SAN FRANCISCO, APRIL 29, 2009 – KONE Inc. today showed off its award-winning architectural design flair, unveiling new elevator interior designs based on changing seasonal hues and colors of nature at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2009 National Convention and Design Exposition in San Francisco. The KONE Design Collection – a new series of cab interior design offerings for KONE Elevator solutions – focuses on lighting, wall and ceiling designs, as well as next generation signalization and regenerative drive technology.
The Design Collection offers a series of colors, textures and patterns that enhance any cab’s interior, while still delivering the form and function associated with KONE, an industry leading provider of People Flow™ solutions. Working as a theme or individual components, the Design Collection compliments any architectural context or vision. Designed by architects and based on KONE’s 2006 Four Seasons concept, the Design Collection comes in color laminate, wood laminate, stainless steel or glass, which provides an endless number of design possibilities.
“Our goal is to help architects more easily achieve their total vision of a building by providing them with options in colors and textures that carry interior design concepts. These new offerings demonstrate and confirm KONE as the leader in design integration in addition to being a leader in energy-efficient equipment and modernization solutions.”
Earlier this year, KONE’s new offering took home the prestigious 2008 Good Design Award, given by the Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. Good Design Awards recognize products and graphics that highlight the best-of-the-best in design innovation. KONE is the first ever elevator manufacturer to be recognized with this award.
In addition to the new Design Collection, KONE is also introducing a new set of signalization - the next generation of car operating panels. The new signalization designs range from solid colors, neon colors to designs of light and glass, which significantly enhance the interior of elevators and contribute to providing the best possible user experience. A smooth ride and reliable performance ensure the ideal people flow, while the car interior design creates a pleasing aesthetic experience for each passenger.
While cab interiors will have a new look, the enhanced KONE elevator solutions will continue using the same proven technology of the KONE EcoDisc® system - one of the most environmentally sound elevator concepts in the industry. The KONE EcoDisc is the power behind all KONE elevator solutions including KONE’s Machine Room-Less elevator which consumes 70 percent less energy than a hydraulic elevator and 50 percent less than a geared traction elevator drive, making it the most Eco-efficient™ elevator in the market today.
For more news and information on KONE’s all new Design Collection or Eco-efficient solutions for people flow visit www.KONE.com or call 877-276-8691.
About KONE
KONE’s objective is to offer the best people flow experience by developing and delivering solutions that enable people to move smoothly, safely, comfortably and without waiting in buildings in an increasingly urbanizing environment. KONE provides its customers with industry-leading elevators, escalators and innovative solutions for modernization and maintenance, and is one of the global leaders in its industry. In 2008, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 4.6 billion and over 34,800 employees. KONE class B shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd in Finland.
www.kone.com
For further information, please contact:
Kellie Lindquist, Marketing Manager, KONE Inc., tel. (309) 743-505 email – kellie.lindquist@kone.com