SCHINDLER SELLS JAPAN OPERATIONS TO OTIS
Schindler has agreed to sell its Japan operations to Otis, citing Schindler's "historically small overall market share (approximately 1%)" in Japan and withdrawal from the new-installation elevator market there 10 years ago. The company observed it has “found a strong and reputable owner for its business in Japan with local employees retained as part of the new ownership structure.” Schindler adds it will “remain in Japan to meet its legal and societal obligations with respect to ongoing legal cases, and will take all necessary actions until these are resolved."
GROENWOLDT PROMOTED BY LERCH BATES IN CHICAGO
Derek Groenwoldt has been promoted by Lerch Bates Inc. from project to regional manager in the Chicago office of its Elevator Consulting Group. Groenwoldt joined the company in 2012 and has more than 13 years of industry experience. Vice President of the Northeast Area Eric Rupe, to whom Groenwoldt will report, said Groenwoldt has played a prominent role in the modernization market in Chicago and has been instrumental in regional growth. In Groenwoldt's new role, he oversees new construction, modernization and maintenance management.
FIREFIGHTER RECOVERING AFTER ELEVATOR SHAFT FALL
A Chicago firefighter was recovering in a local hospital on April 2 after falling two stories down an elevator shaft in an apartment building where he and fellow firefighters responded to an April 1 fire in which a resident died, the Chicago Tribune reports. With visibility low due to smoke, the firefighter, who is in 40s, apparently thought the elevator door was the door to an apartment or closet, opened it, and fell. The elevator had failed at least two inspections and was out of service. After the April 1 accident, the Chicago Department of Buildings ordered the owner to install plywood over the elevator door to block access.
