KONE Introduces First Machine Room-Less Freight Elevator to the Americas

    CHICAGO, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading provider of elevator and
 escalator equipment and services, KONE highlighted the company's leadership
 position in the machine room-less (MRL) category with the sale of the first
 commercial MRL freight elevator in the Americas. The Sedgwick County Arena
 in Wichita, Kansas, is the first commercial property to receive a KONE MRL
 elevator to be used for freight and cargo transportation.
 
     KONE invented and first introduced the innovative MRL elevator in
 Europe in 1996, and then brought the technology to the Americas for
 passenger use in commercial buildings. The company is a recognized leader
 in MRL elevator solutions.
 
     MRL elevators offer many benefits, especially their minimal impact on
 the environment and high-level of energy efficiency. Powered by KONE's
 EcoDisc(R) system, the MRL elevators do not use hydraulics, which can leak
 oil from the cylinders into the earth, contaminating the soil, decreasing
 efficiency and consuming scarce natural resources. Additionally, MRL
 elevators allow for more usable space in the building and reduce
 construction costs.
 
     In comparison, KONE's MRL system, powered by EcoDisc, proves to be 40
 percent more energy efficient than traditional traction elevators and up to
 60 percent more energy efficient than hydraulic solutions, which amounts to
 significant savings to building owners and management, potentially saving
 thousands of kilowatt hours per year. The EcoDisc system is in line with
 KONE's commitment to the environment and to delivering Eco-efficient(TM)
 solutions. At the US Green Building Council's 2007 Greenbuild conference,
 KONE announced that it would no longer sell or install KONE-manufactured
 hydraulic elevator systems.
 
     The MRL freight elevator in the Sedgwick County Arena is a
 five-landing, seven-opening (four front openings, three rear openings)
 10,000 pound capacity, class A system. Installation will be completed in
 January of 2009. The 15,000-seat multi-purpose arena is currently under
 construction, with an expected completion of December 2009. Once completed,
 the arena will be a modern, first-class, sports and entertainment venue in
 the center city of Sedgwick County, designed to provide maximum "fan
 experience" for all guests.
 
     In addition to the MRL freight elevator, the arena will also utilize
 six KONE ECO3000(R) escalators, four KONE MonoSpace(R) passenger elevators,
 and one KONE EcoSpace(TM) elevator. Both the MonoSpace and EcoSpace systems
 utilize KONE's EcoDisc(R) technology, and are the ideal choice for
 sustainable new and existing building designs.
 
     "At KONE we strive to leverage our resources, knowledge and experience
 to deliver innovative products and solutions to our customers," said Vance
 Tang, KONE EVP and Area Director for Americas. "With this installation, we
 have reinforced our commitment to deliver environmentally effective
 solutions for building owners that make good business sense. This new
 offering also solidifies our place as the MRL elevator leader. KONE
 invented the MRL technology and will continue to innovate new and better
 customer-focused solutions."
 
     For more news or information on KONE products, visit
 http://www.KONE.com or call 877-276-8691.
 
     About KONE
 
     KONE is one of the world's leading elevator and escalator companies. It
 provides customers with industry-leading elevators, escalators and
 innovative solutions for maintenance and modernization. KONE also provides
 maintenance services for automatic building doors. In 2007, KONE had annual
 net sales of EUR 4.1 billion and 32,500 employees. Its class B shares are
 listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland. http://www.kone.com
 
 
 

SOURCE KONE