Retrofit Elevator Solution. As I was prepping a wall in my home for much needed improvement, I came to a startling truth. People follow what was done before even if it isn’t the best solution. That thought came to me as I started pealing layers of old construction off the oak studs from our 19th century farmhouse. There was a layer of quarter-inch drywall, followed by half-inch drywall under that. Those were on top of wood paneling and then plaster and lathe. Quite a difficult and messy job to bring it back down to the studs.
But, while prying, cutting, hammering and hacking through the various layers, I noticed several flocks of nails and screws tightly patterned in clusters. Like in the picture a half-dozen nails and screws were all in a three-inch area. The funny thing was that in most cases, none in the group ever hit one of the studs. Obviously, prior workers just saw where previous nails were used. They then figured if they put another one in the same place, they would hit something.
In most cases they were absolutely wrong. The original lathe was securely nailed down with a thick layer of plaster smeared into place, but after that layer it was guess work. A follow the leader mentality. It seemed as if they saw a nail or two and then would follow up with more hoping everything would hold okay.
We see that a lot in the modular elevator industry. Follow the leader is used constantly when choosing the elevator for a project. Not much thought is given, it is just hammer in another nail or turn another screw no matter the implication. It really doesn’t matter if you miss the mark just go with the flock. Why pick the best option or explore a bit more, before you start pounding away.
The result is the best solution to vertical transportation is not tried but, the status quo is the accepted norm and little additional consideration is given. This is despite, especially for retrofit projects the MEM system is always best. It is the perfect retrofit solution because is goes in easiest with the least interruption. It also takes the elevator off the critical path and places it on your timetable, when you want it delivered. Also, it can be added to the exterior or placed in the middle of a building by means of a roof penetration and holes cut at each floor.
Lastly, these are high-quality commercial elevators that are completely factory installed in the hoistway. It arrives onsite with doors, wiring, rails, cab and even elevator buttons installed. It is then craned into place in less than a couple hours.
When power is supplied the modular elevator is then turned on. Then it is setup in a process that takes less than a week. The MEM system is suitable for any low to mid-rise project making it perfect for most retrofit projects. It can of course be used for any new construction as well, traditional or modular.
I can tell you from experience nothing is more frustrating than pulling a fist full of nails out of one small section of drywall. That is especially true when none of them hits the mark. I feel you can avoid the same kind of frustration by giving us a call. Let us help you explore the better option for vertical transportation. If you have a project in mind and would like a thumbnail number, just click the link below. You will get a budget number in less than 24 hours.
If you would like to see behind the curtain we can give you a peak. We will let you see how we produce our retrofit elevator solution, in a live virtual tour. Just click below and let us know when you are available.
Elevator system out of the box thinking. The most recent project for Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) was a retrofit elevator for California State University – Long Beach. The demand for updating dormitories is growing. Many colleges and universities across the country are improving the dorms they built decades ago. They are hearing from students and parents, want to be code compliant and convenience are the main reasons. I mean who wants to carry boxes up three flights of stairs on move in day? But updating comes with challenges so an elevator system outside the box of normal thought is in need. Usually, our elevator solution is a fully installed elevator. It is a placed hoistway and all the components in less than four hours. But challenges on this job required a new way of looking at things.
As you can see in the above photographs our normal procedure had to be changed. Usually we just crane in a fully installed elevator. In four hours you can have a a fully installed elevator in place and ready for start up and inspection. But, due to the terrain in this particular job the crane could not carry the full load. The result is a little out of the box thinking was required.
As pictured the hoistway is placed first. Then cab is then inserted into the hoistway. The roof is placed next and finally the modular machine room.
“…our decades of experience allows us to provide the innovation and nimbleness for any project.”
Hugo Beltran – MEM Vice President of Sales and Marketing
It all came to together with no problems, thanks to the MEM production team. And just like in the factory, the elevator car slipped in perfectly on the rails and into the shaft.
And it was still under four hours to complete the full set. So, the customer had a completely installed elevator by noon ready for the start up procedure. Quite an accomplishment.
Hugo Beltran, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at MEM was proud of the creative thinking of the team. Everyone came together for this unique build. He said, “The MEM team performs at a high level and there is tremendous flexibility in the product. Those two factors plus our decades of experience allows us to provide the innovation and nimbleness for any project. It really shows in our success.”
In other words if you have a project for any low or mid-rise application MEM should be your first choice. Anywhere a traditional elevator can go the MEM elevator system can be a replacement.
According to Beltran, even if it takes some out of the box thinking. MEM loves a challenge.
“The key is letting us know early in the project.” Says Beltran. “If we are included at the outset of the process our system fits in smoothly and easily. Even with unique challenges.” And over the years, MEM has had several unusual challenges to say the least. The team completed a corner post elevator that no other company would take on. Glass elevators are a frequent request and large capacity elevators are a snap for MEM.
Another challenge for the entire project that updated the dormitory was the timeline of completion. Traditional elevator companies are slow. Installing the various elevator components involves carrying each into the hoistway one piece at a time. Also, elevator doors and frames are often the last components put in place.
That in turn slows down the rest of the build. Call backs are necessary. Exterior finishers, electricians and other trades must return to finish once the doors are installed. That means up to $30,000 an opening or more. There is no slowdown of other trades with the MEM system.
In conclusion, you can partner with us too! If you have a low to mid-rise job that needs an elevator system click a button below. You can sign up for a live, virtual tour of our facility. Or you can get a FastTrack budget number for your project. We will honestly answer any questions you may have. We can supply you with a Fast Track quote in 24 hours. MEM – Quality Elevators taking you to a higher level.