right, rather than the left, which has been the law of the land for more than 80 years. The government is making the change to reflect that 88.3% of Koreans are right-handed, and that traveling on the right is predominate in most "When people walk on the right side they go 1.2 to 1.7 times faster.”

MULTIPLE FATALITIES IN HONG KONG ACCIDENT
The Associated Press reported on September 13 that six workers died as a result of injuries they sustained when a platform collapsed at a Hong Kong construction site. According to the report, the men were standing on the platform in an elevator hoistway when the platform collapsed, causing the workers to fall from around the 30th floor to the 10th floor. The under-construction high-rise building is expected to reach a height of 118 stories when it is completed in 2010. The accident is being investigated.

September 14, 2009

LATEST SAFETY CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED
ELEVATOR WORLD has announced that K. Ramanand Bhat is the latest winner of its Jobsite Safety Awareness Contest. The ThysseKrupp Elevator (India) Pvt. Ltd. employee identified the safety error in the photograph on EW's Elevator Industry Jobsite Safety website through its link on Facebook. The "What's Wrong with this Picture?" has no flame-resistant cabinet due to the need for a flame-resistant cabinet to house flammable chemicals. A new contest photo is now posted on the contest website (http://safety.elevator-world.com/safety_contest.htm). The picture will be posted for two weeks. One entrant who correctly identifies the safety violations in the photo will be selected to win. The winner will have the option of receiving a one-year subscription to the digital ELEVATOR WORLD magazine (or a one-year extension for those already subscribing) or a US$10 gift coupon to the EW Online Bookstore.

INFLATABLE SPACE ELEVATOR PROPOSED
According to The Times of India, three scientists from Toronto's York University are proposing using an inflatable space elevator to overcome weight and pressure problems associated with traditional elevator construction. Brendan Quine, Raj Seth and George Zhu proposed using a 20-kilometer-long elevator hoistway with pressurized horizontal and vertical components made of Kevlar®. According to the report, a Canadian company has expressed interest in the proposal.

HONG KONG INTRODUCES PERFORMANCE RATING SCHEME
On September 1, Hong Kong's Electrical and Mechanical Services Department announced the first quarterly results of a new Maintenance Performance Rating Scheme, which is designed to provide a reference for elevator owners and building management agents to select suitable maintenance contractors. The rating scheme is one of a series of new regulatory measures implemented by the department to improve elevator safety in Hong Kong.

September 4, 2009

EW OFFICES CLOSE FOR LABOR DAY
The offices of Elevator World, Inc., will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. The offices will reopen for normal hours on Tuesday, September 8. The editorial and sales contacts for ELEVATOR WORLD India will be open and available on Monday, September 7, during normal working hours.

IN MEMORIAM: HILLARY MIRANDA
Hillary Miranda died August 19 in Andheri (E) of Mumbai. He worked in construction and service in the Western Region of India for Otis before moving to the Persian Gulf region for Otis and other companies. Upon returning to India, Miranda did contract work in the elevator field. He is survived by his wife and other family members.

60-STORY TOWER IS CENTERPIECE FOR ISTANBUL PROJECT
Architects Journal recently reported that VARYAP is planning a development in Istanbul that will include a 60-story tower, a hotel, offices and other facilities. Designed by RMJM's New York and Istanbul studios, the 372,000-square-meter development will be located in the city's Atasehir district. Aiming for energy efficiency, the project is designed to collect rainwater, utilize wind-turbine technology and include a cogeneration plant. The developers expect the project to be completed in 2011.

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC TO SUPPLY SHENZHEN TOWER
On August 27, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced that it received an order from Shenzhen Kingkey Real Estate Co., Ltd. for 129 elevators to be installed in the Kingkey Finance Center and neighboring buildings in Shenzhen City, China. According to the announcement, the 98-story main building is now under construction. The complex is scheduled for completion in 2012.When completed, it will reach a height of 439 meters. The Kingkey Finance Center will house a hotel, business offices and commercial facilities. Mitsubishi Electric plans to begin elevator shipments in December 2009 and complete installation by November 2011.

August 31, 2009

THREE INDIA PROJECTS TO INCLUDE SCHINDLER EQUIPMENT
Schindler recently announced it had procured orders to provide vertical transportation for three projects in India. The projects include the metro systems serving Mumbai and Delhi, and the new terminal for the Chennai airport. Schindler is supplying 97 escalators for 12 stations in a new line of the Mumbai metro, 53 escalators for the Delhi Airport Metro Express Line and 41 elevators and 12 escalators for a new terminal building in Chennai. The contracts were concluded in the first half of the year and installation of elevators and escalators is scheduled to begin before year's end.

GLOBAL ELEVATOR MARKET CONTINUES EXPANSION
TransWorldNews recently reported that the global lift market is expected to grow by 4.3% a year through 2013. This expectation comes from World Elevators, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc. According to the study, the market for elevator products and services should reach US$78.5 billion by 2013. Most of this growth will come in new equipment thanks to construction projects in China and India. The study found that China was the largest market for industry equipment and services in 2008 and is expected to account for 45% of the additional demand through 2013.

FISH ELEVATOR OPENS IN AUSTRALIA
The Sydney Morning Herald recently reported that the Sydney Catchment Authority officially opened a new fish lift on August 23. The lift allows fish and other waterborne animals to traverse the 43-meter-tall Tallowa Dam as they migrate up the Shoalhaven River near Sydney. According to the report, as many as 10 native fish species may have become extinct because they were unable to migrate on the river as part of their life cycles. The lift consists of a 2,500-liter hopper that encloses fish and water and carries them over the dam 18 times a day.

August 17, 2009

2010 PROJECT OF THE YEAR NEARS DEADLINE
The entry deadline for the 12th annual ELEVATOR WORLD Project of the Year competition is August 31. Companies that recently completed projects that exemplified team effort, had the ability to overcome challenges and successfully met the needs of clients will be recognized in EW's January 2010 issue. EW has already received seven such entries and is seeking more to fill its eight categories: Elevators, New Construction; Elevators, Modernization; Escalators, New Construction; Escalators, Modernization; Inclined Elevators; Accessibility Systems; Private-Residence Elevators; and Automated People Movers. Winners will be announced in the January 2010 issue of EW. For more information and a copy of the entry form, contact EW at website: www.elevator-world.com.

SANKARAKRISHNAN RECOGNIZED BY FINLAND
H.E. Asko Numminen, Finland's ambassador to India, recently conferred "Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland" to A. Sankarakrishnan, managing director, KONE Elevator India Pvt. Ltd. He was honored for his effort in strengthening relations between India and Finland. Sankarakrishnan accepted the honor on behalf of the 3,000 employees of KONE across India. He has lead KONE India since 1992. The Order of the White Rose of Finland was established in 1919. Distinguished Finns are awarded orders and decorations of the White Rose of Finland. Non-Finns who perform important services to Finland are also awarded.

WORKER DIES IN PUNE LIFT ACCIDENT
The Times of India recently reported that a lift technician in Pune, India, died as a result of injuries he sustained while he was working on an elevator in a hostel on August 7. According to the report, the 32-year-old man was caught between the car and the hoistway wall. The car was between the third and fourth floors. Police are investigating the incident.

August 10, 2009

CTBUH 2010 CONFERENCE IN MUMBAI
Mumbai will host the Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) 2010 World Conference -- India, February 3-5, 2010. The conference, which will be held at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Centre, will address the rapid urbanization of developing countries over the past decade. Attendees are expected to debate urban policy issues, increased urban density and the role tall buildings will play in meeting this challenge. For more information, visit website: http://ctbuh2010-india.com/ctbuh2010.html.

MOVING PEOPLE AT SHANGHAI'S 2010 WORLD EXPO
Schindler will provide mobility in China's national pavilion at the 2010 world exhibition in Shanghai. Visitors to the pavilion and Expo Boulevard, the main access route of the exhibition, will be transported on 94 Schindler escalators. Included in the installation are two escalators, each nearly 20 meters long, which transport visitors into the main exhibition space of the China pavilion. The pavilion itself consists of a 45,000 square meter podium, which will be equipped with 10 Schindler escalators and two moving walks.

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC REPORTS LATEST FINANCIAL RESULTS
On July 30, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced its financial results for the first quarter of its current fiscal year. The consolidated financial results of the three-month period, which ended on June 30, included net sales of JPY699.4 billion (US$7.4 billion), operating income of JPY7.3 billion (US$77 million) and income before income taxes of JPY900 million (US$9.5 million), all less than what was reported in the same quarter last year. Mitsubishi Electric also reported a loss of JPY8.2 billion (US$86.6 million) in net income. In its Energy and Electric Systems business segment, which includes its elevator and escalator operations, the company reported total sales of JPY206.9 billion (US$2.2 billion), which was a 6% increase from the same quarter in the previous year.

MAN INJURED IN MALFUNCTIONING ELEVATOR
On July 27, the China Daily reported that a man recently suffered broken bones when he rode an elevator that malfunctioned in Beijing. According to the report, the man entered the elevator on the 11th floor of his apartment building and the car sped to the ground floor, reversed directions, and sped to the top of the hoistway. He remained in the car for about an hour before someone heard his calls for help. It was reported that the elevator "had not been functional since October last year."

August 3, 2009

TAK CONSULTING MOVES, ADDS
TAK Consulting has shifted its office in Mumbai to Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. The new address and contact details are 303, Galleria, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai 400 076; phone: (91) 22-2570-7498; fax: (91) 22-2570-7499; e-mail: contact@takconsulting.net; and website: www.takconsulting.net. In addition, TAK Consulting has inducted two new members into its team. A. Jailabdeen, with more than 15 years of hands-on elevator and escalator experience, will head the Chennai operations, and Prabodh Hamilton, with 15 years of experience in client servicing, will head the business development activities.

BRUGG WIRE ROPE OPENS DUBAI OPERATION
Swiss manufacturer Brugg Wire Rope, Inc., recently announced the opening of a new distribution operation within the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai. The new operation will offer customers in the region access to the company's products, services and information designed to address the needs of the elevator industry in the U.A.E. and neighboring nations. The operation is the latest step in plans by Brugg Wire Rope to create a global network for its wire rope products.

SOUTH KOREAN ELEVATOR MARKET REPORT
Trading Markets recently reported that Hyundai Elevator Co. increased its share of the vertical-transportation market in South Korea in the first six months of 2009. According to the South Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Hyundai Elevator sales reached 4,900 units during the first half of the year, which equaled a 40% market share. During the same six-month period, Otis Elevator Co. had a 19.5% share of the South Korean market, and the elevator division of ThyssenKrupp AG was at 17.5%. South Korea-based Hyundai Elevator, which was established in 1984, sold its 100,000th unit in April.

July 27, 2009

THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR LANDS THREE INDIA PROJECTS
In June, ThyssenKrupp Elevator (India) North Zone secured two orders in New Delhi, supplying nine elevators for Hotel Inter-Continental Eros and four elevators for International Trade Tower to replace the existing 13 elevators in these two buildings. In the same month, ThyssenKrupp Elevator (India) North Zone was awarded a contract from Supertech Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. to supply eight elevators for the Radisson Hotel in the State of Haridwar.

OTIS INDIA MODERNIZATION PACKAGES LAUNCHED
According to the Deccan Herald, Otis India has begun a modernization program that includes packages to improve the performance and reliability of elevators in older residential and commercial buildings in India. The vertical-transportation company's packages are available for low-speed elevators in apartments and high-speed elevators in hotels and offices. For low-speed elevators, modernization packages deliver energy savings by upgrading a unit's old controller system to a microprocessor-based, variable-frequency one.

RESIDENTIAL ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVING IN BEIJING
Beijing has initiated a barrier-free program designed to improve accessibility for residences throughout the city. According to Xinhua, the program will upgrade 30,000 homes by next year. About 13,000 are expected to be modified for the disabled by the end of October. The report stated, "Since 2004, all the new and rebuilt communities in Beijing have been equipped with ramps, elevators and other facilities." Some older residences, especially those in southern Beijing, are described as difficult to upgrade. A Beijing Planning Commission official gave as examples some six-story buildings in which elevators cannot be installed.

ABU DHABI PLANS LIFTS FOR PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
Gulf News recently reported that the Abu Dhabi Municipality is adding elevators to pedestrian bridges to make them more accessible. The bridges are being built at Al Salam Street as part of an infrastructure upgrade to reduce accidents. Officials expect the elevators will be installed by the end of the third quarter of this year. Al Salam Street Projects are included in Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, which is expected to lead to the development of a freeway, as well as tunnels, roadways and junctions to ease traffic congestion and improve travel time.

BORDER CROSSING UPGRADES PLANNED IN MACAU
The Macau Daily Times-News recently reported that changes at the Macau border gate building are expected to increase traffic to and from China to about 500,000 people per day. Upon completion of the construction, two new entry areas will have more modern equipment to improve the flow of people. Six new escalators and two elevators are included in the improvements. Macau's Infrastructure Development Office expects the upgrades to be completed by the end of this year.

IN MEMORIAM: J.J. D'SOUZA
J.J. D'Souza died on July 19. He joined Otis in 1962 in India, where he worked for 38 years before retiring in September 2000. He worked in construction, service, modernization and stores, the latter where he was responsible for keeping all major tools operational. He is survived by his wife and a daughter.

IN MEMORIAM: S.T. MALI
Colleague Trevor Rodericks recently reported on the death of S.T. Mali, an employee at Otis for some 37 years. He joined the company in 1964 and worked in service sales until he retired to his family farm and orchard near Pune in 2001. While at Otis, he innovated the maintenance-estimating system to make it more user friendly. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

July 20, 2009

OTIS LAUNCHES SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN INDIA
Otis Elevator Co. (India) Ltd. has introduced a national public safety campaign to promote passenger awareness of riding elevators and escalators safely. The "Otis Cares -- Be Safe in Elevators and Escalators" campaign includes posters with easy-to-follow visual safety reminders, which will be placed on or near elevators and escalators to ensure high visibility to passengers. During the festive season of Diwali, Otis printed and distributed posters to major malls in all metro stations and other public buildings with elevators and escalators that transport a high number of passengers. Otis is also holding safety awareness presentations in residential complexes.

MUMBAI'S HIGH-RISE BOOM
According to The Times of India, the number of high-rise buildings in Mumbai has risen steadily since 2004. Applications for towers per year in the city have risen eightfold since 2004, when there were only five proposals. The next year saw 23, with 32 in 2006, 38 in 2007, 42 in 2008 and 20 in 2009 as of May 21. No proposals were rejected by the state-appointed review committee in this period; only 11 are pending approval, while the other 149 buildings more than 70 meters (more than 18 stories) high were approved. Among the areas dense with proposals are Lower Parel with 18, Dadar-Matunga and Worli with five each, and Tardeo with four.

SCHINDLER WINS AIRPORT CONTRACTS
Schindler recently announced it will supply a total of 177 installations for airport projects in Germany and India. A total of 60 Schindler solutions are to be installed in a new terminal at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in India. The new building will expand capacity, from around five million passengers currently to 25 million beginning in 2011. The Indian Airport Authority plans for two further expansion phases, with the second starting after 2016. The Berlin Brandenburg International Airport is to be equipped with 117 Schindler elevators, escalators and moving walks. The installations for its six-story terminal are expected to handle 25 million passengers a year.

EIGHT TRAPPED IN PARLIAMENT LIFT
The Times of India recently reported that seven passengers and the lift operator were trapped in an elevator in the Parliament House complex in New Delhi. Rescuers freed them after about 90 minutes. The eight people were traveling between the ground and third floor. The cause of the incident is being investigated.

LABORER DIES IN MUMBAI LIFT ACCIDENT
On July 15, the Press Trust of India reported that a worker was caught under an elevator at a South Mumbai construction site. According to the report, the elevator was carrying two people when it stalled between floors. Other workers freed the two passengers, but while trying to determine what caused the elevator to stop, they discovered the body of the deceased. The incident is being investigated.

INTERLIFT EXPECTS TO MATCH 2007 RECORDS
In spite of cancellations from about 20 exhibitors due to the global economic situation, the organizers of Interlift 2009 expect to match the record number of participants that exhibited in 2007. The international industry trade fair is set for October 13-16 in Augsburg, Germany. Interlift Project Manager Joachim Kalsdorf announced in July that exhibitors from 35 countries have booked space in the exhibition hall, with large communal stands from China and India. As in the past, Italy is expected to be the foreign country covering the largest area at the fair, followed by Spain, Turkey, China, Greece and Switzerland. The Italian exhibitors also represent the largest number of foreign companies. For more information, contact Interlift at phone: (49) (0) 821-58982-340, fax: (49) (0) 821-58982-349, e-mail: interlift@afag.de or website: www.interlift.de.

CTBUH ANNOUNCES 2009 AWARDS
On July 1, the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) announced its annual winners for 2009. The Broadgate Tower received the "Best Tall Building Europe" award (ELEVATOR WORLD, May 2009). Among other awards were, Manitoba Hydro Place in Winnipeg, Canada for "Best Tall Building Award Americas," the Linked Hybrid of Beijing, China for "Best Tall Building Award Asia/Australasia� and the Tornado Tower in Doha, Qatar for "Best Tall Building Ward Middle East/Africa." In addition, John C. Portman Jr. received the Lynn S. Beedle Lifetime Achievement Award for his continued involvement in many tall building projects worldwide. Dr. Prabodh V. Banavalkar received the Fazlur Rahman Khan Medal for his extensive practice in designing the structural system for some of the tallest buildings in North America. The awards are scheduled to be presented at the CTBUH Annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner in Chicago on October 22.

KEPPEL BAY PROJECT TO INCLUDE KONE EQUIPMENT
The developers of Reflections at Keppel Bay in Singapore have chosen KONE to supply energy-efficient elevators for the project. KONE will supply 49 MonoSpace™ elevators and 18 MiniSpace ™ elevators. All KONE elevators in the development are powered by the KONE EcoDisc ®. The residential development will include six glass towers and 11 villa apartment blocks. The towers vary between 24 and 41 floors, while the villa blocks range from six to eight floors. Nine KONE MiniSpace elevators serving the high-rise residential blocks will be equipped with the KONE regenerative system. A partnership of Keppel Corp. and Keppel Land Ltd. is developing the waterfront project.

SOUTH KOREA ANNOUNCES ELEVATOR PLANS
The Korea Herald recently reported on plans to develop an educational-industrial complex for elevator manufacturing in Geochang, South Korea. The Korea Elevator Safety Institute (KESI) is developing the project in cooperation with the South Gyeongsang provincial government. KESI has also formed an international cooperative with four other nations. Korean authorities will work with their counterparts from China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Russia to develop elevator technology that will reduce energy consumption by 60%.

July 13, 2009

JAIPUR STATION TO BE UPGRADED
According to The Times of India, a renovation of the railway station in Jaipur, India, was included in the Indian Railways 2009-2010 budget, which was announced on July 3. The facilities upgrades are expected to include new elevators and escalators. The station currently handles about 50,000 passengers a day, but this figure is expected to increase three-to-four times in the near future.

ICTB MOVED TO HONG KONG
The China Academy of Building Research has announced it is no longer organizing the seventh International Conference on Tall Buildings (ICTB) in Beijing. The University of Hong Kong is now the event organizer in conjunction with the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Hong Kong Institute of Architects. The seventh ICTB will be held October 29-30 at the InterContinental Hotel, Grand Stanford, in Kowloon, Hong Kong. For more information, contact the organizers at website: www.hku.hk/civil/ictb7.

THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR (CHINA) RECERTIFIES
Thyssen Elevators Co., Ltd. in Zhongshan, the major legal entity of ThyssenKrupp Elevator (China), has recertified with the Quality, Environment, Occupational Health and Safety Management System Certification ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSA S18001:2007. Issued by TÜV Rheinland Group, the certifications cover the entire process of elevator design and development, manufacturing, sales, installation, modernization, maintenance and service. The company achieved all three certifications at one time, instead of separately as with previous certifications.

SEOUL METRO ESCALATORS BEING TESTED
In March, ThyssenKrupp Elevator (Korea) began test rides for the escalators installed in Seoul's Metro Line 9 in Seoul before it officially commences operation by the end of July. The ThyssenKrupp equipment is installed in four stations, including Dangsan, Deunchon, Kayang and Kaehwa. With the height of 23.8 meters and a length of 55 meters, the six escalators installed in Dangsan Station are among the longest escalators in Korea. This transfer station is expected to handle a high passenger volume daily. The Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corp. operates the metro line, which has a total of 37 stations. To date, a total of 227 FT822 escalators and 47 machine-room-less elevators have been supplied by ThyssenKrupp Elevator (Korea).

ESCALATORS INSTALLED IN TEHRAN SUBWAY STATION
On July 4, the Cultural Heritage News Agency reported that two additional escalators went into operation at the Darvazeh Dowlat subway station in Tehran, Iran. At a height of 15.5 meters, the escalators were reported to be the tallest in the country. The station is located on the fourth subway line, which now has a total of 10 escalators. Escalators are being installed in three other stations.

July 6, 2009

INDIAN RAILWAYS TO DEVELOP 375 MODEL STATIONS
Rediff recently reported on plans by Indian Railways to develop 375 model stations during 2009-2010. Elevators and escalators would be added in phases. The proposed stations would also include basic amenities, such as waiting rooms, catering services and adequate restrooms. Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the plans while presenting the 2009-2010 Railway Budget on July 3.

THREE-YEAR-OLD BOY IN FATAL ACCIDENT
DNA India recently reported that a three-year-old boy died as a result of injuries sustained when he was hit on the head by a descending elevator. The police reported the accident on July 3. According to the report, the boy was playing on the first floor of a 22-story-building under construction in a suburb of Mumbai when the incident occurred. The boy's parents were working as laborers in the building. The accident is under investigation.

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC POST ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
On June 29, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. launched the Japanese-language version of the Mitsubishi Electric Group's Environmental Report and Environmental Topics for fiscal year 2009, which detail the group's environmental activities between April 1, 2008 and March 31. The full report was released on its Japanese website. This will be followed by the English version on its global website in July. The Environmental Topics section provides examples of the company's success in achieving both efficient, compact and lightweight products, as well as improvements in productivity.

IRAQ FIRM TO USE JAPANESE LICENSE
According to a media source from the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals, public company Al-Tahadi plans to produce electric driven elevators under the license of Japanese firm, Fuji. Al-Tahadi will complete the elevator project at its workshop and will then install them in buildings of end users in Iraq. .

OTIS TO LIFT VEHICLES AT CHINA'S SWFC
A special elevator designed to lift vehicles has been installed in the 101-story Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) in China. Otis designed and installed the elevator with the capability of transporting vehicles to the tower's 94-floor exhibition hall. The vehicle elevator has a capacity of more than 3 tons. It is one of 30 elevators and 34 escalators that Otis has installed in SWFC, including double-deck elevators..

June 22, 2009

EW ANNOUNCES 2010 PROJECT OF THE YEAR
The entry deadline for the 12th annual ELEVATOR WORLD Project of the Year competition is August 31. Companies that recently completed projects that exemplified team effort, had the ability to overcome challenges and successfully met the needs of clients will be recognized in EW's January 2010 issue. EW is seeking entries in eight categories: Elevators, New Construction; Elevators, Modernization; Escalators, New Construction; Escalators, Modernization; Inclined Elevators; Accessibility Systems; Private-Residence Elevators; and Automated People Movers. A panel of distinguished industry experts will select a winner in each category in which entries are received, and the winners will be announced in the January 2009 issue of EW. For more information and a copy of the entry form, contact EW at website: www.elevator-world.com.

DELHI OVERBRIDGES MAY INCLUDE LIFTS
The Times of India recently reported that the Delhi government is planning to build more than 70 foot overbridges (FOBs) to increase passenger safety while crossing busy roads. According to the report, the government is considering installing lifts and ramps at the FOBs to improve their accessibility. The plan calls for the project to be completed by 2010 to accommodate the many visitors expected for the Commonwealth Games to be hosted by the city.

BANGLADESH COMPANIES SIGN AGREEMENT
The New Nation recently reported that officials with Property Lifts, a division of Bangladesh Lift Industries Ltd. (BLIL), and RF Properties Ltd. of Chittagong, Bangladesh, recently signed a memorandum of understanding in which BLIL will supply, install and maintain the elevators and escalators in all RF Properties projects in the country. In addition, RF Properties will also use Property Lifts in all of its future projects. This includes the purchase of eight lifts and 10 escalators for projects in Chittagong and the planned purchase of an additional 10 lifts and 10 escalators for projects by December.

WOMAN RESCUES CHILD FROM ESCALATOR EDGE
According to The China Daily, a woman prevented a four-year-old boy from falling from an escalator in Xi'an, China. The boy was shopping with his mother, when they became separated. She next saw him hanging by one hand from an escalator handrail. The boy was about to fall from about the second-floor level, when the woman on the escalator grabbed him. The woman left before the boy's mother could thank her.

June 29, 2009

LEED® GOLD AWARDED TO OTIS FACILITY IN CHINA
On June 10, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) presented Otis Elevator Co. with its Leadership and Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certificate in recognition of the Otis facility in China's Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA). According to Otis, the energy-saving technologies incorporated into the Otis TEDA Center office building reduce site energy usage by at least 25%. The building features insulated roof systems, reflective cool roofs to reduce heat island effects, high-performance lighting equipment, radiant heating, and a demand-controlled ventilation system with CO2 sensors to ensure a quality indoor environment.

NORTHAMPTON OFFERS TRAINING COURSE/WORKSHOP
The Lift Engineering Section, University of Northampton/National Lift Tower, in collaboration with TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH Innovative Systems, is offering a training course and workshop titled "Application of a Modern Measurement Toolkit to Verify Code-Compliance of Various Safety-Relevant Physical Parameters of a Lift System." The training is supported by the Lift and Escalator Industry Association, and will be held September 30. The course/ workshop will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about the theory and practice of verification procedures for fundamental safety parameters of a lift system. The course will cover traction, door and safety-gear requirements, with practical sessions involving tests and recording of measurements using the ADIASYSTEM tools. The registration deadline is September 9. For more information, contact Linda Cook at the Division of Engineering, School of Applied Sciences, The University of Northampton, St George's Avenue, Northampton NN2 6JD, U.K.; phone: (44) (0)1604-893075; fax: (44) (0)1604-893071; or e-mail: linda.cook@northampton.ac.uk.

June 22, 2009

June 15, 2009

IN MEMORIAM: RAJEEV ARVIKAR
Rajeev Arvikar, deputy general manager, West Zone in ThyssenKrupp Elevator (India) Pvt. Ltd. in Pune, India, died April 8 after suffering a massive cardiac arrest. He was 49. Beginning his career as a sales engineer, Arvikar worked in different capacities at various locations in India, including Bhopal, Nagpur, Jaipur and Pune. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

IN MEMORIAM: S.S. (CHUCK) CHAKRAVATHY
S.S. (Chuck) Chakravathy died April 25. He joined Otis Elevator in the Factory's Personnel Department in 1965 upon completion of his degree course in TSSS. He later headed this department. From there, Chakravathy was promoted to the position of works manager to implement the terms of settlements. He retired from Otis in April 2001, completing 35 years of service with the company. Chakravathy is survived by his wife and daughters.

NEW BUS STATION PLANS PRESENTED IN MOHALI
The Times of India recently reported that the developers of a bus station and commercial complex in Mohali, India, gave a presentation of the project to Punjab officials on June 5. Punjab Infrastructure Development Board and Greater Mohali Area Development Authority awarded the project to successful bidder, C&C Constructions Ltd. on April 15, 2009. Passengers will be able to access the facility by either elevators or escalators. The Times of India described the design of the complex as one of "the first of its kind" in India.

SCHINDLER BEGINS INSTALLATION AT ICC
Construction of Hong Kong's International Commerce Centre (ICC) has reached its full height, making it possible for Schindler to begin installing double-deck elevators in the tower. The 40 double-deck elevators will each have a run of almost 400 meters. The tower is expected to be ready to house tenants up to the 87th floor beginning in July. The lower floors have already been occupied since last year. Schindler is supplying a total of 83 elevators and 41 escalators for the 118-storey ICC. The fastest elevators will be capable of traveling at 9 mps.

June 8, 2009

JAMSHEDPUR RAIL STATION TO RECEIVE ESCALATORS
In an attempt to improve platform amenities, the Chakradharpur railway division announced on May 28 that it will seek to equip its Tatanagar station with escalators. A proposal requesting escalators at platforms 1, 3 and 5 has been sent to Garden Reach, headquarters of South Eastern Railway (SER). Divisional Railway Manager for Chakradharpur, Ravindra Gupta, stated that the units will be used to ease traffic and reduce the risks of accidents. Gupta noted that the project, if approved, will be the first of its kind for SER. The next step is for Tatanagar authorities to formulate a budget.

STUDY FINDS PASSENGERS CAUSE MOST VT ACCIDENTS
Elevator & Parking Systems recently reported on a special inspection of vertical transportation (VT) accidents in South Korea. The survey revealed that passenger carelessness caused about 81% of these mishaps. According to the report, "accidents related to elevators and escalators have increased 62%" over the course of the last five years due to increased usage. There are about 380,000 elevators and escalators in the country, with about 25,000 new units installed every year. The National Assembly, Citizen Coalition, Inspection Institute on Multipurpose Facilities and Korea Elevator Safety Technology Institute performed the special inspection.

SPIRAL ESCALATORS IN AIRPORT
ETA Engineering & Elevator Co. (Mitsubishi Elevators & Escalators) of Kuwait recently reported an order for two spiral escalators to be installed at the Amiri Terminal of Kuwait International Airport. Called "the first of its kind in Kuwait," this type of escalator can be installed in the corners or at the sides of a large room to greatly increase the amount of usable floor space and provide easier pedestrian traffic control. They can also be stacked atop each other in an atrium to offer riders a panoramic view of the building.

June 1, 2009

KONE AND THE BEIJING-SHANGHAI EXPRESS
China's Ministry of Railways has chosen KONE to supply 342 TransitMaster™ escalators for China's Beijing-Shanghai Express Railway. In addition, KONE was awarded a maintenance contract on the escalators for a period of two years. Once completed, the more-than-1,300-kilometers high-speed railway system will allow passengers to travel between the two metropolitan areas in approximately five hours. Once completed, the system will include 24 railway stations. The project began in April 2008.

NORTHAMPTON OFFERS LIFT ENGINEERING CERTIFICATE
The University of Northampton and the Lift & Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) have announced a new lift engineering qualification that will be available beginning in September. The Higher National Certificate in Lift Engineering is a recognized qualification consisting of a combination of LEIA/BTEC Lift Technology modules (units) and University of Northampton lift engineering modules. It is aimed at students who require a broad but complete academic qualification in lift engineering. For more information contact Jonathan Adams, head of Lift Education at the University of Northampton at phone: (44) 01604-893075 or e-mail: jonathan.adams@northampton.ac.uk.

May 26, 2009

SKYWALKS PLANNED IN MUMBAI
According to Projects Today, the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority plans to open 13 skywalks for pedestrian traffic by the end of May. These include the extension of skywalks in Bandra and to Kherwadi, plus Andheri, Santa Cruz, Bhandup, Dahisar, Ghatkopar, Chembur, Ulhasnagar, Mira Road and both Badlapar sites.

CHENNAI AIRPORT OPENING NEW LOUNGE
According to The Hindu, the Chennai (India) International Airport is opening a 960-square-meter lounge to accommodate passengers who are coming from or going to remote aircraft-parking areas. The airport's five passenger-boarding bridges are usually all occupied at night, so some passengers must take a coach to or from their airplane. In addition to a stairway, the new lounge is equipped with two escalators and a panoramic elevator to improve accessibility.

KINETEK ANNOUNCES PERSONNEL MOVES
Kinetek has announced several moves it expects will strengthen its presence in Turkey, Russia and the Middle East. The moves were announced at Asansör Istanbul 2009 and include the appointment of Ismail Kosovali as business development manager for Kinetek Turkey; and the planned opening of a Dubai office to be led by Mohamed Ezzeddine, director of business development for Kinetek Middle East.

NEW CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AT EMPORIS
Brian Tonry has been the new chief marketing officer at worldwide global building data company Emporis since April 1. He will head up marketing and product development activities for the company and provide senior-level support to its Sales division, in particular with regard to strategic partner and business development activities. Tonry was most recently a vice-president at McGraw-Hill Construction, where he has been since with overall responsibility for that company's analytics and custom market-research sales organization, as well as heading up international business development. He joined McGraw-Hill Construction as director of Business Development in 2000.

May 18, 2009

EW INDIA IS LOOKING FOR NEWS
If your company is making news, ELEVATOR WORLD India wants to let the industry know. Elevator World, Inc. is always looking for industry-related news to publish in one of its print or electronic magazines (ELEVATOR WORLD, EW India, ELENET® and ELEMART) and online (www.elevator-world.com or www.elevatorworldindia.com). Simply send your news (with photos if appropriate) to The Editorial Department, Elevator World, Inc., P.O. Box 6507, Mobile, AL 36660 USA or e-mail: editorial@elevator-world.com.

SABARI DEVELOPING PROJECT IN CHENNAI
Projects Today recently reported that the Sabari Group is developing a residential project in Chennai, India. Sabari's Serenity will consist of 13 towers, each equipped with two elevators. In addition to 936 apartments, the development will include a commercial complex. The project will be built in stages, with the first phase scheduled for completion in December 2010. Each phase is expected to take about 24 months to complete.

BHARAT PLANS MULTI-TOWER PROJECT IN HYDERABAD
The Project Monitor recently reported that Bharat Infratech-Projects Pvt. Ltd. is developing an 18-tower residential project at Kondapur in Hyderabad, India. Each of the 18 towers that will make up the Iconia development will have 20 floors. Bharat is building the complex on a 21-acre site and expects to have it completed by the end of 2010.

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES PLANNED IN TEHRAN
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Tehran will install 10 mechanized pedestrian bridges at several Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations around the city. The bridges are expected to improve the flow of pedestrian traffic and reduce accidents. Congested BRT stations will have the first priority. The municipality has budgeted US$5 million for the project.

FATAL LIFT ACCIDENT IN MUMBAI
According to Daily News & Analysis, a 53-year-old man was fatally injured in an elevator accident on May 5 in the Agripada section of Mumbai. The man suffered head and leg injuries when he was caught between the closing doors of an elevator in an 11-story building he was visiting. After being freed from the elevator by a watchman and residents of the building, the man was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries later that day. Police are investigating the incident.

May 11, 2009

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC REPORTS ANNUAL FINANCIAL RESULTS
On April 30, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced its consolidated and non-consolidated financial results for the fiscal year that ended on March 31. The report noted the effect the economic slowdown had on the results, which showed decreases in net sales, operating income, income before taxes, net income and ordinary profit when compared to the previous year. Its building systems business experienced decreases in both orders and sales from the previous fiscal year, due to decreases in global demand for elevators and escalators, as well as postponements in large projects. In order to respond to these changes, the Mitsubishi Electric Group has been involved in reducing fixed cost and implementing further cost reduction activities to keep and improve its business performance. The company also reported it has continued its efforts to strengthen its business structure through group-wide management improvement programs, growth strategies and structural reforms.

ISEC MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ANNOUNCED
The International Space Elevator Consortium (ISEC) has announced a new membership-drive program aimed at unifying the space-elevator community worldwide and help fund research. According to ISEC, membership is designed to help provide funding for research necessary to build an elevator to space, connect people around the world interested in the project, keep them up to date on its progress and provide the public with ways it can help the program. Several levels of membership are being offered. Proceeds from the program will be used to further the development of an elevator to space, such as funding research and engaging the public at large. For more information, contact ISEC at website: www.isec.info.

LIFTS PLANNED FOR PARKING AREAS IN TEHRAN
Donya-ye Asansor recently reported that the municipality of Tehran, Iran, plans to install elevators to improve accessibility to some public parking facilities in the city. The municipality wants to construct mechanized parking systems in congested areas of Tehran, including cultural and medical centers. The elevators will assist the elderly, and those with disabilities or injuries.

May 4, 2009

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
On April 23, Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced its Sixth Environmental Plan, which includes its goals for the next three years. The plan is part of its efforts to achieve Environmental Vision 2021, the long-term environmental management vision of the Mitsubishi Electric Group. The principal initiatives of the Sixth Environmental Plan and Main Targets for fiscal year 2012 include reducing carbon dioxide emissions from production and use of products in order to tackle climate change, making products smaller to achieve a recycling-based society, expanding environmental management globally to improve management standards, expanding environmental management globally to improve management standards and fostering environmental awareness among employees.

GIRL INJURED IN TAIPEI ELEVATOR
On April 23, The China Post reported that a disabled girl was seriously injured when her legs were caught in a lift she uses to access different levels of her school in Taipei. According to the report, she tripped and fell as she entered the lift, the doors closed on her legs, and the elevator began moving. It took the fire department about 20 minutes to free her, and she required surgery due to the injuries. She has multiple physical disabilities. The incident is being investigated.

April 27, 2009

IN MEMORIAM: KATSUHIRO “VIC” HARADA
Longtime Fujitec America veteran Katsuhiro “Vic” Harada died suddenly on April 2 in Osaka, Japan. He was regional director of North & South America Operations for the company and also held multiple concurrent positions at Fujitec headquarters in Japan, including a seat on the board of directors. According to Fujitec, Harada was instrumental in establishing its American operations in 1977, and over the years he held many management positions in the segment. He was CEO and president of Fujitec America from 2004 to 2008 and served on the National Elevator Industry, Inc. board of directors during that time. Harada is survived by his wife and three children.

HYUNDAI OPENS NEW TEST TOWER
On April 15, Hyundai Group officials dedicated a new testing facility in Icheon, South Korea. The complex includes the Hyundai Asan Tower and the Chung Mong-hun R&D Center. The 205-meter-tall test tower is equipped with three elevator cars with speeds of up to 600 mpm. Det Norske Veritas certified the AC gearless traction machines on April 3. In September, Hyundai Elevator plans to add two more elevator cars rated at speeds of 1,080 mpm.

FERMATOR DOORS IN OIL REFINERY
Fermator has been selected to supply what the company calls “very specific doors” for “one of the biggest and most advanced oil refineries in the Middle East.” A total of 36 two-panel, side-opening landing doors and two cabin doors are to meet the technological and security requirements of explosion-proof regulation 94/9/CE.

April 20, 2009

EEST APPOINTS TRUST MANAGER
India's Elevator & Escalator Safety Trust (EEST) has appointed Shanta Tucker as its trust manager, effective May 1. She has more than 27 years corporate and social service experience. In her last assignment, Tucker was responsible for quality implementation and audit at HCL Technologies Ltd. As trust manager, she will be responsible for driving the initiatives of EEST. In her spare time, she is actively involved in supporting more than 30 families infected and infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

CIA LIFT SEMINAR FOR MUMBAI
The CAN in Automation (CiA) India Office (Global Technology) is organizing a “Special Technology Seminar on Lifts” during on the week of June 29 in Mumbai. The agenda for the seminar includes “CAN Networks in Lift Control Systems”; “Next Generation System Design Requirements”; and introductions to CAN lower-layer protocols, CANopen application layer protocols and the CANopen lift application profile (CiA 417). Speakers will be from the German lift industry and CiA. According to Global Technology, CANbus has been used in all modern lift-automation applications and has distinct features. For more information, contact Global Technology at e-mail: info@globaltechnology.org.in; or website: www.globaltechnology.org.in.

ANTHILL RESIDENCE CHOOSES KONE
KONE has obtained an order to supply 14 elevators for the Anthill Residence project in Istanbul. The client for the project is the Turkish company Ant Yapi, which is developing the high-rise project, which consists of two towers, each with 54 floors. The elevators travel at a speed of 6 mps. KONE expects to begin the installation of the equipment in December and complete the installation in December 2010.

OTIS RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING SERVICE IN CHINA
Otis Elevator Co. has earned an award from the China Association for Quality Promotion (CAQP) for providing quality service to customers throughout China. CAQP acknowledged Otis’ service performance with its “Leading Companies for High Quality Service” award, the fourth year in a row the association has recognized Otis for its service. The award is based on the results of anonymous inspections performed annually between 2005 and 2008. Otis achieved scores of 100% in each of the four years.

FAST DOUBLE-DECK ELEVATORS IN SHANGHAI TOWER
ThyssenKrupp Elevator has installed four double-deck systems in the 492-meter-tall Shanghai World Financial Center in Shanghai. Each double-deck elevator consists of two cabs, each with a capacity of 2,000 kilograms. They serve a sky lobby at a height of 240 meters. The elevators travel up to 10 mps. ThyssenKrupp manufactured and installed an additional 40 systems for the 101-floor Shanghai World Financial Center, as well as elevator systems in other buildings in the complex.

ESCALATOR LINK PROPOSED IN HONG KONG
The Hong Kong Highway Department's Works Division has proposed a series of covered escalators on Centre Street in Hong Kong. If built, the escalators would link Ying Wa Terrace with Third Street and Bonham Road. The proposed project also includes stairlifts, covered footpaths and other improvements.

GURGAON MAN DIES FROM LIFT INJURIES
The Indian Express recently reported that a 24-year-old man has died from injuries he sustained in an elevator accident that occurred on April 7 in an office building in Gurgaon, India. According to the report, the elevator in which he was riding to his office stopped and, after he reported the incident, a maintenance officer instructed him to open the car door so that he could be rescued from the floor above. However, the man was injured when the car began to move while he was trying to leave it. The man died on April 10. According to the report, the police are investigating the incident.

FATAL LIFT ACCIDENT IN INDORE
India Today recently reported that a woman died as a result of injuries she sustained in an elevator accident on April 8 in the Saket Nagar area of Indore, India. According to the report, the woman was entering an elevator in her apartment building when it began to move, pinning her between the roof and doors of the elevator. The police registered a case of negligence in the incident.

April 13, 2009

TWO CONTRACTS FOR THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR (INDIA)

In February, ThyssenKrupp Elevator (India) was awarded a contract with the Manipal University in India. The company will provide 13 elevators, including 11 TE-E elevators, one TE-GL1 elevator and one dumbwaiter for the campus. The 11 TE-E elevators, currently under installation, are expected to be completed by August. Also in February, the International Terminal Building in Jaipur International Airport was opened. ThyssenKrupp Elevator (India) supplied and installed five units of FT 823 escalators and three TE-Evolution panorama elevators for the airport.

DELHI METRO CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Reliance Infrastructure has finalized most of its contracts for the metro rail link in Delhi, India. The Delhi Airport Metro Express, a special project vehicle including Reliance Infrastructure and Spain’s CAF, received a 30-year concession to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the 22.7-km rail link. KONE will supply the elevators, and Schindler will supply the escalators and check-in equipment. Construction on the Delhi metro project, which began in 1998, is expected to be completed in 2010.

FIVE DIE IN CHINESE CONSTRUCTION LIFT ACCIDENT

China View recently reported that five workers died as a result of injuries they sustained when they fell from an elevator at a construction site in Laiwu City, China. According to the report, three died at the site and the other two died later at a hospital. The incident, which occurred on April 2, is being investigated by local city officials. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/03/content_11128487.htm

2009 SPACE ELEVATOR CONFERENCE CALL FOR PAPERS

The 2009 Space Elevator Conference, to be held in Redmond, Washington, at the Microsoft Conference Center on August 13-16, will engage an international audience of scientists, engineers, educators, managers, entrepreneurs, enthusiasts and students. It will feature topical discussions on what organizers have dubbed “the Four Pillars of Space Elevator Development: Science/Technical, Political/Social, Legal and Economic.” A call for papers on these topics has been made. Their abstracts must be one-page-or-less summaries in English. They will be evaluated as they are received, and authors will be notified of acceptance. Abstracts are due by May 1, and papers (to be about six to 10 pages in length) are due on July 31. For more information, visit website: www.spaceelevatorconference.org.

April 6, 2009

INDIAN HYUNDAI/KINETIC JV ANNOUNCED
Korea’s Hyundai Elevator Co. recently entered into a joint venture (JV) with India’s Kinetic group of Firodias Elevator. Under the new arrangement, Hyundai will acquire a 40% equity stake in Kinetic Escalator & Elevator Ltd., which has been installing and maintaining Hyundai’s equipment in India. The name of the venture is Kinetic Hyundai Elevator and Movement Technologies Ltd. (KHEMTL). It will be the vehicle for Hyundai’s product range in India. Hyundai and Kinetic have been partners for 10 years, with Kinetic acting as Hyundai Elevators’ exclusive India distribution partner, catering to the high-rise, high-speed and premium elevator market. Kinetic has installed about 1,000 units across India, and 350 additional units are under installation. Hyundai and Kinetic have a presence at 23 locations in India. KHEMTL is headquartered at Pune and will market and service Hyundai products throughout the country.

INDIAN CAR LIFT DEATH
One man died and another person was injured on the evening of February 22 at a newly opened automobile service center in Ghaziabad, India. The two slipped and fell from the car lift on the third floor while retrieving a serviced car. The 21-year-old man was dead when authorities arrived, and his friend was admitted to a private hospital. The service center had been open fewer than 15 days prior to the incident.

MEMON SIGNS ETA MELCO FOR ELEVATORS
ETA Melco recently won an AED1.52-million (US$413,853) elevator contract from Dubai-based property developer Memon Investments for its Champions Tower IV project. The contract involves the installation of four high-speed Mitsubishi elevators within the AED450-million (US$122.3-million) tower. The partnership marks the third contract awarded by the developer to ETA MELCO, a joint venture with ETA and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. It follows a recent elevator-installation agreement for Champions Towers II and III (ELEVATOR WORLD, November 2008). The entire process is expected to be completed within 20 weeks after the delivery of materials and completion of the hoistway. The contract includes routine maintenance and 24/7 emergency breakdown support for two years from ETA Melco.

5,000 FIRE-RATED AUTO DOORS IN LIBYA
Fermator recently supplied more than 5,000 fire-rated automatic doors in a single contract. They are to be installed in new urban areas in Libya, mainly in Tripoli and Benghazi.

Posted March 30, 2009

EXPANDING ELEVATOR INDUSTRY IN BANGLADESH
The Daily Star recently reported that the growing number of housing projects and other aspects of urbanization in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh has resulted in an increase in the number of elevator-related businesses. Elevator sales fell in the first half of 2007, but rebounded in the second half of the year and continued to increase in 2008. According to the report, more than 100 companies are involved in the elevator market. On the downside, the report noted, most are not complying with government standards. While less than a dozen companies dominate the market, the lax standards of the remaining small companies are causing concern among the market leaders.

THYSSENKRUPP REORGANIZES
ThyssenKrupp has announced a strategic reorganization of its group, placing its five business segments into two divisions and reducing its executive board by three members. The Elevator and Technologies segments are expected to be united to form a new Technologies division, while the Steel, Stainless and Services segments will be combined in a new Materials division. As of April 1, the Elevator segment headed to date by Edwin Eichler will be managed by Dr. Olaf Berlien, who will also remain as executive board chairman of ThyssenKrupp Technologies. The new Group structure is to be implemented on October 1. The Supervisory Board of ThyssenKrupp AG was scheduled to approve the changes in an extraordinary meeting on March 27. The global economic situation was cited for the changes.

KONE OBSERVING GLOBAL "EARTH HOUR"
In observance of the international "Earth Hour," KONE turned off the lights in offices and other facilities around the world for one hour on March 28. KONE participation included its corporate offices, sales office, global supply unit and global spares supply, all located in Finland, plus its companies in more than a dozen countries worldwide. The global "Earth Hour" campaign was launched to increase awareness of the worldwide energy situation. Companies, governments, families and individuals were asked to "vote Earth" by switching off their lights for an hour beginning at 8:30 p.m. local times. For more information, visit website: www.earthhour.org.