In Memoriam: Ünsal Solmazoğlu

Solmazoğlu, born in 1952, graduated from Ege University Mechanical Engineering Department in 1979. After graduation, he started working in the elevator industry in almost every level, from project drawing, equipment sales, manufacturing to installation.

In the following years, thanks to his knowledge and experience gained through being directly involved in the practice, he made valuable contributions to the industry. During this time, he maintained relationships with Chamber of Engineers and worked at MMO Izmir Branch Installation Committee from 1984 to 1986, and then worked at MMO Izmir Branch Elevator and Escalator Committee from 1996 to 2011.

He participated in Elevator Inspections that were initiated in 1996 and became continuous as of 1998. He took part in the EMO and MMO Joint Elevator Committee established for preparing forms used at Elevator Inspections, determining the criteria and institutionalization of the system. He also actively took part at the inspections, contributing to their continuity.

Solmazoğlu worked for the theoretical and practical training of elevator inspection personnel in Izmir and in many cities. He trained engineers who would take part in inspections, and also the personnel working at elevator companies. He contributed to widespread use of “according to the standards” instead of the “in my opinion” approach.  His contributions for establishing a common language and legal system between the inspectors and the inspected based on the standards should not be forgotten.  He was one of those who contributed the rapid development of the industry.

He took part at the ASTEK Elevator Technical Committee as MMO Representative during the “New Approach CE Implementation” period after 2003, and helped the transition period to be implemented with the least damage. During this period, he worked at TÜV Rheinland Certification Body and at Szutest Certification Body as Chief Auditor and Technical Specialist as of 2010 and then at Elevator Installation Certification as ISO 9001 Chief Auditor. He had contributed at certification of many companies, took part at The Elevator Symposium Advisory Board (2008) and the Executive Board (2010), and he presented a paper in each symposium and contributed to the industry.

Companies and engineers all around Turkey practice upon his knowledge. They enjoyed their share of his jokes and playfulness.

Solmazoğlu made great contributions to the industry. A good staff was influenced by him, and they developed themselves. Filling his boots will be difficult, but friends are not worried. They ask him to rest in peace, dear friend. The industry lost a valuable Master, a veteran, and it thanks dear Ünsal Solmazoğlu.