Up to the Challenge

Apex Lifts works through the demands of a lift modernization project in a fully operational building.

Apex Lifts develops lift solutions tailored to clients’ building needs. One example of this is the modernization work at 50 Berkeley Street in London. Apex Lifts oversaw the entire modernization process, which included replacing key lift components with both Apex Lifts parts/equipment and those from long-term trusted suppliers.

The project called for modernizing a Thyssen five-car lift group — including three scenic lifts and two goods/passenger lifts — to Thames Valley Navigator Destination Control. The existing lifts were dated and unreliable, and when combined with the obsolescence of the major control panel components, the need for new lifts became apparent.

The existing machines had gearboxes, which had to be replaced with gearless machines incorporating eco-efficient technology. Having gearless machines ensures higher efficiency and enables modifications such as eco-saver downtime and automated lighting within the lift car, helping reduce running costs. The installation of gearless machines by Apex features a green metal encasing that represents Apex Lifts’ Full Green Circle Policy and the eco-efficiency of the machines installed.

With the above criteria, a specification list was assembled with building owners, building managers and lift consultants, and the tendering process began. Apex Lifts was one of many lift companies invited to tender for the project. Apex followed careful pricing and gave a presentation of the scope of works and was awarded the modernization contract. Work began in 2019 and was completed in 2020.

Upon Apex Lifts being commended with the modernization of 50 Berkeley Street, the project team began to carry out surveys, design and draw bespoke components and work closely alongside the client and lift consultants to reach a final solution for a quality-engineered product.

For this project, the three scenic lifts were fully visible throughout the building and held open shafts. Therefore, the safety of the building users and logistics of carrying out the works with minimal damage had to be considered.

The modernization of the first lift in the project was (and always is) a learning curve. Close monitoring by Apex Project Manager Joe Salvatore, HSQE manager and building managers ensured that the project efficiently progressed following the first lift removal and installation. The five lifts were modernized successfully to include a Thames Valley Control Navigator Destination Control, as per the specifications.

Apex also has a 24/7/365 manufacturing facility based in Sidcup, England, that provides clients with bespoke lifts, lift components, secondary steelworks and bracketry that are designed and manufactured in-house. These capabilities allowed Apex to provide 50 Berkeley Street with bespoke touchscreens and ID plates, as well as steelwork manufactured in line with the job specifications.

The scope of the work also included rewiring of all five control panels serving the lifts and upgrading the car interior finishes to complement the building’s surrounding aesthetics.

Salvatore proactively collaborated with Apex’s long-term suppliers to guarantee the best product and fit, allowing the team to deliver the scope of the work within the established timelines and to budget. Upon issue of the “Taking Over Certificate,” Apex also provided a 24-month defects liability period.

Working Through Challenges

Work was carried out within the busy and centrally occupied office building in Mayfair. One main issue that presented itself with this project was that 50 Berkeley Street was to remain fully operational and occupied, which was problematic when moving equipment around the building and presented several safety risks.

To ensure minimal disruption, Salvatore implemented a “Plant Movement Plan,” utilizing the expertise of Apex’s long-term/reliable specialist subcontractor partner RH Lift Services. With specialist equipment, the lift machinery and other heavy materials were able to be moved through the building safely. This was done outside operational hours in full agreement with the client to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum.

The Apex construction team took on the role of principle contractor for this project and maintained optimum levels of health and safety, as well as a clear understanding of site considerations. Additionally, to maintain a high level of safety for building occupants, the Apex team carried out daily cleaning, stored equipment and tools within designated storage areas and erected secure/lockable fencing to prevent unauthorized access, slips, trips or falls.

A key part of Apex’s work includes resolving any possible risks/issues that present themselves. For this project, the three scenic lifts were fully visible throughout the building and held open shafts. Therefore, the safety of the building users and logistics of carrying out the works with minimal damage had to be considered. To eradicate this problem, the Apex team installed security netting between the shafts to protect against falling objects and prevent damage to the adjacent lift shafts.

In addition, Salvatore carried out regular site visits/unannounced audits (cross-checked by the in-house HSQE manager), provided detailed flash reports and attended pre-start/regular project meetings to ensure delivery of the work within specific timeframes.

In discussing the challenges presented by the 50 Berkeley Street project, Salvatore said:

“In my role as a project manager for Apex, I worked in collaboration with our various teams coordinating the modernization of this project. Coordinating ongoing communication with clients and the on-site team ensures that everyone is on the same page in terms of timeline, expectations and work processes. The project was not without its challenges; Apex was working in an occupied office environment, and the redundant and new lift machinery had to be transported through the building. Communication, meticulous planning and having proficient and capable teams in various roles were key to the completion of the project on time and on budget.”