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Stay on Corporate siteKONE announces the introduction of a new technology platform, KONE MaxiSpace™ that eliminates the need for counterweights in elevators.
Elevators using this technology can have cabins as much as one-third larger than traditional elevators designed for the same hoistway space. In many cases KONE will be able to offer a 6- or even 8-passenger elevator where previously only a 4-passenger unit could have been installed. In addition to increasing an elevator’s capacity, KONE MaxiSpace™ enhances passenger comfort and improves access for wheelchairs and prams.
At the heart of the new platform are the KONE PowerDisc™ hoisting machine and roping arrangement using high-tensile-strength ropes. KONE PowerDisc™ is a gearless motor that weighs only 70 kg. It is as powerful as machines many times its size.
MaxiSpace™ technology will enable KONE to supplement its product line with new offerings designed especially for the existing-building market. Of the 4.1 million elevators in service in Europe, more than two-thirds are over 20 years old. The market for replacing these existing elevators or adding elevators to buildings by inserting slim hoistways into existing stairwells is expected to increase greatly as both the population and the installed elevator base continue to grow older.
Additional information about products based on KONE MaxiSpace™ technology and their market launch will be released later in the year.
Press Conference, Webcast and Teleconference
A meeting for the press will be held on 29 March, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. Finnish time at KONE Building, Keilasatama 3, Espoo. The meeting will be conducted in Finnish.
A telephone conference designed especially for journalists, conducted in English, will begin at 3:00 p.m. Finnish time, and will also be available as an audio webcast at www.konecorp.com. Callers may access the conference directly at the following telephone numbers:
Non-US callers: +44 (0) 20 7162 0183
US callers: +1 334 323 6203
Password: KONE
An on-demand version of the conference will be available at www.konecorp.com later the same day.
Sender:
KONE Corporation
Tapio Hakakari
Secretary to the Board of Directors
Aimo Rajahalme
Executive Vice President,
Finance and Information Services
For further information, please contact:
Heikki Leppänen, senior vice president, Technology & R&D, tel. +358 (0)40 837 9990
KONE is a global service and engineering company that specializes in moving people and goods. It comprises two divisions: KONE Elevators & Escalators and Kone Cargotec. KONE Elevators & Escalators sells, manufactures, installs, maintains and modernizes elevators and escalators, and services automatic building doors. Kone Cargotec supplies products and services to facilitate moving and loading cargo. KONE's B shares are listed on the Helsinki Exchanges.
www.konecorp.com