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.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Because we are off the critical path, you have fewer call backs of other trades. You have few, if any change orders. You can use the MEM Elevator Solution for a construction elevator. We all know how much money that can save on a project. So for all those reasons and more we continue to grow. We continue to improve. We continue to lead an elevator revolution.
If you want to know more about MEM schedule a live virtual tour or ask for a Fast Track Quote below. We will supply you with everything you need to make a decision regarding the largest moving object in your building.
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.
Best Argument for a Modular Elevator – I am very lonely in my job as a marketing professional in the world of modular elevators, because at last count, I am it. If there is a new one out there, welcome to the revolution. But, for now its just me.
The reason I bring that up is single handedly I have written hundreds of articles supporting the modular elevator industry and I am on the constant look for two things. First, a new perspective or way to spark interest, hone my argument or new way to discuss the modular elevator industry. Second, help. This comes in the form of any supporting information, blogs, studies, whitepapers or reports. I scour the internet and other resources constantly and as a result, with the help of one of our team members, ran across a great new article. It was surprising help from an unlikely source.
A LinkedIn contributor that goes by Dr. Michael Simmons, DBA wrote a very concise and clear, step-by-step description of what a typical hydraulic elevator installation looks like. This is not a modular installation mind you, but a traditional run-of the-mill elevator install. The article is entitled How Do They Do It? Hydraulic Elevator Edition and I encourage you to take a look at it. It is 1000 words of exactly all the steps that have to take place to install an elevator with the traditional installation method.
So why did I find the Best Argument for a Modular Elevator in an article about a regular elevator installation? Because it proves beyond any shadow of doubt, in simple and clear terms, the lunacy of traditionally installing an elevator. The antiquated process comes with a myriad of problems and challenges that frustrates the building owner or build team. Below are just some challenges taken from the article.
These are just a few of the potential injury risks, ways the project can be delayed, inefficiencies that come with the the process and challenges regarding quality. Modular elevators are completely different.
With an MEM Elevator System the commercial quality elevator is manufactured in a factory with quality controls and constant inspection. First, the hoistway is built with jigs and precise templates to assure it is always plumb and level. Once the hoistway is finished and wrapped in drywall for fire protection according to code, doors and entrances are factory installed.
Meanwhile the elevator sling and cab are being built in a separate location in the factory. High quality Galvanneal steel is used for the cab walls to ensure durability and longevity. During assembly our build team can freely walk around the cab as it is being built and precise jigs are used to ensure a perfect fit in the hoistway everytime.
The wiring is complete in the factory as well.
The last step is to insert the cab into the the hoistway. Done.
The benefits are tremendous. The quality is higher, inspections can be completed throughout the process, it greener as there is less waste, and there is no interference with other trades or reliance on others to complete the elevator. When you need it, it is craned into place and that’s it. The process is so fast the elevator can be used as a construction lift saving even more time and money. You get the elevator when you need it not at the arbitrary timing of an elevator company.
If you took the time to read the article that gave me significant help and inspired my post, think about it. All of the headlines in the article contain the various steps of a traditional install. With modular elevators they can all be skipped! No headache for you as you can simple draw a line through elevator on your to do list. We take care of everything making it the easiest way to have an elevator in your building. The only step we need is adjustment and inspection once power is on. That’s it. You get to skip to the end.
This means that the elevator is off the critical path and not getting in the way of all the other trades on site. Also, crews won’t waste even a second waiting to finish around entrances. That work can be done in sequence. Lastly, this means you save time, money and countless headaches. It is the best argument ever for a modular elevator.
As you can see, the modular concept for elevators is revolutionary, but this concept is not new. We have been at it for a long time and have hundreds of elevators installed nationally. Also, we are pioneers in the elevator industry seeing a need and creating a great solution. The old elevator industry needed improving in safety, quality and fast start up and we did it. Something that would takes weeks with traditional installation now takes a few hours. Its time to join the Revolution.
Click the button below to get a Fast Track Quote or if you want to explore a bit more request a live virtual tour. We will pull back the curtain and show you how we produce the MEM Elevator System.
Hope On Hyde Park/Los Angeles, CA – Mission accomplished. The Hope On Hyde project is a great example of everyone pulling together for a great outcome. Our small part for this affordable transitional housing community for the Los Angeles area is complete. As a result we thought we would look back at the project and the team that brought it all together.
Of course MEM had a great install team with TL Shield & Associates taking charge of the placement and start up process. C. W. Driver led the way with the overall project leadership and they were grateful for our participation. “We appreciate MEM’s experience in the elevator industry. They helped keep the project moving forward and on time.” – John Kately, Project Executive, C.W. Driver. Lastly, KTGY provided superb architectural plans, drawings and concept.
It was a team effort with us playing just a small part of the overall effort and we are overjoyed with the results.
The project was a modular build from the beginning. So, using a conventional elevator can defeat the overriding premise of using the modular concept. Modular is supposed to be faster than conventional construction. There are other positive factors such as it being safer, greener, higher quality and more cost effective, but the first thing people look at is speed to completion.
We helped with the timeline because if you have a modular project with a conventional elevator, the work can easily grind to a halt. The elevator is smack dab in the middle of the critical path and conventional elevators interrupt the general construction process in the following ways:
For all the above reasons and more, for a modular project the only solution is to place the MEM Elevator solution.
The five-story development will offer studios and one-bedroom apartments on a 0.49-acre site. Residential services and a boxing gym will be located on the ground floor. The 98-unit building will be constructed around a central courtyard, providing privacy, safety, and a deepened sense of community. Parking spaces will be provided for social services staff while each resident will have a bike storage space. Floor to ceiling glazing along the amenity space will engage the community and brings movement to the street.
The elevator for the five-story project, as you can see in the video above, was set in no time. Quite impressive even for veteran project managers. “Seeing a fully installed elevator lowered into place and set in four hours was amazing.” – Luis Cadiz, Project Manager, C.W. Driver.
The process begins with placing the mode of conveyance, an in-ground hydraulic jack. It goes in first. Then the lower a portion of the fully installed elevator and hoistway gets craned into place. Once it is set, the second section of the elevator is lowered as well and locked in. The elevator came in two sections due to transportation needs and is not unusual in the least. The units are designed to be stackable.
The entire elevator set took less than four hours and everything is already inside including the elevator car and wiring. Once power is available onsite the MEM Elevator System is ready to go. It will then be started up, adjusted and scheduled for inspection. An easy, fast, timesaving solution. The elevator is off the critical path and the all too important purpose of the building can begin changing lives sooner than if a traditional elevator was used.
TL Shield & Associates set the elevator and will be in charge of start up as well. They and Modular Elevator Manufacturing was chosen due to the expertise they provide and the superior product they offer. They have been the leaders in the modular elevator field for more than two decades.
Tough steel makes up the MEM Elevator System hoistway with production occurring in a factory environment. Installation of all the elevator components and parts then takes place. Loading and shipping occurs next when the site is ready. In four hours you will have a fully installed, commercial quality elevator ready to be started up and used.
The mission of this project is important. The elevator and the Hope on Hyde Park project are crucial to combat the growing homelessness issues in Los Angeles. There are several benefits for supportive housing with the MEM system:
In conclusion, it maybe time to explore the possibilities further regarding supportive housing elevators. Let’s see if the MEM Elevator System can meet your needs. You can click the button below for a Fast Track Quote for a project you currently are working on. However, if you want to explore it more, request a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR. We would be happy to pull back the curtain. We will show you how we produce the industry’s most successful modular elevator solution.
National Distribution Network Means Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) Growth. In the past year due to our growing distribution network our high-quality modular elevators have been placed from California to New York. Now we welcome Georgia Lift Solutions to the MEM Authorized Elevator Contractor team.
Our friends Kyle Floyd and Dillon Graham from Georgia Lift Solutions have now partnered with us as an Authorized Elevator Contractor (AEC). Both came to our headquarters and factory for orientation, training, and instruction on the MEM Elevator Solution. They see the benefits of going modular and are looking forward to engaging with us as they grow their organization. This will further increase demand for the MEM solution and we are ready to meet that demand with even more AECs nationwide.
The elevator industry revolution continues through our network of elevator installers because the MEM Elevator Solution is perfect for schools, commercial space, hospitality, medical facilities, multi-family units or parking structures. So regardless of the vertical market, MEM can provide a solution from the east coast to the west coast. Modular elevators are also perfect for any type of building project from modular to stick frame and can go on the interior or exterior of any project.
That flexibility expands the types of projects that our AECs can participate in and promotes an ever-expanding market.
MEM President – Tom Shield is glad to welcome Kyle and Dillon and are proud of growing the network of partners. “After 40 years in the construction business and over 20 years in the elevator manufacturing industry, it was time to allow our product to be installed through AECs nationwide. We have a great team of installers that know elevators inside out and we welcome Kyle and Dillon to that team.”
He went on to say, “It is our philosophy that good business is quality business. Georgia Lift Solutions brings the same desire for quality to the table.”
The AEC program will continue to grow and will provide even more opportunities. Shield said, “We are currently looking for more elevator businesses to be a part of the program so now is the time for exploration and inquiries. We provide the training, information, marketing partnerships, and support. So we both help each other as we grow. It is an exciting time for our industry.”
The modular concept for elevators is revolutionary. MEM is a pioneers in that industry that saw the need for safety, quality and fast set and start up. To summarize the difference between modular and stick-built…there are none other than the delivery method.
Modular elevators are a factory built hoistway with tough 4X4 inch HHS (Hollow Structural Steel), wrapped in mold resistant drywall. This is done to the customer’s specification. Then all the elevator components are factory installed. That means when they arrive at the site the wiring, cab, rails and other components are already inside the structure. It is then placed with a crane at the job-site in the elevator pit in less than a day and then can be started up in less than a week. This means that it takes the elevator off the critical path saving time, headaches and hassles for the customer. For the installer it means all the heavy lifting is already done and the time commitment for a project is minimal.
Something that would take weeks conventionally can now be done in days with the MEM solution.
If you would like a budget number and be a part of MEM growth on a project you currently are considering, click the button below to get the process started. You can also
Best Mid Rise Elevator Option. Having definitions is real important when talking about elevators and especially when you are gauging whether a modular elevator could meet your needs. With that said, conversations regarding what constitutes a low or mid-rise elevator inclutwo dynamics. First, is number of stops. The second is total travel distance.
When looking at the vast number of elevators out there, when you say two or three stops, you know what you are talking about. A short ride of ten to twenty feet or low rise. And yes all elevators have at least two stops. An old joke in the elevator industry is if you have just one stop in an elevator you have an expensive broom closet. Every elevator has at a minimum 2 stops. So all low rise elevators are two to three stops? Right?
Not so fast. The middle elevator pictured above has just two stops. But as you can see it is a longer ride than you would picture. It is nearly 80 feet of travel. So number of stops is not the best measure to determine if an elevator is a low or mid rise. As a matter of fact are express elevators in high rises that travel hundreds of feet with just two or three stops.
As you can see in the diagram to the left total travel distance is the distance from the lowest finished floor to the highest finished floor. It makes no difference when making this measurement how many stops there are. This is a much better way to identify if an elevator is a low or mid rise elevator.
When defining low or mid rise for the modular elevator industry it can usually be safe to say that somewhere around eighty to one-hundred feet is the cutoff for a mid rise elevator. Anything taller than that and modular is not a serious contender.
It is no wonder that people are trying to shoehorn a modular into their project as there are a myriad of benefits. First and foremost they are the high quality solution. The elevator arrive to the jobsite as a fully factory installed elevator in a prefabricated hoistway. You get all the benefits of manufacturing precision delivered when you need it. MEM is a high quality product.
With Modular Elevator Manufacturing you always get quality regardless of the type of structure and the amount of use. MEM elevators can be placed inside or outside any type of structure. Even high traffic areas are easy for MEM. The quality is built in from the 4×4 inch tube steel to non-proprietary, industry approved and tested components. These are commercial passenger elevators.
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.
MEM Awards of Excellence – MEM Honored With Awards of Distinction – The Modular Building Institute is the premier organization when it comes to modular construction. They are the voice for the industry so when they speak, it is important. At their annual World of Modular Conference and awards banquet they spoke loudly when the MEM Elevator System took home two accolades. For the first time in the 40 year history of the organization, a modular elevator company walked away with trophies in two different categories.
The nominees that won where on two vastly different modular projects and demonstrates the flexibility of our modular elevator.
The first project is actually two unique types of facilities in one at the UCLA Olive View Medical Center. The Restorative Care Village and the Recuperative Care Center for short-term residential care. The architects made sure that the entire modular project including the elevators were welcoming, yet secure and safe. This was a 6 elevator and 6 machine room build for Modular Elevator Manufacturing. Five of the units were placed on the exterior walls of the project. The sixth was designed to fit in the middle of the building and be surrounded by modules.
With six elevators going into a building project in a short time there are always challenges. The modular elevators in this case did not interrupt the compressed building schedule by improving manufacturing processes and timing in house. This allowed for the elevator units to be ready for the set as needed by the delivery schedule and the construction crew onsite. This meant that there was no additional congestion during the build or slowdown in setting units. In most builds with multiple elevators the installation process slows and interrupts other trades onsite.
It is always difficult to quantify savings, however Clay Hubble – Project Superintendent for Abbott Construction put a fine point on the savings. He indicated that, “The MEM elevator allowed us to move up the whole process. Everyone can be pushed forward in sequence. Normally the elevator slows everything down. You have framers, rock and tape crews, floor prep, flooring, painters, electricians, sprinklers. They usually come out and work to the elevator openings on each floor. Then they have to stop.
With the fully installed modular elevator, all those crews complete their work in sequence. They make one trip out and no call back because the elevator’s openings came finished with door frames already installed. The results, we estimate that saved us $30,000 to $40,000 per opening.”
He went on the say, “You have a similar savings on the exterior. Framers, coping metal, parapet work was all done in sequence with no call backs. With 12 openings the savings were tremendous.”
MEM was awarded the runner-up trophy for the Award of Distinction.
The second Award of Distinction and First Place winner was Pop Up Park a part of Five Point – Irvine Great Park. It demonstrated architectural excellence in the way the modular elevator was seamlessly integrated into an outdoors space in a pre-purposed storage container project with beauty and elegance.
It incorporates a glass hoistway to give an open feel and less obstructed view of the surrounding 1500-acre park, soccer fields and dining area. A second-floor open walkway to the elevator is utilized making it separate from the overall structure. This important architectural detail gives a more open feel and free traffic flow. As a result of the architectural design the modular elevator was created and engineered to be a fully self-supporting structure in a high earthquake zone. In the Modern/Industrial style, the structure and awning were finished in the factory to be matte black, matching the surrounding railings and overall structure and theme. This project makes the outside a comfortable inside space.
The entire project is designed to be innovative and sustainable with use of used cargo containers creating an oasis in the vast park. The modular elevator is no exception. It is made of recyclable materials including a steel hoistway. All components are sized to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
Also, organic hydraulic fluid is used in the conveyance system. It is safe for the environment even in the unlikely event an above ground jack leaks or fails. Another innovation is a detachable, recyclable awning system that can be easily replaced as needed. This extends the life span as an outside elevator, due to weather exposure, rarely last longer than the interior parts. Lastly, the MEM elevator reduced weeks of technicians coming and going from the jobsite while the hoistway and elevator components are being built or installed. This modular elevator installed in four hours and was ready for inspection in four days.
MEM Awards of Excellence – We all love to win and it was a lot of fun to be called up in front of industry peers. But the recognition means more than just the trophies. It means we are doing things right and our team can get confirmation of their abilities and work product to continue to lead the elevator revolution that we started 20 years ago. It also was a time to reflect on our relationship with the modular industry. Although our system can be placed in modular projects, it is flexible enough to be incorporated in any building. But our roots are in modular! We will continue to build our ties to that industry especially through the Modular Building Institute and the annual World of Modular convention. See you all in Orlando next year.
MEM Awards of Excellence – This year we have two projects placed in competition. They are very different, but truly showcase how our Modular Elevator System can be used.
The first project is actually two unique types of facilities in one at the UCLA Olive View Medical Center. The Restorative Care Village features several buildings and services that provide enhanced mental health services & support. The second a Recuperative Care Center for short-term residential care. As a result, the architects made sure that the entire project including the elevators were welcoming, yet secure and safe. This was a 6 elevator/12 modular unit build for Modular Elevator Manufacturing with 6 fully functioning modular elevators delivered and an equal amount of machine rooms. Five of the units were placed on the exterior walls of the modular project. The sixth was designed to fit in the middle of the building and be surrounded by modules. As this was a modular building project in totality the architecture was uniquely adjusted to allow placement of the elevator units.
With six elevators going into a building project in a short time there are always challenges. The modular elevators in this case did not interrupt the compressed building schedule by improving manufacturing processes and timing in house. This allowed for the elevator units to be ready for the set as needed by the delivery schedule and the construction crew onsite. This meant that there was no additional congestion during the build or slowdown in setting units. In most builds with multiple elevators the installation process slows and interrupts other trades onsite.
It is always difficult to quantify savings, however Clay Hubble – Project Superintendent for Abbott Construction put a fine point on the savings. He indicated that, “The MEM elevator allowed us to move up the whole process. Everyone can be pushed forward in sequence. Normally the elevator slows everything down. You have framers, rock and tape crews, floor prep, flooring, painters, electricians, sprinklers. They usually come out and work to the elevator openings on each floor. Then they have to stop.
With the fully installed modular elevator, all those crews complete their work in sequence. They make one trip out and no call back because the elevator’s openings came finished with door frames already installed. The results, we estimate that saved us $30,000 to $40,000 per opening.”
He went on the say, “You have a similar savings on the exterior. Framers, coping metal, parapet work was all done in sequence with no call backs. With 12 openings the savings were tremendous.”
The second MEM Awards of Excellence entry is Pop Up Park a part of Five Point – Irvine Great Park. Architectural excellence is exhibited in the way the modular elevator was seamlessly integrated into an outdoors space in a pre-purposed storage container project with beauty and elegance.
It incorporates a glass hoistway to give an open feel and less obstructed view of the surrounding 1500-acre park, soccer fields and dining area. A second-floor open walkway to the elevator is utilized making it separate from the overall structure. This important architectural detail gives a more open feel and free traffic flow. As a result of the architectural design the modular elevator was created and engineered to be a fully self-supporting structure in a high earthquake zone. In the Modern/Industrial style, the structure and awning were finished in the factory to be matte black, matching the surrounding railings and overall structure and theme. This project makes the outside a comfortable inside space.
The entire project is designed to be innovative and sustainable with use of used cargo containers creating an oasis in the vast park. The modular elevator is no exception. It is made of recyclable materials including a steel hoistway. All components are sized to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
Also, organic hydraulic fluid is used in the conveyance system. It is safe for the environment even in the unlikely event an above ground jack leaks or fails. Another innovation is a detachable, recyclable awning system that can be easily replaced as needed. This extends the life span as an outside elevator, due to weather exposure, rarely last longer than the interior parts. Lastly, the MEM elevator reduced weeks of technicians coming and going from the jobsite while the hoistway and elevator components are being built or installed. This modular elevator installed in four hours and was ready for inspection in four days.
Lastly, we hope to see you at World of Modular, but just in case you can’t make it, click the button below for a FAST TRACK QUOTE. If you want to explore more just sign up for a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR of our facility. We are open and willing answer questions and have discussions on viability for your project.
A Childlike View – Modular Elevator / Usually the posts on this blog are fact based, analytical, driven to find solutions to problems and serious. But that is not real life. I was reminded of this over the past weekend when I had the pleasure of hosting my granddaughter for a Saturday afternoon. She is just three years old and to her everything is new, a wonder, an exploration and excitement. I came to the conclusion that we all need more of that in our lives even at work. Somehow as we have matured, joy in discovery and wonder has slipped from our grasp. We replace those things with a healthy dose of skepticism, cynicism, and entrenchment. Sadly the innovation around us becomes stale, opportunities dim and adventure is cut out of the equation.
I hope that this short post wakes us from our slumber a bit and shakes us into seeing the possibilities and excitement of new opportunities. Hopefully, it will make some parallels regarding seeing the world a little less pessimistically, being open to new experiences and giving modular elevators a try. However, that is not the real purpose of the lessons learned. It is more about philosophy of life and why we need to embrace the happiness of adventure and the joy of wonder through a child’s eyes. Besides I get to post a couple photos of the cutest granddaughter in the world.
Let’s not go too overboard on the comparison. However, think about risk, thrill, wonder and trust. We can all find those things in our lives. But when was the last time you experienced it at work. Far too often we get real comfortable between the hours of 9 to 5. We reject the new for traditional, see only downside to risk, and lose wonder and trust.
Suddenly we find ourselves trapped in patterns endlessly. Yet we wonder where all the excitement went compared to when we first got started in our careers. It is often said that, if you always do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten. So, how’s that going for you? Especially regarding elevators.
So, if you will allow me permission to offer a bit of advice.
Life is far too short to continually do the same thing day in and day out. Muddling by is not how we are wired for a full life. We strive for comfort in repetition, yet it becomes the snare we have trouble extricating ourselves from.
So stretch your legs. Take a chance. Walk to the edge. You never know, you may find joy in the view.
Thanks for taking the time to read this over. I hope you take some of it to heart where it applies. I certainly will.
Now about elevators. Just because you see the risks of modular, don’t think that we don’t do the calculations, the cost estimates, the engineering and planning. Everything is ready and the whole package is prepared. We make placing a fully installed elevator extremely easy and enjoyable. Now it is up to you to take the chance and discover more.
I do feel compelled to at least mention modular elevators and the MEM Elevator System. It is the best solution for any low or midrise application. They are commercial quality and literally get installed in just a few hours.
If you would like more information or have a project in mind and would like general pricing just click the FAST TRACK button below. If you are interested, but want to learn more, click the button below for a LIVE VIRTUAL TOUR. We would be glad to solve your vertical transportation woes.