Schools and Modular Elevators – Newhart Middle School/Mission Viejo, CA. Innovation can be hard to accept. However, when it comes to education, there is a long history of embracing a revolutionary method when it comes to elevators.
As an example, in Mission Viejo they embraced innovation. First, they created a brand new STEM learning environment. It will serve the children of Mission Viejo for years to come. But second, they embraced innovation in choosing the MEM Elevator System for their vertical transportation needs. But, this is not unusual as the education sector has always been willing and ready to embrace new and better technology.
Newhart Middle School is not the first school to embrace a modular elevator by a longshot. We know this because schools have been a part of the Modular Elevator Manufacturing portfolio from the beginning. Historically, the modular elevator was largely designed to be a fast, easy solution to provide accessibility for schools. The need was huge and a fast solution was needed that met their timelines. The education vertical quickly realized that the new innovation of modular elevators was the best solution and as a result a partnership was formed. For over 20 years that partnership has grown and is still going strong today.
At one time and for nearly ten years our number one selling market segment was education at all levels. These projects include elevators for dorms, schools, parking facilities, stadiums, and press box accessibility. It remains an important part of what we do as we are providing more elevators for education than ever before, but other verticals have now picked up on the innovation we provide and have caught up.
Schools remain a large part of our business model because the needs of schools are the same when it comes to the elevators they choose. The benefits of our modular elevators meets those needs so well we are the natural and best choice.
With all those benefits it is not hard to see how other verticals have caught up with the education segment of our business.
Our success in other vertical markets comes from taking the lessons we learned in dealing with various school districts and applying them to every market sector. The results is our experience and willingness to improve has led to a superior product. And as it turns out every type of business, government entity, or building owner wants the same thing when it comes to choosing the elevator for their project.
They want an easy, yet reliable and high-quality solution for their projects. We can provide that whether it is new construction or a retrofit application; in an industrial setting, commercial property, hospitality or in a school.
We have a solution that meets and exceeds your needs. That is what the people in Mission Viejo understood. We manufactured as elevator for them. It was delivered when they needed it. Set in place in a couple hours and started up in less than a week when permanent power was supplied. Below are pictures of the process.
What you are seeing is a fully installed elevator being placed through a hole that was left in the build. It was set in just a couple hours and was started up in a couple of days. Revolutionary!
As you can see, the project looks great. It went in faster and easier for the school with no disruption to classes. Also, it embraced their movement towards more innovation in all they do.
If you would like to see about this project or others like it, we are opening up our factory to live, virtual tours at your convenience. All you have to do is click the button and fill out a simple form. We will then schedule the tour at your convenience. During the tour we will answer any and all questions. You can also schedule an in person visit as well.
Lastly, if you have a project in mind and want to speak directly to one of our representatives fill out the Fast Track form. We can provide you a thumbnail number in hours.
For more great photos of the project, visit our good friends at Miller Construction. Their team did a great job!
Elevator Poll Results In / Oct, 2023 – When it comes to polls the type you hear about most are of the political variety. I hate to say it, but those polls usually have a hidden purpose. They are not very straight forward and often try to lead to specific predetermined conclusions. Prognostication or propaganda? We approached our first of its kind elevator poll in a much different fashion. We actually wanted to know the truth about what construction professionals really had to say about elevators.
As a result we sent our simple five question poll to nearly 20,000 construction professionals from architects and engineers to project managers and elevator companies. We then took 12 months to gather and analyze results. Our purpose was to gauge and discover impressions, problems, shortcomings and possible solutions.
We also held multiple open forums and are now ready to share final results.
Our desire is to improve an industry that has not substantially changed in how it installs elevators or deals with the construction industry for over 150 years. To make improvements we wanted to start with actual information from the people that deal with elevators and have to live with the challenges they present.
After all, our goal is to lead an elevator revolution. You can’t lead anything unless you know where you are going. And knowing where you have been is also a big help.
As mentioned before to augment the polling data we also held a series of open forums regarding the elevator poll and industry concerns. The opportunity for input was vital because for a revolution to take off it must start with a well founded idea. But as the idea grows, connections are created and communication with like-minded individuals and companies come together. Then you can have true innovation and change.
The open forums discussed the results of the elevator poll, confirmed our suspicions and we connected through communication with folks that want the same thing; a responsive elevator industry that provides solutions not obstacles.
Everyone involved (including elevator professionals) want to change the practices and products for the better. So what are the findings?
You can access each individual graphics below by clicking on them. Using the polls and with the help of our open forums we came to some important conclusions for the elevator industry and how it is viewed by the construction industry as a whole. But don’t take our word for it. We encourage you to look at the graphics and add your comments below as to what your impressions are. Forward this to others for their input. As time goes by we can enhance our perspective. This is because we are searching for truth and not trying to promote a specific perspective. We feel communicating and continued analysis will help both industries (construction and elevator) improve.
The responses and discussion groups revealed the following:
The overall customer experience is negative regarding the elevator industry. Over 88% feel the experience was horrible to needs improvement. Over 40% felt it was horrible to barely tolerable. No sugar coating it, it is not a good result. However, keep in mind this attitude shifts dramatically depending on occupation or role. 90% of design professionals believe their experience to be generally good. Easy to use websites for plans are a big help. Turns out however, websites can’t install an elevator. This also means that the elevator industry focuses effort on the sale of elevator units, not difficulties of those downline from the decision.
A possible reason for the negative experience is the elevator interrupts job completion. 65% in our poll say the elevator always creates delays. At the end of any build, the pressure is on to finish up. Tensions run high as time is running out. One person we talked with about the frustration said, the elevator company indicated they would have to push out more than 6-months passed the expected occupancy date. Understandably he was apoplectic, but stuck and he knew it. His impression of the elevator industry is forever harmed.
The traditional elevator industry has no solution for the pace of the install. They will be done when they are done and the timelines for the elevator crew are often times at odds with the construction manager’s expectations. Bad communication and unresponsiveness may be the heart of the negative reviews.
The most important consideration regarding the purchase is on time start up and use. But there is no control over that with current industry standards. The conventional elevator is an immovable object stuck on the critical path. That creates a feeling of loss of control or helplessness.
Cost, Type of Conveyance and Structure are also concerns that sometimes present few options for improvement. Too often based on poor specs, builders are over sold regarding conveyance type for the building with hidden costs. Also, cost of the elevator does not encompass all the ancillary aspects of the build, so at the end of the project the actual investment in the elevator is unknown.
How much money per stop is wasted due to call backs of drywallers, flooring and painters? One construction professional has indicated the traditional elevator cost him $30,000 to $40,000 more per stop due to call backs of other trades. He found another alternative.
Good News! There is flexibility as no one polled automatically keeps the same elevator company due to past experience. This means change is possible. However, pushing the choice of elevator to the bidding process leads to specs that stifle innovation. As we have learned and discussed in our forums, elevator companies largely ignore the specs anyway. They supply bid packages with tons of caveats and wherefores, not even addressing specs. So why push the decision out to or past the bid process where you are now under more of their control?
By the time you are passed the bid phase, it is often too late to consider other alternatives without additional costs. All hope of innovation is gone. Ultimately, construction professionals are often locked into just a couple bad choices. It also sets in stone an unfavorable timeline for project completion.
Difficulties – Start up is the elephant in the room. It is a huge issue, but out often out of anyone’s control, including the elevator installer, especially regarding inspection and final approval. Cost overruns are a huge and constant issue. Also, the lack of communication costs time and money on the project. One example provided was the inspection of the elevator was pushed by the general contractor to be expedited. This led to the elevator being fully ready… but life/safety aspects of the building were still not complete. That meant a failed inspection and then change orders to return for a second scheduled inspection. Open communication would have resolved that issue before it became one.
This poll and open forums lead to a great starting point for the construction industry to begin to change how it views elevators and all the pitfalls. It also gives Modular Elevator Manufacturing and others in the elevator industry the perfect opportunity to change the industry from the inside out. In the next blog post, we will get into the specifics of how the elevator industry can change to improve its image, product and installation.
We will continue to discuss how a revolutionary way of dealing with real issues can improve your projects, reduce headaches and can lead to a better way of building. Elevators will never be problem free, but they can be improved and that is our hope as we lead an Elevator Revolution.
In the mean time if you want to know more about the MEM Elevator System please let us know by clicking a link below. You can take a virtual tour of our factory where we openly discuss our process and the elevator industry. You can also request a Fast Track Quote if you have a project in mind and are curious about the solutions we offer. One more reminder – please comment below. Your input is important.
We say we are the elevator solution, so when you you are faced with questions like, Why does the elevator take so long? How can I prevent my jobsite from being hijacked by the elevator company? Is there a way to keep the elevator off the critical path? Just know we are the high-quality, safe, and dependable solution.
We are leading an elevator revolution and the video below explains why and how we are different showing each step of the process. The video uses an MEM Elevator Solution installation to show how easy an elevator can be for you and your project.
MEM elevators are faster, safer, greener and more cost effective. They install quickly. That will allow you to control the elevator part of your building project. It also takes the elevator off the critical path. For all the above reasons, MEM is the best mid rise and low rise elevator on the market today.
If you want to know more about MEM schedule a live virtual tour or ask for a Fast Track Quote below.
For nearly twenty years Modular Elevator Manufacturing has been leading the elevator revolution. Like any revolution there are milestones or measurements that show the growth of that movement. Markers that point to the “normalization” or general acceptance of a movement. These include: a global awareness of the product and methodology, an overall increase in market acceptance, implemented examples of the concept in completed projects, general acceptance and understanding of the advantages, and ultimately expansion of the market. Now, MEM is pleased to say, “Next stop transformation”.
Those milestones are being realized. Now the focus is shifting from the necessity of revolution to the reality of transformation in the elevator industry itself.
When the concept of the modular elevator was first conceived, it was as a response to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Three individuals put together the original plans and started producing modular elevator units. Their concept was largely designed to sit beside an existing structure to easily and quickly make an old building compliant and more accessible. Great idea!
Many of those early units were sold and installed. But a modular delivery approach requires an understanding of construction and elevators. Ultimately, an overall lack of experience in the construction industry led to many difficulties in the installation process along with other issues. However, suggestions from the field for improvements often fell on deaf ears and so the concept, although sound, struggled to take off.
Enter TLShield. As the fledgling modular elevator company fell to failure, Tom Shield, who had installed many of the early units, took a bold step. His company, TL Shield and Associates began a new entity Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) dedicated solely to the improvement and production of modular elevators. They instituted many product changes to improve the overall quality and installation process. The MEM Elevator System was born and they began producing the solution that many were looking for.
Since that time a steady march towards revolutionizing the old, tired model of conventional elevators began. Few realize the elevator industry had largely remained stuck in the mid-1800’s in the way an elevator was installed and produced. Since before the Civil War hoistways were built in a building and then the elevator was painstakingly assembled in the shaft. Crates of parts would arrive to be assembled in a closed, challenging space. That is still the way it is done in the conventional elevator sector. In an honest moment, the entire industry would agree, that makes no sense at all. Modular elevators changed all of that. They are produced in a factory, hoistway and all, shipped to the location and then the fully install elevator is lowered into place in a couple hours.
Since the beginning MEM realized that the product was revolutionary, but the revolution could easily die if a proactive approach to enlightening the construction industry failed. So education and information became the model to market the concept and high-quality product. “Next stop transformation” would take time, patience and effort but worth it. Change in any monopolistic industry is a slow steady undertaking and does not happen overnight.
To propel that change forward, the new model became education in place of the expected sales pitch. Older iterations of the MEM website contained a voluminous amount of data, facts and specifications. It even offered up links to drawings and engineering information. Previously many considered that kind of information proprietary to their brand and did not have plans on line. However, we found transparency was the best option in how we arrived at our improvements, created awareness and helped to answer questions.
This includes passing knowledge freely to other elevator companies. Sharing and opening our facility became a routine practice and is still in practice today. When Covid hit, we offered for the first time a one of a kind virtual tour of our factory to anyone that asks. That openness and outreach remains the only online virtual tour of an elevator production facility in the world. No one opens their doors as we do. We know allowing openness and full disclosure is the only way to make our “next stop transformation” a reality.
If you want to take advantage of our live virtual tour you can do so. Just click the button.
Early on schools in California embraced the modular concept and the idea that a modular elevator would be the best and most logical choice for ADA compliance. As the sole leader in the industry we were often specced into those projects. However, I remember the day that a modular elevator was specced into a project that was not in the education sector. Obviously the day passed with no fanfare or popping corks, but I knew things had changed.
Product acceptance on a whole new level had just occurred. That was followed quickly by approved architect training through AIA, integration into new building projects not just retrofits and design/build plans being altered. This was all to incorporate our modular units into ever-widening applications regardless of the type of construction method.
We also found that big players in the construction industry were more than just curious, they were serious. They saw that a fully installed elevator set in place before lunch break was a big deal. The realization and reality of an elevator off the critical path had enormous implications. The potential of that removal from the critical path changes everything. It reduces call backs of other trades, keeps everything in sequence, and smooths the entire timeline and costs. Suddenly, the light bulb clicked on…there was a better way.
Acceptance of the product was also demonstrated by increases in our Fast Track quotes, formal quotes and ultimately sales. In just the past two years we had to double our manufacturing floor and we are currently at all-time sales heights requiring us to look at an additional expansion or space. We now ship nationwide routinely with projects as far away as New York. All of this success was due in part to our commitment to modeling of the concept in how it works and the advantages.
Commonsense it seems has disappeared in some ways from our society. The hardest way of doing things has replaced ease and wisdom as in the construction industry’s use of conventional elevator companies. Unfortunately, their sales concepts is not one of openness and sharing. Instead we learned through our polling efforts they were sometimes sowing seeds of confusion an exclusion. There was just one way…their way.
“The elevator company knows there are not many alternatives for installation so they capitalize in the safety of us needing them more than they need us.”
Poll Respondent – August 2022
One of the respondents to our poll said it best, “It’s unfortunate knowing when entering into a project where elevators are to be installed that there will be issues and complicated schedule situations. The elevator company knows there are not many alternatives for installation so they capitalize in the safety of us needing them more than they need us.”
We have become that alternative and change so needed. As our mission is not just to offer concepts, but actual projects that clearly demonstrate higher quality can accompany speed through manufacturing.
It is a huge difference as we recognize that we have succeeded where the previous company failed by listening, understanding the elevator industry intimately and making needed change. Intuitively we knew immediate improvements that would make everything better in the engineering, design and installation. Honestly some were what we would call no-brainers, plain to see from the decades of elevator experience we brought to the table.
However, it is easy to be blinded by past success. So we continue to innovate, expand our knowledge and to assess our projects from the perspective of architects, project engineers, construction managers and owners. The communication is crucial.
It is important to know that this does not mean every idea is a good idea. We methodically look at new ideas, designs and product lines against what has worked. We think deeply and don’t jump to quick conclusions. This has led to an ever improving product line that exceeds expectations.
As our market share of elevators continues to grow we know our ideas and concepts will be and have been copied. Sometimes they are just pretenders that think anyone can produce an elevator. They struggle with quality and often seem to grope in the dark with innovation. But, when you are driving towards the “next stop transformation” philosophy ultimately the next stop includes others in the business. When you are successful at what you do people will follow.
The result is two new reputable entrants into the modular elevator industry. They have seen growth and want to be a part of the revolution. It may surprise you but, we have no qualms with that as long as they copy our quality as well. As a pioneer in the modular elevator business we are glad to have help building on what we have done.
Resolute Elevator in North Carolina has stepped up to manufacturing modular elevators in a big way and they are seeing great growth. Their background is similar to ours. They were in the elevator business for several years and even installed some modular elevators. Likewise, they were concerned for the elevator riding pubic and the concept itself when they found the modular offerings they used less than the quality they and their customers demanded. At Resolute they felt innovation was lacking and poor workmanship was the order of the day. They understand that if modular elevators become equated with substandard quality then the better concept of a manufactured elevators would struggle. They have even participated in one of our cohort groups. Their input was invaluable.
Big congrats to them and best wishes!
But a second entrant into the modular elevator industry is more curious. Thyssenkrupp (commonly called TKE), having witnessed the wisdom and potential market share of modular, has decided to stick their decidedly big toe into the elevator revolution we began so long ago. As we all know big companies move slow and ponderously and big elevator is no acceptation. After all we have been grabbing more and more of the elevator market for over a decade and our innovations have now become a staple in many construction segments.
Why does TKE embrace change now? One can only speculate. However as we know in the “next stop transformation” theory, new entrants will come from a number of sources. We are just satisfied that they, although late to the party, see that modular is viable and the future. They are just now testing their new modular system in Hong Kong, but they will eventually make it to our shores. This is not just vindication, but product justification. Now they see it and soon everyone in the construction industry will as well.
Overall this is proof positive that what we are doing is winning the revolution.
Next stop…transformation and we have been leaders in that effort longer than anyone else.
If you are interested in being a part of the elevator revolution, we encourage you to dig, explore and ask plenty of questions. We are ready and willing to be a part of your period of discovery. To get started we offer a couple opportunities below. Just click a button.
Early In Means Elevator When you Need It – Can you get an elevator when you need it? Including MEM early in a project means you can. Of course the alternative is the traditional way when the elevator company tells you, you can have it? But if you are tired of letting one industry dictate your construction schedule there is an alternative. The “alternative” has a long track record of success as the solution. It is also being embraced nationally by major construction companies, architects, design build firms, building owners and elevator installers.
The solution is the modular elevator and MEM is the leader of an elevator revolution with the MEM Elevator Solution. Make no mistake, modular elevators are the future. There is no doubting that. It is and will be a reality that very soon a modular elevator will always be the first option in any low or mid-rise application. They go in faster with fewer headaches and difficulties overall. The price is competitive to better and the components are largely the very same you will find in any other elevator. There is only one way that this growing trend will be up-ended and that is if modular elevator companies themselves don’t live up to the promises they make and the quality they market.
That seems to be what is happening at least to some extent currently. For instance, there is an often repeated 8 week delivery of an elevator. If a company makes that claim, be aware that there are dozens of caveats and requirements that cloud the numbers. We reject that marketing ploy and want to be included early on projects so we can deliver when you need the unit not at some inconsequential and artificial timeline.
So with the above all true, how can they make an unrealistic promise? It is, “Sell the elevator and pray for rain.” approach. They know in all likelihood that the early stages of the project will not go off without a hitch and the financing, ground breaking, permitting, site prep, foundation and elevator pit pour will be delayed. This gives them time to get the elevator done before shipping. At least that is their hope and why their fingers are crossed.
Ultimately, the promise of the eight weeks was never realistic to begin with and never is intended to be adhered to by the elevator company. Heaven help you if you are efficient run a tight timeline and the weather cooperates. Odds are if you believed the canard of eight weeks…the elevator will now leave you frustrated and sour on modular elevators. We see people hesitant to use modular for just that reason. Once a promise, even one as outlandish as an eight week elevator is broken, trust is hard to earn back.
How is the MEM Elevator System different? We want to be early on the project so we can always deliver the elevator when you need it. There is no promise of a fictional and arbitrary timeline. We are honest from the beginning and listen to your needs. Then together we determine when it is best for the elevator to be delivered. We discuss if the elevator should be delivered first in the project, in the middle or the end. In the above photos, you can see it was determined that the elevator should go in after framing. Others go in first or last. We also discuss any special requests or specific difficulties to overcome. For instance our elevators are often used as a construction elevator to cut costs or for schools holding back the delivery date for a holiday or summer break.
The expected delivery date is then generated and the process begins. We know delivery dates fluctuate in every job, but having a general timeline for delivery is the best possible practice for the entire construction team. To keep things on track you have a personal contact that will touch base as needed to update the schedule. Everyone is always kept in the loop.
In our process while you are dealing with a million other questions about the project, permitting, figuring out subs and the rest of your project schedule we are ordering all the components, doing the paperwork, and creating the elevator schedule. With all that done and ready, the elevator is placed in our production line when it will be completed as you need it. It then arrives as promised.
This is truly revolutionary. No longer are you being told when the elevator will be finished. You have control back.
So to ask the question again, can you get an elevator when you need it. Yes you can, but MEM being early in is crucial.
If you are interested in the concept of a modular elevator and would like to find out more about the MEM Elevator System and our elevator revolution, you can have a Live in person or even Live Virtual Tour. Just click the button below. We would be glad to pull back the curtain and show you around. This will allow for you to see with your own eyes our concept come to life and answer any questions you may have.
If you have a specific project in mind just click the Fast Track Quote button below. It will get the process going and we will contact you with costs. Overall we strive to be transparent and willing to discuss your needs so we can provide a great solution. We look forward to working with you when you join the elevator revolution.
Modular Elevator Innovation – There are a few inventions that become moments in history that change everything. The Wright brother’s first flight, Guttenberg’s printing press and Edison’s light bulb are at the top of the list. But one moment rarely considered is the time Elias Otis cut a rope on a suspended the elevator at the 1853 World’s Fair. On that fateful day when the cable was severed the elevator did not fall due to his unique braking system. The elevator became safe and the world was able to build up creating skyscrapers and a new city lifestyle beyond four-stories.
However, since that great leap ahead, the elevator has remained largely stagnant in how it is installed in a building.
Designers, architects and engineers have been trapped into placing a tower in the midst of the project and after nearly everything is finished, the project is turned over to the elevator mechanic. They come and go as they will and one piece at a time the elevator is built from scratch from crates of parts inside the hoistway.
That laborious, inefficient process is carried out anytime a multi-story project is built. This slows completion, wastes resources and can greatly expand the time that it takes to allow occupancy. But this building mess can be cleaned up through the use of a modular elevator. The modular elevator innovation changes everything.
This innovation is not new. After the passage of the Americans with Disability Act a group got together and thought through the conundrum of providing vertical transportation quickly at a cost that would allow more access. Their idea included building a steel hoistway that could be placed in hours with all of the elevator components already installed inside. The concept was perfect, but execution was lacking.
From an elevator installer’s perspective significant improvements could be made to reduce time, increase quality and diminishing inefficiencies even more. T.L Shield and Associates president, Tom Shield took up the challenge and the birth of the first true and practical modular elevator was developed. Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) was founded and mass factory production of the MEM Elevator System began. Tom Shield said about the process, “We never set out to create an elevator revolution, we just wanted to solve problems to vertical transportation for builders and installers. We feel we have accomplished that goal.”
“We never set out to create an elevator revolution, we just wanted to solve problems…”
Tom Shield – MEM President
As the market expanded additional innovation has been tested and accepted leading to the high-quality alternative to conventional elevators we have today. Shield said, “It has been a long road to market acceptance, but nationwide people are seeing the modular elevator as a solution to many of their problems and we continue to project significant growth.”
The stead increase in market share continues as architects, designers, project managers and building owners see the value in controlling their projects, cutting general construction costs and having occupancy faster than with old-fashioned traditional elevator installation.
As you can see Modular Elevator Innovation has led to an alternative that has been accepted and should be considered prior to any multilevel project. To reduce time, costs and headaches, we have a solution for your project woes regarding the elevator.
The modular elevator is not just a quick tip up for the outside of a building. It can be banked with other elevators and fitted with any design. Our commercial quality elevators can be used in retrofit or new construction just like traditional elevators, they just don’t come with the same baggage.
So if you would like to explore more, you can schedule a live virtual online tour and see first hand how we produce our modular elevators. You are also welcome to visit us in person as well. Just let us know when you are available.
Lastly, if you have a project in mind and would like to explore your total costs and benefits regarding our modular elevator complete a request for a Fast Track Quote. In about 24 hours, we will provide you with a thumbnail quote and get your project started. Just click one of the links below.
Modular Elevator System for Modular – The Modular Elevator System from Modular Elevator Manufacturing is the low to mid-rise solution for all types of buildings. However, due to the familiarity with how modular construction works, our system fits in seamlessly.
Also, modular elevators were introduced over 20 years ago to the construction industry. This led to the canard that they must be placed on the outside of a structure. Some even are mistaken in their belief that they are only for retrofit projects.
Sure, a modular elevator system can be on the exterior of a build and can be use as a retrofit. However, the bulk of the project we are associated with are new construction. Our flexibility in placement is unsurpassed.
This flexibility was demonstrated in a recent project.
Modular Elevator Systems are indeed flexible. They can go into the project early, late, when you want or when you need it. It is off the critical path and can be placed inside or outside as you desire. Not to mention the cost and time savings the high-quality commercial elevator affords. So, is the MEM system the perfect fit for you? Yes. The MEM Modular Elevator System is the elevator you have been waiting for.
So if you have a low to mid-rise project, contact us for a FAST TRACK QUOTE. If you want to explore more, we encourage it. You can start your journey by taking a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR. During the tour we will openly show you how we produce our high quality MEM Elevator System. We will also answer any of your questions.
Elevator Poll Opportunity to Change / Oct, 2023 – As most of you know we have been conducting a one of its kind poll. For the first time a poll was sent to the entirety of the construction industry regarding elevators. Architects, general contractors, engineers, design build firms and elevator professionals responded. Additionally, to have more clarity and to focus our efforts on real solutions we held a series of open forums where we discussed the results of the poll. We heard anecdotal stories that confirmed our findings and consistent reports of issues regarding the current traditional elevator industry.
After the poll and subsequent analysis we can say there is an opportunity to make changes for the better in the construction industry.
And that always was the point. The poll confirmed the problems that had always been rumored. Now we can begin a revolution to foment change that is solutions based. So in this article we are going to examine each of the five inferences the poll questions and forums confirmed and make some general suggestions for improvement.
After all, our desire is to improve an industry that has not substantially changed in how it installs elevators or deals with the construction industry for over 150 years. To make improvements we wanted to start with actual information from the people that deal with elevators and have to live with the challenges they present.
And then start the conversation about solutions. This is the beginning of the discussion regarding those solutions. We know where we have been and now we must start charting a path to where we are going in the future.
The polling and results of the open forums are pretty telling. The current way the construction industry and elevator industry function or rather doesn’t function, is a problem. Both sides have points and counterpoints, but change is stuck because solutions are slow to come forward and then equally slow to be embraced. The poll reflected this with a well documented reticence to adopt each other’s, other options.
We are not hiding the results because we want a full discussion of experiences that back up or reject the results and other inferences from the data we missed. The bottom line takeaway; there’s a problem. So much so that some are grasping for solutions. But don’t take our word for it. We encourage you to look at the graphics and add your comments below as to what your impressions are or the inferences you draw.
This is the beginning of thinking through the issues and not the final word. Just a discussion of possible solutions. This is a continuing of the dialog. We look forward to your input and feel communicating with continued analysis will help both industries (construction and elevator).
With that said, here are early inferences drawn from the poll and open forums:
The overall customer experience is negative regarding the elevator industry. Over 88% feel the experience was horrible to needs improvement. Over 40% felt it was horrible to barely tolerable. No sugar coating it, it is not a good result. However, keep in mind this attitude shifts dramatically depending on occupation or role. 90% of design professionals believe their experience to be generally good. Easy to use websites for plans is a big help. Turns out however websites can’t install an elevator. This also means that the elevator industry focuses effort on the sale of elevator units, not difficulties of those downline from the decision.
The results we found are uncomfortable. Keep in mind that this poll was sent to the elevator industry as well, so they know there’s a problem. The elevator industry front loads their efforts to the sale of the elevator and more importantly to the sale of the maintenance plan. That is their model. They know that if they are chosen they get decades of maintenance fees. So what can change the elevator market and its reputation? It is the market itself. Not to push the problem off to the customer, but until alternatives are explored by the buying public, the elevator industry will continue to be the monolithic monopoly it has become. Immediate considerations is to refuse to purchase an elevator with proprietary parts. Proprietary parts are the hook that keeps maintenance forever attached to the sale and handcuffs the buyer to the elevator company.
Also, consider moving the pain of the elevator selection to the front of the process. That is where longer-term issues can be addressed in the contract for the elevator. Once you are into or past the bidding stage it is in all likelihood too late to make a change as the hoistway placement and size has been determined. One solution being used by a frustrated builder discussed in our forum was to make the hoistway opening big enough to accommodate nearly any elevator. He felt it gave him more flexibility to shop and compare. The elevator problem is so great that losing building space was considered to be a reasonable solution.
The better option is prioritizing the elevator purchase before the drawings are complete and always purchase elevators with non-proprietary parts.
Delays are a huge issue. 65% in our poll say the elevator always creates delays. The nature of how conventional elevators are installed is the problem and solutions maybe limited unless you look into alternatives such as modular elevators. The hoistway is built along with foundation and there it sits until power and a controlled environment is secured.
At the end of any build, the pressure is on to finish up. Tensions run high as time is running out. One person we talked with about the frustration said, on a job the elevator company pushed out completion more than 6-months passed the expected occupancy date. Understandably he was apoplectic, but stuck and he knew it.
The traditional elevator industry has no solution for the pace of the install. They will be done when they are done. The timeline for the elevator crew is often times at odds with the construction manager’s expectations. Increased communication can be a big help, but this can’t be just chatter. There must be clear timelines to be adhered to and notification of steps to completion must be communicated clearly to everyone involved. This is especially true regarding life/safety trades and when they are checked off as complete. One phone line can cause delays of weeks and costly change orders.
Explore other options. With modular elevators the elevator arrives already installed and can even be used as the construction hoist. It sets in a couple hours and the start up is a week long process not months. With traditional elevators, back ordered components, over-stretched elevator crews, and even poor weather can stall or even stop installation. When the installation takes place in a factory there are no such delays.
The most important consideration regarding the purchase is on-time start up and use. But there is no control over that with current industry standards. The conventional elevator is an immovable object stuck on the critical path. That creates a feeling of loss of control or helplessness.
Cost, Type of Conveyance and Structure are also concerns that sometimes present few options for improvement.
Regardless of the type of elevator, the inspection process is out of the hands of the elevator contractor in most jurisdictions. These must be scheduled in advance. So the solution is to make sure you have a checklist of completed items, before the inspection is scheduled. Call backs can mean costly change orders and delays.
When it comes to costs that is often linked with conveyance. Watch out for being oversold. It has been relayed to us in any number of conversations that traction or roped units are being recommended for extremely short travel distances. The initial cost for traction units is higher as well as the lifetime costs through maintenance agreements. Quit over buying your needs.
Additionally, cost of the elevator does not encompass all the ancillary aspects of the build, so at the end of the project the actual investment in the elevator is most often not known. How much money per stop is wasted due to call backs of mud and rock crews, flooring installation and painters? One construction professional indicated the traditional elevator costed him $30,000 to $40,000 more per stop due to call backs of other trades. He found another alternative.
If you want the elevator off the critical path a modular elevator is the route to go. The market for modular elevators is expanding with large elevator companies offering alternatives overseas and new companies starting domestically. Modular is the future for low and mid-rise applications.
There is flexibility! No one polled automatically keeps the same elevator company due to past experience. This means change is possible. But it seems the choice is pushed back to the bidding process creating a lack of flexibility and specs makes innovation difficult.
Using your flexibility to make choices early is the best alternative. By the time you get to the bidding process all of the flexibility you once had is gone. You are locked into the same traditional models that you have always used.
The bidding process leads to specs that stifle innovation. As we have learned and discussed in our forums, elevator companies largely ignore the construction specs in any case. So why push the decision out to or past the bid process were you are now under more of the elevator company’s control?
By the time you are passed the bid phase, it is often too late to consider other alternatives without additional costs. All hope of innovation is gone. Ultimately, construction professionals are often locked into just a couple bad choices so leave your options open, it maybe counterintuitive but research and decide early.
Finally – Start up is the elephant in the room. It is a huge issue, but out often out of your control and even out of the control of the elevator installer, especially regarding inspection and final approval. Cost overruns are constant.
One truism confirmed in our conversations is that lack of communication costs time and money on the project. One example was the push by the general contractor to expedite the elevator inspection. It led to the elevator being fully ready but life/safety aspects of the building were still not complete. That meant a failed inspection and then change orders to return for a second inspection. Open communication would have resolved that issue before it became one.
There are options that include a fully functioning elevator installed that can be used as the construction elevator and then converted to a passenger elevator once construction is complete. Knowing it runs and passing inspection as a construction elevator, is a big benefit to final turn over of the unit. It certainly speeds the elevator to complete readiness faster.
This poll and open forums led to a great new starting point for the construction industry to begin to change in how it views elevators and all the pitfalls. It also gives Modular Elevator Manufacturing and others in the elevator industry the perfect opportunity to change the industry from the inside out. We again are asking you to join us in this revolution. That does not mean buying a Modular Elevator Manufacturing System. It means looking at the elevator industry afresh and deciding early on what mode of vertical transportation works best for the project you are on.
We will continue to update and change our recommendations as responses pour in. Based on the response so far, it is evident there is a problem out there and we can begin to fix it together. The industry can change and improve its image, product and installation methods.
Also, by working together we can reduce headaches, improve start up times and cut costs. That will lead to better strategies and decisions when including an elevator in your project. Elevators will never be problem free, but they can be improved upon and that is our hope as we lead an Elevator Revolution.
In the mean time if you want to know more about the MEM Elevator System please let us know by clicking a link below. You can take a virtual tour of our factory where we openly discuss our process and the elevator industry. You can also request a Fast Track Quote if you have a project in mind and are curious about the solutions we offer. One more reminder – please comment below. Your input is important.
Modular works for Watts Works. Can it work for you? Watts Works, an affordable housing project in Southern California demonstrates, the need for modular building and modular elevators.
As the need for supportive housing is immediate, speed is of the essence. Also, costs are important to minimize especially with limited local, county and state resources available.
The logical solution to providing fast, cost conscience housing is modular. In the case of Watts Works, shipping containers became the primary component. The design was completed and production of the units began even before the foundation was set. Also, using shipping containers factory outfitted with kitchen appliances and largely finished interiors made the project much faster. The units are then set quickly and efficiently. Also, the cost is significantly less. That is no theory but the experience of Aaron Sassounian, Partner with Daylight Community Development.
Sassounian said “We want to be good custodians for the tax payers, but provide quality housing and get people in the units as quickly as possible.”
That is the vision of Daylight Community Development. They are specialists in affordable housing and their overriding passion is to end chronic homelessness in Los Angeles. They use every tool at their disposal including recent zoning and regulation changes. Financing the construction also takes outside of the box thinking by using any available public funding sources. Daylight also believes that modular construction is key to fast, on-time completion with a modular elevator being the final piece to the puzzle.
Daylight is a leader in the affordable housing arena, blazing a new trail in building supportive housing faster and cheaper with maximum social impact.
The understanding of the totality of the building process from design, development, construction and financing makes Daylight vital. Daylight is a leader in the affordable housing arena, blazing a new trail in building supportive housing faster and cheaper with maximum social impact.
In every build the elevator is a critical part of the project. That is because it is one of the items on the critical path that can cause more headaches, confusions and delays than nearly any other building component. That makes a high-quality elevator crucial. It must also go in when the builder needs it on their time schedule and is started up quickly. The MEM Elevator System accomplishes that quite well. But just as important there needs to be an open line of communication between the elevator manufacturer, the contractor, architect and developer. (Continued below the photos.)
The installer on this project was TLShield sister company to Modular Elevator Manufacturing. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Hugo Beltran was the lead contact. Sussounian said, “Hugo was super responsive and easy to work with. He talked us through the process making it a great experience.” MEM and TLShield helped keep the project on time and on budget.
Combing the product with superior customer service means that together the MEM Elevator System and Daylight Community Development will continue to partner to address the homeless problem. Proof of the partnership is three more projects are already in development with the MEM Elevator System speced in. (Continued below the Photos.)
So, modular indeed worked for Watts Works to help combat the housing and homeless crisis and will continue to be a part of Daylight in the future…can work for you as well. Do you have a project with a strict deadline and little forgiveness if it is missed? Do you have a project where speed and savings is important and you are tired of excuses and delays? We are your solution.
We will work with you, provide high quality, speed, possible savings and responsiveness. Things that you probably won’t find elsewhere in the elevator industry. So if you have a low to mid-rise project, contact us for a FAST TRACK QUOTE. If you want to explore more, we encourage it. You can start your journey by taking a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR. During the tour we will openly show you how we produce our high quality MEM Elevator System. We will also answer any of your questions.
For nearly twenty years Modular Elevator Manufacturing has been leading the elevator revolution. Like any revolution there are milestones or measurements that show the growth of that movement. Markers that point to the “normalization” or general acceptance of a movement. These include: a global awareness of the product and methodology, an overall increase in market acceptance, implemented examples of the concept in completed projects, general acceptance and understanding of the advantages, and ultimately expansion of the market. Now, MEM is pleased to say, “Next stop transformation”.
Those milestones are being realized. Now the focus is shifting from the necessity of revolution to the reality of transformation in the elevator industry itself.
When the concept of the modular elevator was first conceived, it was as a response to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Three individuals put together the original plans and started producing modular elevator units. Their concept was largely designed to sit beside an existing structure to easily and quickly make an old building compliant and more accessible. Great idea!
Many of those early units were sold and installed. But a modular delivery approach requires an understanding of construction and elevators. Ultimately, an overall lack of experience in the construction industry led to many difficulties in the installation process along with other issues. However, suggestions from the field for improvements often fell on deaf ears and so the concept, although sound, struggled to take off.
Enter TLShield. As the fledgling modular elevator company fell to failure, Tom Shield, who had installed many of the early units, took a bold step. His company, TL Shield and Associates began a new entity Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) dedicated solely to the improvement and production of modular elevators. They instituted many product changes to improve the overall quality and installation process. The MEM Elevator System was born and they began producing the solution that many were looking for.
Since that time a steady march towards revolutionizing the old, tired model of conventional elevators began. Few realize the elevator industry had largely remained stuck in the mid-1800’s in the way an elevator was installed and produced. Since before the Civil War hoistways were built in a building and then the elevator was painstakingly assembled in the shaft. Crates of parts would arrive to be assembled in a closed, challenging space. That is still the way it is done in the conventional elevator sector. In an honest moment, the entire industry would agree, that makes no sense at all. Modular elevators changed all of that. They are produced in a factory, hoistway and all, shipped to the location and then the fully install elevator is lowered into place in a couple hours.
Since the beginning MEM realized that the product was revolutionary, but the revolution could easily die if a proactive approach to enlightening the construction industry failed. So education and information became the model to market the concept and high-quality product. “Next stop transformation” would take time, patience and effort but worth it. Change in any monopolistic industry is a slow steady undertaking and does not happen overnight.
To propel that change forward, the new model became education in place of the expected sales pitch. Older iterations of the MEM website contained a voluminous amount of data, facts and specifications. It even offered up links to drawings and engineering information. Previously many considered that kind of information proprietary to their brand and did not have plans on line. However, we found transparency was the best option in how we arrived at our improvements, created awareness and helped to answer questions.
This includes passing knowledge freely to other elevator companies. Sharing and opening our facility became a routine practice and is still in practice today. When Covid hit, we offered for the first time a one of a kind virtual tour of our factory to anyone that asks. That openness and outreach remains the only online virtual tour of an elevator production facility in the world. No one opens their doors as we do. We know allowing openness and full disclosure is the only way to make our “next stop transformation” a reality.
If you want to take advantage of our live virtual tour you can do so. Just click the button.
Early on schools in California embraced the modular concept and the idea that a modular elevator would be the best and most logical choice for ADA compliance. As the sole leader in the industry we were often specced into those projects. However, I remember the day that a modular elevator was specced into a project that was not in the education sector. Obviously the day passed with no fanfare or popping corks, but I knew things had changed.
Product acceptance on a whole new level had just occurred. That was followed quickly by approved architect training through AIA, integration into new building projects not just retrofits and design/build plans being altered. This was all to incorporate our modular units into ever-widening applications regardless of the type of construction method.
We also found that big players in the construction industry were more than just curious, they were serious. They saw that a fully installed elevator set in place before lunch break was a big deal. The realization and reality of an elevator off the critical path had enormous implications. The potential of that removal from the critical path changes everything. It reduces call backs of other trades and the entire timeline and costs. Suddenly, the light bulb clicked on…there was a better way.
Acceptance of the product was also demonstrated by increases in our Fast Track quotes, formal quotes and ultimately sales. In just two short years we had to double our manufacturing floor and we are currently at all-time sales heights requiring us to look at an additional expansion or space. We now ship nationwide routinely with projects as far away as New York. All of this success was due in part to our commitment to modeling of the concept in how it works and the advantages.
Commonsense it seems has disappeared in some ways from our society. The hardest way of doing things has replaced ease and wisdom as in the construction industry’s use of conventional elevator companies. Unfortunately, their sales concepts is not one of openness and sharing. Instead we learned through our polling efforts they were sometimes sowing seeds of confusion an exclusion. There was just one way…their way.
“The elevator company knows there are not many alternatives for installation so they capitalize in the safety of us needing them more than they need us.”
Poll Respondent – August 2022
One of the respondents to our poll said it best, “It’s unfortunate knowing when entering into a project where elevators are to be installed that there will be issues and complicated schedule situations. The elevator company knows there are not many alternatives for installation so they capitalize in the safety of us needing them more than they need us.”
We have become that alternative and change so needed. As our mission is not just to offer concepts, but actual projects that clearly demonstrate higher quality can accompany speed through manufacturing.
Most importantly we stress we need each other in the building process. We know that if you just say something is better, faster, easier greener, and more cost effective it would come off looking false no matter what the intentions. Listening and conversation is our mandate.
As a result we developed cohorts for each vertical construction segment. And we developed a short poll to enable us to hear what is wrong with our industry anonymously. We do not horde the results but in an unprecedented move provide the data openly to everyone that wants to see it.
Help us improve the elevator industry by taking our short poll. It will help us shed some light on industry improvements. It is anonymous and just five short questions.
We feel the product makes the most sense and with sincerity we share what we know and have learned.
It is a huge difference as we recognize that we have succeeded where the previous company failed by listening, understanding the elevator industry intimately and making needed change. Intuitively we knew immediate improvements that would make everything better in the engineering, design and installation. Honestly some were what we would call no-brainers, plain to see from the decades of elevator experience we brought to the table.
However, it is easy to be blinded by past success. So we continue to innovate, expand our knowledge and to assess our projects from the perspective of architects, project engineers, construction managers and owners. The communication is crucial to continued success.
It is important to know that this does not mean every idea is a good idea. We methodically look at new ideas against what has worked. We think deeply and don’t jump to quick conclusions. This has led to an ever improving product line that exceeds expectations.
As our market share continues to grow we know our ideas and concepts will be and have been copied. Sometimes they are just pretenders that think anyone can produce an elevator. They struggle with quality and often seem to grope in the dark with innovation. But, when you are driving towards the “next stop transformation” philosophy ultimately the next stop includes others in the business. When you are successful at what you do people will follow.
The result is two new reputable entrants into the modular elevator industry. They have seen growth and want to be a part of the revolution. It may surprise you but, we have no qualms with that as long as they copy our quality as well. As a pioneer in the modular elevator business we are glad to have help building on what we have done.
Resolute Elevator in North Carolina has stepped up to manufacturing modular elevators in a big way and they are seeing great growth. Their background is similar to ours. They were in the elevator business for several years and even installed some modular elevators. Likewise, they were concerned for the elevator riding pubic and the concept itself when they found the modular offerings they used less than the quality they and their customers demanded. At Resolute they felt innovation was lacking and poor workmanship was the order of the day. They understand that if modular elevators become equated with substandard quality then the better concept of a manufactured elevators would struggle. They have even participated in one of our cohort groups. Their input was invaluable.
Big congrats to them and best wishes!
But a second entrant into the modular elevator industry is more curious. Thyssenkrupp (commonly called TKE), having witnessed the wisdom and potential market share of modular, has decided to stick their decidedly big toe into the elevator revolution we began so long ago. As we all know big companies move slow and ponderously and big elevator is no acceptation. After all we have been grabbing more and more of the elevator market for over a decade and our innovations have now become a staple in many construction segments.
Why does TKE embrace change now? One can only speculate. However as we know in the “next stop transformation” theory, new entrants will come from a number of sources. We are just satisfied that they, although late to the party, see that modular is viable and the future. They are just now testing their new modular system in Hong Kong, but they will eventually make it to our shores. This is not just vindication, but product justification. Now they see it and soon everyone in the construction industry will as well.
Overall this is proof positive that what we are doing is winning the revolution.
Next stop…transformation and we have been leaders in that effort longer than anyone else.
If you are interested in being a part of the elevator revolution, we encourage you to dig, explore and ask plenty of questions. We are ready and willing to be a part of your period of discovery. To get started we offer a couple opportunities below. Just click a button.