Elevator Blog - Fun, quirky, interesting and informative.
Georgia Welcomes Modular Elevators – Morrow, GA. With our partners at Georgia Lift Solutions an MEM Elevator System is now in place in a community center in the state of Georgia.
The two-stop project is the first modular elevator for Georgia Lift Solutions and demonstrates how easy installing an elevator can be.
Kyle Floyd and Dillon Graham of Georgia Lift Solutions became interested in the MEM Elevator System a year ago and saw the potential of a product that cut the project time, reduced ancillary expenses, and provided a high-quality solution. They toured the MEM factory and found that the MEM product would be a perfect match for their organization and many of those needing elevators in their service area.
For them a modular elevator is a great way to grow their business. As the units come fully installed, placement takes less than a day and start up less than a week. They recognized that a traditional elevator would suck too many resources and take too long to complete for their business model. The MEM solution was perfect.
To further explain: a traditional elevator arrives on pallets and is literally assembled, one piece at a time, in an existing elevator shaft. Unbelievable but true. That process is labor intensive, slow, difficult, and dangerous. The difference is manufacturing of the MEM product. In a factory setting a sturdy steel elevator shaft containing all the parts and components is produced.
Everything is installed including the doors, rails, wiring, hall calls, and even the elevator car. MEM National Sales Manager – David Torres explained the difference this way. “A traditional elevator is like buying a car from a dealership, but instead of a new car arriving, it comes to your driveway in crates and boxes, then a mechanic shows up when they want and assembles it right there.” He went on to say that, “No one would ever purchase something as complex in that fashion. As a modular elevator arrives fully installed modular just makes more sense.”
The set at the community center went as promised with the entire process taking less than a day. The elevator arrives on a truck and it is lifted at four points by a crane. It is then rested on cribbing and the crane connection are adjusted. Then it was lifted vertically and carefully placed on bolts in the pre-poured concrete elevator pit. Easy.
Now, once permanent power is provided the Georgia Lift Solutions team will return and start up the unit. They will make sure it levels properly at each floor and then ready it for inspection and use. Simple.
This fast and smoother modular product is revolutionizing the elevator industry and it is long overdue. See, the traditional way of elevator installation is one piece at a time in an existing elevator shaft. That has not changed since the 60s…the 1860s. The need is for revolution. And, the MEM Elevator System is leading that revolution. See the video below.
So, are you ready for a better alternative to the old-fashioned elevator industry? If so, we are ready for a conversation. For your next project it maybe time to explore the possibilities of the MEM Elevator System.
To see how our innovation in the elevator industry can be a perfect fit for your project click the button below. We can provide a Fast Track Quote or schedule a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR of our facility. We would be happy to pull back the curtain and reveal our process. It shows how we produce the industry’s most successful modular elevator solution.
Elevator Revolution – Low-Rise Really Easy. Projects are complex with lots of moving parts. Electrical, plumbing, heat and air, structural concerns, finishes, the foundation, openings, and more needs constant attention and adjustment. The logistics of all those construction divisions suck time and resources from already busy schedules. This makes keeping everything on track, on time and moving forward more than a headache to say the least.
So, every once in a while it is a relief when there is a simple solution. A solution that takes an entire part of the project off the critical path, instead of placing it on the to do list. The MEM Elevator System does just that and makes it easy. It allows you to scratch a line through that part of the building project and not think about it again.
The MEM Elevator Solution is a simple solution because with a modular elevator there are only two steps for you once the contract is signed, the purchase made, drawings are approved, and the pit is poured. The first step is a fully installed elevator delivered to the site and craned into place. This step takes less than four hours and none of your time unless you want to watch it go in. The second step is once permanent power is supplied, the elevator is started up. This take around a week. This was exactly the process of one of our most recent projects, Los Osos High School.
Projects like Los Osos High School demonstrate our fast, high-quality solution through forward thinking and superior engineering. See, traditional elevator companies are just stuck in old thinking when it comes to elevator systems. Traditional elevators are anchored in the 60’s (the 1860’s) with no desire to upgrade their product models. As a result they have no idea as to why installations are such a pain for the owner, architect, project manager and designer. And they certainly have no idea as to how to find solutions. Traditional elevators are stuck in a time warp.
Engineering experience and knowledge in the elevator industry is crucial to make your project a success. We have both. The end user needs to know nothing about an elevator other than it goes up when you press a button, but we do. And it matters.
It matters because that is what allows the installation to go in smoothly and quickly without delays and complications. The process is then a success and it leads to a headache free jobsite. Also, because of our expertise and knowledge we are able to accommodate special requests and special circumstances. Others run from projects that need to incorporate a corner post, or difficult applications such as inside the Spruce Goose Hanger for Google. Because of our engineering, knowledge and experience we enjoy the challenge and the results.
This was true on the Los Osos High School project. Everything went according to plan and according to the timeline that was most beneficial for the project. As we all know, schools have a difficult timeline to say the least. Even when it is new construction the calendar of the school district reigns supreme. That brings lots of pressure to bear.
At Los Osos High School a fully installed elevator was delivered when promised. And it was up and running on time with no complications. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that the elevator is taken care of completely? That is possible with the MEM Elevator System. Through engineering and our knowledgeable team we can deliver.
We have a well thought out approach when it comes to durability, quality, safety, and speed. That is due to our decades of experience in the elevator industry in both service and manufacturing. We know the challenges so you benefit from our years of knowledge. Bottom line, we know what it takes to design and build one tough elevator. But beyond that, we deliver it when you need it on the jobsite as a fully installed unit. Here are some videos showing how easy it is.
So, for your next project it maybe time to explore the possibilities of the MEM Elevator System.
To see how our experience in the elevator industry can be a perfect fit for your project click the button below. We can provide a Fast Track Quote or schedule a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR of our facility. We would be happy to pull back the curtain and reveal our process. It shows how we produce the industry’s most successful modular elevator solution.
MEM System Fast – Easy – Pain Free. If you’re planning a low-rise building project—whether it’s new construction or a retrofit—adding an elevator doesn’t have to be a complicated or drawn-out process. In fact, with a modular elevator system, it can be one of the easiest parts of your project.
Here’s why more builders, architects, and developers are turning to low-rise modular elevators as a fast, streamlined, and stress-free solution.
Traditional elevators can take months to install, slowing down the entire project timeline. But modular elevators? They’re factory-assembled, pre-wired, and shipped to the site as a fully integrated unit—hoistway, elevator cab, and mechanicals included.
Once delivered, these elevators are placed in just a couple hours, with final startup shortly after. That’s a massive time-saver and means you can keep your project moving without the usual elevator-related delays.
Whether you’re working on new construction or a retrofit, modular elevators can be seamlessly integrated. For retrofits especially, they’re a game changer: you don’t have to tear apart the building or drastically reconfigure floor plans.
Modular elevators can be installed on the exterior or interior of a structure and are adaptable to a variety of architectural styles and building types—from schools and offices to healthcare facilities and multi-family units.
Coordinating multiple trades for a conventional elevator install—mud and tape crews, elevator techs, steel workers, etc.—can be a headache. With modular elevators, the work is done in a controlled factory environment, minimizing the number of trades needed onsite and reducing the risk of delays or miscommunication.
That means fewer moving parts, fewer surprises, and a smoother overall process.
Just because it’s modular doesn’t mean it cuts corners. Low-rise modular elevators meet the same building codes, safety standards, and ADA requirements as traditional systems. They’re also built with high-quality materials and undergo rigorous quality control checks before leaving the factory.
So you’re not sacrificing reliability or safety for speed—you’re just getting to the finish line faster.
Time is money on a job site. By cutting weeks or months from your schedule and reducing onsite labor, modular elevators can lower overall project costs.
Plus, because they’re pre-engineered and pre-built, your costs are more predictable—fewer change orders, fewer delays, and fewer headaches.
They are also DSA approved in California and can be simply inserted into plans for schools or other qualifying projects.
Adding an elevator doesn’t have to be a complex ordeal. A low-rise modular elevator delivers the speed, ease, and dependability your project needs.
If you’re looking for a smarter way to elevate your next project, modular is the way to go.
If you want to discover more about modular elevators and all the benefits, just click one of the links below. We are ready to share drawings, discuss your project and start working with you.
MEM System Perfect for Two Stops. If you are looking for a vertical transportation solution for two to three stories, we have it. MEM provides the best options through the MEM Elevator System. The MEM System is perfect for projects with up to 35 feet of total travel and is available for both interior and exterior applications.
The MEM System is designed specifically to be an easy, fast, and quality solution that will fit hand in glove with your projects. They come in a variety of capacities and tremendous flexibility in interior and shaft design. We can also provide a glass model.
Our Modular Elevator solution vastly improves the efficiency of the construction process. It takes the elevator off the critical path and offers time savings. That results in cost savings for the project. The fully installed elevator is set in one day. Started up in less than a week.
The MEM System is produced exclusively at the MEM factory while the prep and foundation work is being conducted. The MEM System is then trucked to the site and set into the elevator pit and placed in about 4 hours. This takes the elevator off the critical path…often before a conventional elevator would even begin to be installed.
The MEM Elevator System is in place early in the construction process. So, it can be set up as a construction hoist, under temporary power, providing additional cost savings to the project.
Incorporate us early. In that way you can accommodate the footprint, any building connections and required machine room space. This leads to a smooth Building Permit process (avoiding deferred submittals), eliminates any reconfiguration of the building and provides for efficient construction.
TLS’s experience in low rise elevators is unparalleled in the industry and gives you every advantage in your project. We work closely with Architects, Developers, your Design Team and the Contractor’s Team to assure a successful Modular Elevator project every time with dedicated project management.
Because of the flexibility built into the MEM Elevator System they are applicable in nearly any type of construction and for any type of building. Our elevators and large enough to accommodate medical facilities to small commercial quality solutions for ADA regulations.
Regardless of the type of construction or building, we will give support. We have dedicated project management. Just know that when you choose the MEM Elevator System you are getting a faster solution that reduces project interference. The units are always high-quality and there is always a team standing with you during the project.
If you would like more information regarding the MEM Elevator System for use in one of your projects please click the button below to request a Fast Track Quote. Also, you can request a factory tour to get a better perspective on the revolutionary MEM Elevator System.
Modular elevators are a great solution for modular construction projects, but often for an overlooked reason. The obvious list of benefits includes: quality factory manufacturing, less congestion on the jobsite, and the crane is already a part of the project so there is additional convenience. Although those positives are real and are a great benefit there is another factor that makes our elevators the perfect choice for any modular project.
Modular projects come in many different forms when it come to vertical transportation. Some place units around the planned hoistway. You see this most often with the inclusion of a traditional elevator in the project. In that type of construction a hoistway and pit is poured or constructed early in the build. Units are then placed to surround the hoistway.
When permanent power is supplied, the elevator is installed in the hoistway one piece at a time by an elevator crew. This process is slow, interferes with other trades onsite, and puts the builder at the mercy of the elevator mechanic. A modular elevator is better due to its flexibility.
If you chose to go with the MEM System there is no real need for a massive redesign of the entire project. All you have to do is pour a pit to our dimensions and leave a hole for the modular elevator to slip inside the building where the hoistway would have been built. Below, is a short video that shows the space left for duplexed elevators. It is then just a matter of easy insertion.
You can also see in the video that the MEM Elevator System is capable of more than just low-rise. Shipped in approximate fifty foot sections, we can provide solutions for modular projects up to seven stories, depending on total travel.
Another way to include the MEM Elevator System into your modular project is to start with setting the modular elevator first thing. Depending on the hoistway height, modular elevators are self-supporting structures. The elevator is simply put in place. Then modules go around the unit. Its just that easy.
If it is a tall enough project to require two sections, the MEM Elevator System can go in the queue with all your other modules. You set the lower section first and then set modules around the hoistway. Then place the second section of the modular elevator once you get to that level. We just need to understand your timing in advance.
Because of the flexibility build into the MEM Elevator System they are applicable in nearly any type of construction for any type of buildings. Our elevators and large enough to accommodate medical facilities to small commercial quality solutions for ADA regulations.
This is especially true for modular projects.
Regardless of the general plan, we will be with you to give support in the process and will meet with you to make sure there is a clear understanding of any requirements. Just know that when you choose the MEM Elevator System you are getting a faster solution that reduces project interference. The units are always high-quality and there is always a team standing with you during the project.
If you would like more information regarding the MEM Elevator System for use in one of your projects please click the button below to request a Fast Track Quote. Also, you can request a factory tour to get a better perspective on the revolutionary MEM Elevator System.
MEM Gains Approval Across the US – Los Angeles, CA. – Last month Modular Elevator Manufacturing made big news regarding HCD approval in California. It gained official approval for models of their MEM Elevator System in the state. But, now MEM continues to break news in the elevator and modular industry as well by adding projects in Connecticut, Illinois, Detroit – Michigan, Indiana, and Georgia this quarter.
The MEM Elevator System is a complete commercial quality elevator. It is a hoistway or shaft produced in a factory out of tough 4X4 inch steel, wrapped in drywall. Inside it contains all the elevator components pre-installed in the manufacturing facility. This includes the doors, wiring, the elevator cab, and all the buttons or hall calls. It arrives on a truck and put in place in a matter of a couple hours. When given power it is started up in less than a week.
First, MEM has produced and placed well over 100 elevators in several states, mostly in California. As MEM continues to expand and grow, jurisdictions once closed have become open to us. Along with the traction elevator approval this means more opportunities for inclusion in nearly all jurisdictions across the US.
“This is a gamechanger.” According to David Torres, National Sales Manager. “National acceptance, recognition from HCD in California, and approval to place units in Illinois, Michigan and other locations expands our opportunities. But it also expands the possibilities of a better elevator system in most states and cities across America.”
“This is a game changer!”
David Torres – MEM National Sales Manager
Torres went on to say that with the national housing shortage, modular elevators can speed any type of project to a faster completion. Many of the ponderous steps involved with onsite installation are removed as the installation is moved to a factory setting.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development gave its approval for the MEM Elevator System HW2 – 3500 product earlier this month and it will be a game changer for the elevator and construction industry. The California HCD is the state agency responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and preservation of affordable housing, as well as managing various housing-related programs and policies in California. The HCD works on initiatives to provide safe, affordable housing for residents, promote sustainable community development, and address homelessness. They also support local governments with housing policy, zoning regulations, and funding for housing projects.
This is a game changer for Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) to be approved by the HCD. It ensures that the elevators meet strict safety, building, and accessibility codes required by the state. This approval ensures that the elevators are compliant with California’s standards, particularly for modular homes and structures that often need specialized installations. Plus this speeds up the approval process by weeks if not months, significantly closing the time from concept to installation.
Here are a few key reasons why approval from HCD is so important:
This breakthrough in approval means that the MEM Elevator System structure no longer has to go through the local jurisdictional inspection process. In short, the approval by HCD is necessary for ensuring that MEM elevators are safe, compliant, and ready for use in California’s modular construction projects.
Although this is great news for Modular Elevator Manufacturing there are some restrictions that need to be explained. The designation is not on all MEM products. It is for only the HW2 – 3500. This is the best selling commercial modular elevator in California. But depending on your project it may have to go through the normal approval process.
The designation is also only for modular housing projects in California. Although, MEM distributes nationwide to a wide variety of vertical markets including, apartment complexes, commercial structures, school, colleges and universities, stadiums, hotels, medical facilities, and other types of industries, the HCD designation does not apply.
The building tie-ins are not a part of the HCD approval and must still undergo approval by the proper authorities.
It is however to good to know that the HCD has recognized the MEM Elevator System.
Finally, the construction industry will have an approved alternative to traditional elevators that slow the construction process. There is no more waiting on the elevator for projects that can use the HCD designation. As a result on these projects the elevator company will no longer get in the way and control the jobsite. Also, it speeds up the approval process by weeks if not months, significantly closing the time from concept to installation.
On a side note, the HCD designation is important for other reasons. It shows that the Modular Elevator Manufacturing process and approved products are of the highest quality. Also, they can meet stringent approval processes in most any jurisdiction. This has been seen in the many approved projects. Even in some jurisdictions that were thought to have been off limits in the past.
So, whether you are in California or any other state in the union you can be confident that the modular elevator you are purchasing is high-quality. They are even a high enough quality for approval in earthquake prone California.
If you would like more information regarding the MEM Elevator System for use in one of your projects please click the button below to request a Fast Track Quote. Also, you can request a factory tour to get a better perspective on the revolutionary MEM Elevator System.
MEM Gains HDC Approval – Los Angeles, CA. Modular Elevator Manufacturing has now gained official approval for models of their MEM Elevator System in the state of California. The MEM Elevator System is a complete commercial quality elevator. It is a hoistway or shaft produced in a factory out of tough 4X4 inch steel, wrapped in drywall. Inside it contains all the elevator components pre-installed in the manufacturing facility. This includes the doors, wiring, the elevator cab, and all the buttons or hall calls. It arrives on a truck and put in place in a matter of a couple hours. When given power it is started up in less than a week.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development gave its approval for the MEM Elevator System HW2 – 3500 product earlier this month and it will be a game changer for the elevator and construction industry. The California HCD is the state agency responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and preservation of affordable housing, as well as managing various housing-related programs and policies in California. The HCD works on initiatives to provide safe, affordable housing for residents, promote sustainable community development, and address homelessness. They also support local governments with housing policy, zoning regulations, and funding for housing projects.
This is a game changer for Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) to be approved by the HCD. It ensures that the elevators meet strict safety, building, and accessibility codes required by the state. This approval ensures that the elevators are compliant with California’s standards, particularly for modular homes and structures that often need specialized installations. Plus this speeds up the approval process by weeks if not months, significantly closing the time from concept to installation.
Here are a few key reasons why approval from HCD is so important:
This breakthrough in approval means that the MEM Elevator System structure no longer has to go through the local jurisdictional inspection process. In short, the approval by HCD is necessary for ensuring that MEM elevators are safe, compliant, and ready for use in California’s modular construction projects.
Although this is great news for Modular Elevator Manufacturing there are some restrictions that need to be explained. The designation is not on all MEM products. It is for only the HW2 – 3500. This is the best selling commercial modular elevator in California. But depending on your project it may have to go through the normal approval process.
The designation is also only for modular housing projects in California. Although, MEM distributes nationwide to a wide variety of vertical markets including, apartment complexes, commercial structures, school, colleges and universities, stadiums, hotels, medical facilities, and other types of industries, the HCD designation does not apply.
The building tie-ins are not a part of the HCD approval and must still undergo approval by the proper authorities.
It is however to good to know that the HCD has recognized the MEM Elevator System.
Finally, the construction industry will have an approved alternative to traditional elevators that slow the construction process. There is no more waiting on the elevator for projects that can use the HCD designation. As a result on these projects the elevator company will no longer get in the way and control the jobsite. Also, it speeds up the approval process by weeks if not months, significantly closing the time from concept to installation.
On a side note, the HCD designation is important for other reasons. It shows that the Modular Elevator Manufacturing process and approved products are of the highest quality. Also, they can meet stringent approval processes in most any jurisdiction. Even some that were thought to have been off limits in the past.
So, whether you are in California or any other state in the union you can be confident that the modular elevator you are purchasing is high-quality. They are even a high enough quality for approval in earthquake prone California.
If you would like more information regarding the MEM Elevator System for use in one of your projects please click the button below to request a Fast Track Quote. Also, you can request a factory tour to get a better perspective on the revolutionary MEM Elevator System.
Project manager David Torres reflects on the impact of the MEM Elevator System that was placed on the campus of UC-Irvine. Below are his thoughts on the project.
Any opportunity to enhance the quality of life for a student is fulfilling. We were tasked to supply an additional parking structure elevator at the University of California Irvine campus, that would give direct access to the dorms.
On the day of setting the elevator, I had numerous students come up to us thanking us for installing such a vital elevator. They told me that this elevator would cut down the time between rushing to class and finding parking on campus. They all had the same theme of gratitude and marveled when the crane picked up the pre-built modular elevator and set it in place.
I am delighted that I was able to make a small but import impact on the life of our local students.
University of California Irvine Parking Structure Elevator
Model- 2500
Capacity -2500 LBS
Travel – 46’
Five Stops – In Line
Modular Machine Room
Bridge Connection
Congrats to David and the whole team at MEM and T.L. Shield & Associates.
If you would like to find out more about this elevator or have a discussion about a potential project you have, click the link below to ask for pricing or get a factory tour. We provide quality – consistency and simplicity for every job we do. If you contact us you will see the difference we make. Cclick the button below to contact us.
Here is just a real quick video on our latest placement. We usually say placement as the elevator arrives installed! In this particular project a five-stop elevator was required and we broke records in setting it in place time through our new REDZONE system. We placed this fully installed elevators in about 2 hours leading to our first two hour elevator install.
Amazing!
MEM is the leader in the modular elevator industry with more experience and higher skilled personnel than any other. We provide quality – consistency and simplicity for every job we do. If you contact us you will see the difference we make.
If you want to share the video through YouTube, here’s the link.
If you want the safer, faster, greener and smarter alternative for you next low or mid-rise project click the button below or contact us.
Modular Elevators – 2 Elevators 1 School / The MEM Elevator System is most often placed in mid-rise projects for every type of build. As a result, it is easy to forget that we cut our teeth on the low-rise, two and three stop elevators designed specifically for schools.
Over the years we have placed over 100 of our units in schools alone. They are a fast solution to the problem of needing little interruption to the school year. The flexibility is not only in fast placement and start up but, they can be designed to be placed inside a project or on an exterior wall. Placement for MEM is not a usual concern as they can go wherever your architecture team deems suitable.
Below you can see a series of photographs of several school projects that successfully used the MEM Elevator System as well as a short video where 2 elevators were placed in one school.
And just in case you are curious, we can conform with any and all jurisdictional requirements. That includes the stringent requirements of the California Department of State Architects (DSA). DSA projects can sometimes be a difficulty for some solutions. But, we comply fully and are willing to work with any authority, in any state to make sure the project goes smoothly. For more information about DSA, just click this link.
So if you are in need of a school elevator anywhere in the US you can act. Or if you are just a bit curious contact us. We can provide you a seamless and easy solution to your school projects. To find out more we provide two options below.
If you have a project in mind and think we would be a solution click the Fast Track Quote button below. Fill out as much as you know on the form. We will contact you with in 24 hours to fill in any blanks and let you know a thumbnail number. We also believe in transparency, so we offer a great opportunity to schedule a live virtual factory tour. Just click the button and request a date.
Never miss a blog post again. Sign up for our monthly email newletter. Get important information about elevators, the modular industry and more.