Memco News - from Halma PR - visit www.memco.co.uk

The new emergency telephone system from Memco Ltd., the Memcom, has now been rolled out across Europe. The flexibility of the product means that it can fulfil EN81-28* requirements all over the continent, and its functionality, feature list and production quality reflect the reputation of the company in the elevator safety industry.

The Memcom has been designed with extensive installer and end-user input, and incorporates a variety of features to make installation, setup and continued use as easy and simple as possible. An on-unit keypad, backlit LCD and microphone all help to ease programming of numbers and messages, and the MPS (Multi Point Station) accessory is suitable for the motor room, pit and under-car locations instead of needing different units for all three.

EN81-28 compliance is offered in two variants, both of which offer excellent usability and reliability. The first option is to use the free Memcom ETR software, which is installed on to a PC allowing it to manage EN81-28 alarm calls and data directly from multiple lift installations on its local database. The software also offers remote programming and alarm notification functions.

The second option, Globalnet, is an innovation in data management for the lift industry, using tried and tested online database technology on a secure web server. Users can log into the Memco Globalnet site to view, manage and edit their own database of lift installations and preferences through any web browsing device, with a hierarchy of user permissions. If an EN81-28 test call is missed, an email or SMS text message alert is immediately and automatically sent to a designated person for rapid response. If further calls are missed, the notification can be automatically escalated and directed to different recipients. This new, unique service is being offered free for the first year for email notifications, and provides an unprecedented ease of use and control for the management of test call compliance.

*EN81-28 2004 requires that a lift emergency telephone device is checked every 3 days or less by simulating an emergency call (automatic test), and that any battery supporting the system has a minimum of 1 hour of life.

Comments (0) »

To accompany the launch of the new Memcom emergency telephone system for lifts, www.memcom.eu has been created to provide information and extensive details about all aspects of the product and its unique benefits. Installation guides, technical specifications and useful data about the system are all available on this dedicated website.

Developed with the aid of extensive customer feedback, the Memcom has been designed to make installation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance as easy as possible. Features include: up to 8 Memcoms per phone line, technical alarm talkback facility, battery backup, optional GSM unit, a backlit LCD screen, and programming options ranging from the illuminated keypad to remote access via phone or PC.

In addition to that, the unit can perform automatic EN81-28 test calls either direct to a PC with Memcom ETR software, or to Memco Globalnet – a brand new web-hosted service that tracks calls and manages lift data for all a company’s installations. This information can then be viewed and even administered from any internet connected device (with the appropriate secure log-in codes, of course). The software can also be easily set up to send out automated alerts via text or email to specified personnel when a test call is missed, to ensure EN81-28 compliance at all times autonomously.

Comments (0) »

Memco Ltd, the world’s leading lift safety edge manufacturer, is launching a new emergency lift alarm device – Memcom. The company has worked closely with customers to build a high quality product that offers a flexible solution to the demands set by compliance regulations, and is easy to install and program.

The Memcom features a keypad, backlit LCD display and built-in microphone for feedback and convenience during setup. Research during product development showed that the most common cause of Autodialler returns was due to incorrect unit programming, rather than actual hardware faults. The LCD display decreases this likelihood as the engineer can clearly see what he is programming into the unit – the LCD is backlit so it is easy to read even in a dark lift shaft.

Fitting is straightforward, either on top of the lift car or behind the car operating panel. Also available is a single, versatile Multi Point Station accessory, as opposed to other diallers that need different units for the Motor Room, pit and under car. The Memco MPS provides local communication between three different lift points with the same unit.

The Memcom provides two easy and flexible methods for complying with EN81-28* safety regulations. Using Memcom ETR software (free of charge) and a PC, the user can receive EN81-28 data directly from multiple lift installations, and maintain their own database on that PC. Additionally the software provides the capability to remotely program the diallers and receive alarm calls through the system.

The second option builds on proven remote data management software, collating and hosting compliance data on a secure web server. Users can log into Memco Globalnet to view and manage their own database online through any internet connection. Test calls are free for the first year using this method, and if a fault is detected or an expected call is missed, an email or SMS alert is immediately and automatically sent out. This pro-active feature means the user does not have to manually enter the system to check that all diallers have logged themselves as working correctly. It is a comprehensive solution to EN81-28 regulations, and provides a clear record of compliance.

Three separate voice messages can be recorded on the Memcom: ‘Location’, ‘Guidance’ and ‘Reassurance’. These custom messages ensure that trapped customers know their alarm call has been heard and help is on its way, and can guide the call operator in order to effect a quick release. The powerful battery of the Memcom can support the whole system, including an optional GSM module, should the mains supply be interrupted.

*EN81-28 2004 requires that a lift emergency telephone device is checked every 3 days or less by simulating an emergency call (automatic test), and that any battery supporting the system has a minimum of 1 hour of life.

Comments (0) »

John Taylor, resident of Cambridge, recently contacted Memco Ltd. about their Panachrome lift door safety edges. Mr Taylor is partially sighted, but clearly saw the bright red and green indicator lights from the system installed in Waterstone’s book store in Cambridge, and tracked down the manufacturers to tell them what he thought:

“I just wanted to let you know how impressed I have been with your Panachrome product, it was installed on two lifts in Cambridge when they were refurbished by Accord Lift Services, and they are a real help to me. The extra safety provided by the two coloured light sensors is really worth it I think, and I will actually be recommending it to a shopping centre manager I know for installation on all their lifts. I just wish more lift companies would install them as standard as they are of such great benefit – I really think it would help a lot of people. Many lifts are very difficult for people with impaired vision to use easily, and even ones which are DDA compliant could and should do more.”

He explained how such everyday activities as using automatic doors or reading signs and menus can be made into unnecessary challenges due only to a lack of forethought. “It’s not hard to have a large-print menu, or to install large buttons, but it can make a huge difference every single day. Even if someone had just forgotten their glasses, why not make it easy for them? The coloured lights from the Panachrome were something I hadn’t seen before, and I think they are a great way to help people like me. I really recommend them.”

Mr. Taylor has taken an admirably active stance in response to the challenges he encounters, and his energy for educating people about issues such as this has already led to enlightened attitudes and improved services from several companies and organisations.

Panachrome is Memco’s combined detector and indicator system for lift doors: as with other detectors, it uses a criss-crossing web of infra-red beams to detect any obstructions to the doors, and prevents them from closing on anyone or anything. What makes Panachrome different is that it also has LED lights on the door edges which flash ‘green for go’ when they are opening and ‘red for stop’ when closing, clearly and easily informing passengers of when it is safe to enter the lift. Importantly, these coloured indicators draw attention to the detectors themselves –several buildings where the system has been fitted have received positive feedback from users, not least because lift safety was something they simply had not thought about before.

Comments (0) »

March 2008 saw the official opening of Memco Limited’s impressive new production plant in the Czech Republic. The 4000 sq m new building is sited in the southern Bohemian city of Ceske Budejovice – an ideal central European distribution hub allowing easy access to the motorway network.

Memco is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of lift safety edges, and rapidly increasing product demand has led to the development of this purpose-built factory. Nearly all Memco’s production is now housed under one roof, effectively streamlining the assembly operations. There is now capacity to produce 3000 sets of detectors per week – increasing to 3500 from May 2008. Jan Doubal, Memco’s Production Director, commented: “We have been using production facilities in the Czech Republic since 1999, but this is the first time that manufacturing and assembly have all been brought together. We currently have 160 staff and will be looking to increase that figure to 200 over coming year.” The plant has space on the adjoining site to expand production facilities by a further 50% as and when demand outgrows the current production capacity.

Andrew Williams, Chief Executive of Halma p.l.c., Memco’s parent company, cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of this new facility. He warmly welcomed a number of local dignitaries including Jan Zahradnik, Chairman of South Bohemia District Council, Juraj Thoma, Mayor of Ceske Budejovice and Mike Moon, Head of Trade and Investment from the British Embassy in Prague.

All guests were taken on a walking tour of the new facility and had the opportunity to see the state of the art technology at work. All work areas are built to suit work flow patterns and individual products, helping employees understand how their individual contribution fits in to the overall product build. The management team are particularly satisfied with the working environment – air conditioned, well lit, wide aisles and modern high-tech machinery.

Peter Bailey, Managing Director of Memco, who co-hosted the event, expressed his thoughts on the new development: “We are delighted with the success of our continued investment in the region, and opening this facility is a great boost to our production capacity and efficiency. We originally planned this building to give us enough space for future growth into the next decade; however increasing business volumes may see a further expansion earlier than we expected.”

Local media extensively covered the event, and several emphasised the links that Memco could provide to the community and particularly schools in the area. Local education establishments area are keen to make sure that they are providing students with the appropriate knowledge for the world of commerce and Memco will be working with them to help build suitable learning modules.

Memco sits with sister companies Janus, TL Jones and E-Motive within the Elevator Safety Division of Halma p.l.c., a FTSE 250 company with an annual turnover of £350 million. In addition to a wide range of safety edges, accessories and emergency telephones for lifts, Memco also supplies lift displays across Europe, Africa and South America. Sister companies TL Jones and Janus ensure that the same extensive product ranges are on offer across Asia and North America respectively.

Comments (0) »

The Ringhotel ‘Zum Roten Bären’ is sited in the historical town of Freiburg, Germany, as it has been since 1120 – holding the honour of being the oldest inn in the country. Far from being outdated however, guests experience a traditional atmosphere but with the benefits that modern technology can bring. In keeping with this theme, family owners the Eschgers have recently taken the decision to upgrade their resident elevator with Memco’s Panachrome lift safety edges.

The light curtain technology uses 154 diagonal infra-red beams on the elevator doors to detect even the smallest objects that might obstruct closure, surpassing the requirements of EN 81 and preventing accidents. The safety provided by the light curtain is reinforced by the Panachrome system’s unique feature: when the doors are opening, green LED lights illuminate the edges to indicate that it is safe to pass; when the doors are about to close these lights will flash red as a warning to be careful. If the doorway remains clear, the lights will then go to a solid red until the doors are fully closed.

In the past, the lift doors had been known to close on bags, suitcases, or even people if they had begun to close as guests were entering the lift. Since the installation, the response to the premium security provided by the new Panachrome system has been very positive, from both hotel guests and the Eschgers.

Further information about the hotel can be found at www.roter-baeren.de, and more information about Panachrome and the rest of the Memco range at www.memco.co.uk.

Comments (0) »

Memco Ltd, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of lift safety edges, has appointed Michaël Bouaziz to the newly-created role of Sales Manager for the South of France. Michaël is based in Lyon and is in close contact with Memco’s main French office in Paris.

Michaël has a degree qualification in both Sales and Production and joins Memco from previous employment in the barcode industry where he was Retail Account Manager of France.

This new sales position has been developed to support and develop Memco’s service and sales activity in the south for France. Michaël is enthusiastic about shaping this new role, saying: “I am looking forward to promoting Memco’s range of products in this region, where there is definite potential for growth. In particular, there are some brand new products such as the Pana40+ 3DX – the first of a new generation in Memco’s 3D range – that are very easy to get behind and offer exciting possibilities for future development.”

Comments (0) »

Memco Ltd, the world’s leading lift door safety specialist, has appointed Simon Goffin to the position of Finance Director.

Simon is a Fellow of CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), and he joins Memco from Capita Symonds Limited. He spent 4 years there, initially as Financial Controller and subsequently as Divisional Finance Director.  Prior to that, Simon was Financial Controller at Arthur Sanderson and Sons Ltd.

Simon is enthusiastic about his new role, and confirmed that he was “looking forward to working for an organization with such a successful track record.  Though Memco has the backing of Halma, a large plc, there is still a high degree of autonomy which drives the business forward.  One of my early initiatives will involve streamlining the accounting processes at Head Office to cover recent growth across Memco’s European branches.”

Comments (0) »

Memco Ltd. is the world’s leading lift door safety company, having recently sold its landmark millionth set of infra-red light curtains.

Their Panachrome range combines a 154 beam light curtain with coloured door indicators, which alert passengers when the doors are opening (green) or closing (red).  If the beams are interrupted, the indicators will revert to green as the doors open again.  The latest addition to the range is the Ultraslim edge, which boasts a slim profile of only 10mm, and is IP65 rated and compliant with the Disabilities Discrimination Act. 

The Panachrome 3D is especially suited for installations where extra safety is required, and where the elevators will be used for transporting both people and objects.  For example, the system has been installed in elevators throughout the British Library, where the 3D detection has greatly reduced the incidence of the doors closing on book carts.  This has minimised the chances of damage being done to the trolleys, the doors, or even the people accompanying them.  In addition, the illuminated edges clearly indicate when it is safe to enter or leave the lift, and give increased confidence to lift users.

In addition to light curtains and door edges, Memco also produce other door safety detectors, inductive loops, emergency lift telephones and call management software.  Lift display matrices have also been recently added to the product range.

Comments (0) »

Leading lift door safety specialist Memco has appointed Karl Westhead to the newly-created position of Engineering Director, where he will oversee new product design and development.

 Karl was previously Product Development Manager leading a team of 30 engineers at Visteon Corporation, formerly part of the Ford Motor Company.  Karl has a first class degree in Electronics from Durham, and a Masters in Automotive Engineering from Loughborough University.

 Of his new appointment Karl said; ‘I am looking forward to continuing Memco’s tradition in the development of exciting new products and technologies.  As a result of Memco’s commitment to Advanced Product Development we will be increasing investment in R&D to ensure that we remain the global market leader, and supplier of choice, in light curtain technology”.

Comments (0) »