by Shane Henson — June 24, 2011—Otis Elevator Company, a unit of United Technologies Corp., was recently awarded a contract to fully refurbish and modernize the Empire State Building’s 68 elevators. As part of this contract, given through Empire State Building Company, Otis was also awarded a ten-year maintenance contract.
The elevator upgrade is the final component of the $550 million dollar Empire State ReBuilding renovation and modernization program. Otis officials say completion of the elevator upgrade and ongoing maintenance by the company will deliver improved speed, energy efficiency, and passenger experience.
The 68 modernized elevators will transport the close to 10 million tenants and office and observatory visitors each year in state-of-the-art, modern equipment. Through the use of Otis’ Compass Destination Management system and during peak operating periods, the elevators will transport passengers to their destinations up to 20 to 40 percent faster than conventional elevators in other modern commercial buildings, Otis officials say. Also, using Otis ReGen drives, the company expects the modernized elevators will improve efficiency and the return of regenerated energy back into the building grid, reducing elevator energy usage by as much as 30 percent.
Through its partnership with the Empire State Building, Otis officials say they are further emphasizing the company’s steadfast commitment to working with their customers and suppliers to show them The Way to Green, Otis’ global environmental program, which spans every aspect of its operations, from design and manufacturing to products and end-of-life recycling.
