KONE and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) Celebrate Escalator Modernization Award
LISLE, Ill. - KONE Inc. today honored the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA), the governing body that manages and operates Cobo Center in Detroit, with a plaque lauding the building's recent designation as an Elevator World magazine 2013 Project of the Year. Cobo Center, currently in the midst of a three-year expansion and upgrade program, won in the escalator modernization category for its recent upgrade of 14 escalators throughout the building.
The award-winning project featured the KONE EcoMod(TM) escalator modernization solution, a first-of-its-kind approach to replacing the entire inner workings of an escalator unit without removing the truss, thereby lowering the cost of the project and decreasing disruption to building visitors during construction. The solution also allowed the construction to be finished in time for the 2013 North American International Auto Show, held January 14 to 27, when 795,416 people passed through the building.
"We are delighted to present this plaque to the authority, commemorating the award-winning escalator modernization project," said Dennis Gerard, Senior VP of KONE North Region. "The award is a testament to the authority's commitment in renovating the Cobo Center to become a world-class facility while preventing disruption to facility access or events held during construction."
Patrick Bero, CEO/CFO of the Cobo Authority, said that KONE's efficient elevator and escalator solutions will help Cobo Center continue to reduce its energy costs and impact on the environment.
"The Cobo Authority is very pleased with the performance and reliability of KONE's elevators and escalators," Bero said. "The upgrades to these critical systems have enabled the Authority to increase customer satisfaction and safety while reducing our energy and maintenance costs."
KONE also recently worked with the DRCFA to modernize 13 elevators throughout Cobo Center with the majority being upgraded with the award winning KONE ReVolution(TM) solution, a complete elevator system upgrade that delivers gearless performance, lower energy costs, shorter waiting times, improved ride quality, and an environmentally responsible product.
For over a decade, Elevator World has recognized projects from around the world that highlight innovative design, special applications or unique problem solving solutions in vertical, horizontal or inclined transportation. In order to be selected as a winner, each project is reviewed by a distinguished panel of industry specialists and judged on innovation, originality and creativity, as well as installation methods and techniques. A complete list of award winners, including KONE, can be found in the January 2013 issue of the magazine.
For further information, please contact:
Kellie Lindquist
Marketing Manager
KONE Inc.
tel. +1 630 955 4202
About KONE
KONE is one of the global leaders in the elevator and escalator industry. The company has been committed to understanding the needs of its customers for the past century, providing industry-leading elevators, escalators and automatic building doors as well as innovative solutions for modernization and maintenance. The company's objective is to offer the best People Flow(TM) experience by developing and delivering solutions that enable people to move smoothly, safely, comfortably and without waiting in buildings in an increasingly urbanizing environment. In 2012, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 6.3 billion and around 40,000 employees. KONE class B shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd in Finland.
www.kone.us
SOURCE
KONE Inc.
Web Site: www.kone.com
