Maintenance is big for OEMs; a skyscraper debuts.

Schindler to Expand Presence

Schindler, noting China’s efforts to open its economy, is planning to further expand its network of branches in the country, China Daily reported in November 2018. The Switzerland-based company participated in November 2018’s China International Import Expo (CIIE), during which it highlighted Schindler Ahead, a preventive-maintenance solution that uses real-time data and artificial intelligence to predict problems before they occur.

Daryoush Ziai, CEO, Schindler China, noted conditions are favorable to expand business. “With the CIIE, the Chinese government has showcased its determination to import more into the market,” he said. “I foresee that future government policies will encourage us to continue investing and will make it easier to conduct business.” Ziai also pointed to a World Bank report that shows China has improved in rankings for ease of doing business.

Schindler launched its first Chinese joint venture in 1980. Among its landmark projects are Shanghai Tower, the 2010 Expo China Pavilion, China World Trade Center Tower 3 and the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest.

KONE Shares Service Success Story

KONE recently shared a story on its website, kone.com/en, about how its maintenance contract with Vanke is helping elevators run smoothly in a 119-building residential development, Tianjin Vanke Wonderland, east of Beijing. Home to thousands of residents, the development is served by 227 MonoSpace® elevators maintained by six KONE technicians living onsite who are on call 24/7. The technicians have daily meetings and aim to be onsite

within 15 min. of an equipment malfunction. Head of the KONE maintenance team Qiao Lijao said one of the building’s sprinkler systems recently leaked into an elevator, and the team used industrial-sized blow dryers to make sure the problem was alleviated quickly.

Renderings of Award-Winning High Rise in Wuhan Released

Renderings have been released of Founder International Financial Center, designed by Aedas and featuring 238- and 150-m-tall towers joined by a three-story retail podium in Wuhan, China, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Global News reported in late 2018. Intended to become a new financial landmark in Wuhan, the 138,000-m2 development containing commercial, retail and residential space was one of three Aedas projects to earn a Best International Architecture Award at the International Property Awards in London in 2018. The design of the taller tower was inspired by a dragon totem, with a “double- curving silhouette that rises upwards through the towers symbolizing two rising dragons.”

MahaNakhon SkyWalk with Fast, Striking Elevators Opens

MahaNakhon SkyWalk, including a glass-floor observatory in Thailand’s tallest skyscraper, the 78-story King Power MahaNakon in Bangkok, opened in November, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat reported. SkyWalk is reached by a video-themed glass elevator by Mitsubishi Electric (ELEVATOR WORLD, November 2013). Including a rooftop bar at 314 m high, SkyWalk provides “unrivaled, 360˚ city views.” On the ground floor, visitors board an elevator that carries them to the 74th floor in 50 s. as a fast-paced, Bangkok-themed video plays on the cab walls. There, visitors find the indoor observation deck with interactive installations about Bangkok landmarks. The boarding area for the glass elevator, which takes visitors to the top, outdoor observation deck, is on a mezzanine one level up.