Elevator safety and communication system specialist Memco has appointed Nancy Li as its new general manager for sales and marketing in China. Ms Li will be responsible for all Memco’s sales and marketing activities within China and will be the first point of customer contact for large OEMs. She will also provide support to the company’s sister company TL Jones.

Elevator safety and communication system specialist Memco has appointed Nancy Li as its new general manager for sales and marketing in China.

Commenting on her new role, Ms Li said: “I am very enthusiastic about working with Memco to increase its presence in China. The company’s elevator safety and communications systems are ideally suited to help Chinese building operators meet ever-increasing regulations and standards.”

“With over 10 years’ experience in sales, with extensive overseas work experience, Ms Li is a welcome addition to Memco’s global family and we believe she will make a positive contribution to the company’s continuing success,” said Memco’s Managing Director Paul Simmons.“

Ms Li joins Memco from Sematic Elevator Products (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., where she worked as a Business Development Manager. Prior to that she was a Sales and Marketing Manager for Nanjing Nemak Aluminium Foundry Co. Ltd.

Comments (0) »

New sensor allows elevator displays to show floor number and direction

Memco’s Elevator Position System provides information to an elevator’s displays about floor number, direction arrow and the direction of travel; this is then seen by passengers on the car display screen.  A magnet is located on each floor and, as a sensor attached to the elevator car passes a magnet, it increases or decreases the floor number depending on the direction of travel.

Memco Elevator Position System

The Elevator Position System works in tandem with an elevator display screen and customers can order from a variety of packages, some of which include screens and accessories, to suit their application and assist in making ordering as efficient as possible.

Xavier Fortin, Memco’s Displays Business Manager, explains: “Memco designed this system to make the installation and upgrading of elevators with the latest display technology as easy as possible.”

For example, the ‘Premium Package’ consists of an Evolution S1 7” ultraslim LCD Display screen, lens, SD card, and stainless steel faceplate in addition to the sensor unit kit which is the basic system. The ‘Standard Package’ option contains the Evolution R1 Display at 4.3”, lens, SD card, and faceplate in addition to the sensor unit kit.

Extremely versatile and low-maintenance, the Elevator Position System works with all elevator applications with speeds of up to 3.6 metres/second and can cover up to 32 floors. Installation is simple requiring the sensor to be mounted on a bracket, and a magnet is glued at each floor level.

Comments (0) »

Memco Limited has launched its new Memco E-Series range of safety light curtains for elevators. Developed using 40 years of design and manufacturing experience, this is a reliable and cost effective option for both new and existing installations. It is being introduced to replace the Memco Elite range which has had over 1 million installations worldwide since 1998.

Memco launches E-Series Safety Light Curtains for Elevators

Suitable for either static or dynamic installation, the Memco E-Series range features a diagnostic LED with enhanced timeout as standard, meaning the detectors will continue working in the event of a diode fault. In addition, sunlight immunity of over 100,000 LUX ensures the detectors will operate even when exposed to full sunlight.

16, 18, 32 and 40 diode versions deliver a versatile range, while an extended range of voltages from +11vDC to +42vDC make them ideal for busy service companies.  In conjunction with the absence of a communication wire between the Tx and Rx, this reduces installation time for the engineer as no setting-up or configuration is required.

The range features Memco’s patented ‘sleep mode’ which extends the lifetime of the infra-red emitters. This is also provided as standard, together with Memco’s timeout software. In addition, a diagnostic LED with enhanced timeouts means the detector will continue working in the event of a diode fault. The combination of these features ensures that the elevator will be in service more consistently than those fitted with alternative competitor products.

The flexibility offered by different numbers of diodes ensures a wide range of detection capabilities, with the 32 and 40 diode systems providing a dense infra-red beam pattern that detects even small objects between the doors. For those needing a premium safety option, the 40 diode version supports 194 criss-cross beams to close.

Memco’s R&D Director Karl Westhead explained: “Our extensive customer research has led Memco to develop and produce a worthy successor to the Elite range. The Memco E-series is world class, setting a new benchmark for reliability and safety with its innovative design that uses the latest surface mount technology to deliver a truly versatile, future proof range of detectors.”

Comments (0) »

Memco Limited launched two new products at this year’s Interlift exhibition in Germany: the new E-Series range of safety edges and a new LED elevator lighting system.

Memco’s E-Series safety edges are a reliable and cost effective option for both new and existing installations. Suitable for either static or dynamic installation, they feature a diagnostic LED with enhanced timeout, meaning they will continue working in the event of a diode fault. In addition, sunlight immunity of over 100,000 LUX ensures the detectors will operate even when exposed to full sunlight. 16, 18, 32 and 40 diode versions deliver a wide detector range, while an extended range of voltages from +11vDC to +42vDC provide  greater versatility, making them ideal for busy service companies.

Memco’s new LED elevator lighting is specifically designed for use in both new installations and modernisation projects. Housed in a robust controller box, the system has all cabling pre-wired and connectivity for up to 6 LEDs, allowing quick and easy installation. In the event of a power failure, it provides emergency lighting for 120 minutes due to its battery backup. With a 50,000 hour life, the LED lamps use only 10% of the power of conventional incandescent or fluorescent lighting and, by emitting less heat, they ensure a much reduced energy cost. They have 25 times the lifespan of halogen lamps and produce a bright, clear light for increased safety and visibility, dimmer options are also available.

In addition to these new products Memco will also be exhibiting its extensive existing range of elevator safety products, including its popular Panachrome safety edge range, with patented technology, and its Memcom and G3X emergency telephone systems.

Visitors had the opportunity to see Memco’s Surfguard product, a dual PIR system which deters intruders from accessing the top of the elevator car top.

Interlift, held in the city of Augsburg every two years, is one of the world’s major elevator exhibitions, attracting over 18,000 visitors in 2009.

Comments (0) »

Memco Limited has launched a new LED elevator lighting system, designed specifically for plug and play installation in both new installations and modernisation projects. The LED lamps produce a bright, clear light in the elevator cabin, increasing safety and visibility.

LED elevator lighting

Photo 1: http://halmapr.com/memco/LED1.jpg

Photo 2: http://halmapr.com/memco/LED2.jpg

Conventional incandescent or fluorescent lighting uses 90% more power than LED lamps, and, by emitting less heat over their 50,000 hour life, the LEDs ensure a much reduced energy cost. They also have 25 times the lifespan of halogen lamps, meaning less service visits and money saved on engineer call-outs.

Housed in a robust controller box, the LED system has all cabling pre-wired and connectivity for up to 6 LEDs, allowing quick and easy installation on site. In the event of a power failure, it also provides emergency power for 1 lamp for 120 minutes due to its battery backup.

Two models are available, including a premium, eco-friendly option with a PIR feature which switches off the lamps when the doors are closed and no movement is detected for a set time, to save energy.  Both models feature an integrated dimmer feature that can be set to suit the application: lower intensity for spas and hotels, and higher for hospitals and clinics.

Comments (0) »

Elevator safety and communication company also expands its European sales force

Memco Limited has appointed Andy Harbidge as its new Sales and Marketing Director. Andy has extensive sales, marketing and business development experience gained at Wayne, a GE Energy Business, where he held directorial positions over the previous two years. Prior to that he spent over 10 years in the telecom industry with Prysmian Telecom, (formerly Pirelli Cables) in various senior sales and marketing roles. Andy has a Civil and Structural Engineering degree from Sheffield University and gained an MBA in 2006 from Bath University.

New Memco employees

Commenting on his appointment, Andy said: “I’m looking forward to this new, exciting stage in the company’s growth. Using my extensive sales and marketing experience I am confident we can deliver what the market really needs.”

Memco has also expanded its European sales team with the appointment of Jorge Corpas as its new Country Sales Manager for Spain and Portugal, and Thibault Beaucornu as its Sales Manager for the south of France. Thibault adds regional coverage to Memco’s Paris-based French operation and will enable the company to greatly expand its activities in the south of the country.

Both Jorge and Thibault have a solid grounding in engineering and a great deal of technical sales experience.

Managing Director Paul Simmons said of the new appointments: “Bringing in Andy as Sales and Marketing Director will help give the company renewed focus, not just in Europe but also in the expanding global markets. Looking closer to home, Jorge and Thibault are fantastic sales people and will, I believe, really help us deliver to our Spanish and French customers.”

Comments (0) »

185 3D door safety systems and 600 dot matrix displays installed

Memco and its sister company TL Jones have teamed up to supply 185 Pana40+ 3D elevator door safety systems and 600 dot matrix elevator displays to the Delhi Metro in India. The systems will be installed in over 200 elevators supplied to Delhi Metro by Kone and Johnson Lifts.

The Delhi Metro system, with an insert showing the how Memco’s Pana 40+3D safety system detects a person approaching the elevator doors

Photo: http://halmapr.com/memco/DelhiMetro_Pana_40_3D insert.jpg (840 KB)
(Photo caption: The Delhi Metro system, with an insert showing the how Memco’s Pana 40+3D safety system detects a person approaching the elevator doors)

Memco’s Pana40+ 3D system incorporates two independent detection systems: the first is a light curtain of infra-red beams criss-crossing the elevator car’s doors; the second is a 3D proximity detection system in the landing zone. Any object interrupting the direct beams or reflections within the 3D detection zone will trigger the system and re-open the elevator doors.

Specific benefits of the Pana40+ 3D include increased passenger safety and improved traffic flow, as well as reduced collisions between trolleys, wheelchairs, pushchairs etc and the elevator doors. Typical applications include busy public buildings such as public transport systems, passenger terminals, hospitals, shopping centres, hotels and offices.

The detectors are manufactured in various profiles to suit a wide variety of elevator doors, including both centre-opening and side-opening doors. More information on the Pana40 3D range can be found here: http://www.memco.co.uk/en/pana40+3d/index.html .

In addition to the door safety systems, 600 dot matrix displays were supplied by TL Jones, Memco’s sister company in India, for installation in 200 elevators throughout the Delhi Metro system. Three displays are installed for each of the elevators: one in the interior and one on each of the elevators’ two landings.

Memco is now also marketing elevator displays throughout its European, African and South American sales territories.

The Delhi Metro is a rapid transit system built and operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited, serving Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida in the National Capital Region of India. The network consists of six lines with a total length of 156 kilometres (97 miles) with 132 stations. It utilises a combination of elevated, ground level and underground lines.

2 Comments »

The latest addition to Memco’s COMMANDER™ suite of touch-enabled elevator control products

Memco has released the L1 landing call station module, the latest addition to its COMMANDER™ suite of touch-enabled elevator control products.

Photo: http://halmapr.com/memco/L1_LCS.jpg (560 KB)

Using the latest touch-screen technology,  the EN-81-70 compliant COMMANDER™ L1 landing call station module has a static display that can be customised to the building, with bespoke options to cover a choice of colour, branding and arrow styles  to suit the design remit, building feel and project budget.

Available for either flush or surface mounting, the L1 is easily retrofitted in modernisation projects and can also be included as a new OEM standard item.

Like the whole COMMANDER™ range, the L1 is vandal-proof and resistant to dust and liquids.   Because of its toughened glass construction, the module is naturally more resistant to germs than porous surfaces. With its dual illumination, elevator calls are clearly visible to the user.

The COMMANDER™ suite includes printed glass and LCD car operating panels and LCD building information centres.

Comments (0) »

Yet another milestone for the Memcom in Europe

Memco’s hugely successful Memcom elevator emergency telephone has achieved another milestone, achieving certification by the renowned TÜV AUSTRIA Group. One of Europe’s leading and most respected certification bodies, the TÜV AUSTRIA Group is a fully independent institution providing testing, accreditations and certifications to companies from across Europe. Its certifications are recognised worldwide as being of the highest standard.

The Memcom was tested in collaboration with the ÖWD, the largest service centre for elevator emergency calls in Austria (www.notrufcervicecentre.at).

As part of the certification process Memco’s ETR software was installed to monitor EN81-28* test calls and technical calls to check the battery, microphone and loudspeaker.  Pressing the emergency button in the elevator cabin automatically connected the phone to the ÖWD service centre. A pre-recorded location message then identified the elevator location, allowing the call handler to effect a rescue.

The Memcom 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. The flexibility of the product means that it also fulfils EN81-28 safety requirements across Europe.

For more information about the TÜV AUSTRIA Group please see:  http://www.tuev.at/start/browse/Webseiten/TUV%20Austria%20Services/Aufzugstechnik .

*EN81-28 2004 requires that an elevator 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) »

Memco Limited is celebrating a ground-breaking first year in sales for Memcom, its elevator emergency telephone, with exceptional sales across Europe. Paul Monger, Memco’s Senior UK Sales Manager, summed up the achievement: “We were confident we had an excellent autodialler in Memcom, having built the product to address issues customers were reporting with other autodiallers available at the time. The speed and level of success of the product in its first year has surprised even us though, and proves that by listening to customers’ needs  we can deliver a product with the essential features and benefits.”

Memco’s Memcom Emergency Elevator Telephone Scores 10/10

Photo: http://halmapr.com/memco/mem0109memcom.jpg (530 KB)

Michael Hadlow, Head of Operations for the Nova Lift Company in Kent has switched purchase of all autodiallers to the new Memcom because of what he refers to as ‘economics’. Michael clarified: “The product is very reliable and because of that we experience less down-time with our elevators; the ease of installation of the Memcom also means we can keep labour costs down, as engineers can complete the installation quickly.”  Back-up support and EN81-28* compliance were also important factors for Michael, who has now instructed the group’s Spanish elevator supplier to procure and fit Memcom for all their modernisation and service work across the Nova group – testimony indeed to the superiority of this autodialler.

The quality and reliability of the Memcom are cited by many customers as the basis for their choice. Steve Cooling, Account Manager for Orona, an elevator manufacturer based in Sheffield, endorsed the new Memco auto-dialler: “For us the Memcom scores 10/10 and we are very happy with the product. The biggest plus point is the ease of set-up, with the backlit LCD display on the unit clearly showing the programming and status information. For all our customers the quicker the better in terms of installation and programming time and the Memcom has halved this for our engineers. We are also impressed with the delivery time on these units.”

Vernon Charlesworth, an elevator engineer from Wigan Council echoed these opinions: ‘Memco’s autodialler is an extremely reliable piece of equipment and that alone is one of the main reasons for our purchasing decision. The price is good and we are happy with the phone’s unique features such as the pre-programmed reassurance message. We also have the added benefit of knowing the Memcom is backed by Memco’s warranty and we can refer any issues.”

Memcom 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. The flexibility of the product means that it also fulfils EN81-28 safety requirements across Europe.

Memcom is now available in German, French, Spanish and Italian versions. Please refer to http://www.memcom.eu/ for further details.

*EN81-28 2004 requires that an elevator 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) »