Category: China

EHC Global Founder Ronald Ball Receives Prestigious 2018 Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2018 (Shanghai, China and Oshawa, Canada) ─ EHC Global (EHC), a leading manufacturer of components and integrated solutions to the vertical transportation industry, is pleased to announce that Ronald Ball, founder of EHC, has received the prestigious 2018 Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award in recognition of his many contributions to the City of Shanghai over the past two decades. The awards were presented to fifty foreign individuals representing nineteen countries in an official ceremony held on September 12 in Shanghai with many government officials, business leaders, and other distinguished guests in attendance.

First presented by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government in 1989 and named after the City’s official flower, The Magnolia Silver Award is the highest honour that can be bestowed on a foreigner by the Shanghai government. The award is given annually to expatriates in recognition of their extraordinary contribution to the City of Shanghai in fields such as economy and trade, finance, education, science, technology, health and culture. To date, 1158 individuals have received this award.

“I am honoured and grateful to receive the Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award and am delighted to share this award with the EHC staff and family in recognition of their commitment, passion and relentless determination,” Mr. Ball said. “I am very proud to call Shanghai home for more than twenty years and am humbled to be one of approximately fifty Canadians to have been bestowed this prestigious award.”

Mr. Ball founded Escalator Handrail Company, now EHC Global, in 1977 with only two employees in Ajax, Ontario, Canada. Within five years, EHC would become a dominant handrail supplier in the North American lift industry. Building on this success and equipped with new technology and production capacity, EHC focused its efforts on globalization and establishing manufacturing and supply chain capabilities strategically located in close proximity to leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

By the early 1990s, EHC began looking at setting up manufacturing in Europe. Jeno Eppel (now EHC President and Chief Executive Officer) and his wife, Diane, moved to Baesweiler, Germany, to launch European production. Since that time, EHC’s European operations have grown to include manufacturing, distribution and installation facilities in France and Spain.

At around the same time, two of the world’s largest escalator manufacturers had started to realize some significant success in China and were followed soon after by other OEMs with expansion plans of their own. Taking notice of China’s increasingly significant role in international trade, manufacturing and the shift of production of escalators and elevators to Asia, Mr. Ball moved to China in 1996 to set up a handrail manufacturing plant in Shanghai, which would grow to become one of the largest integrated handrail manufacturing operations in the world.

In the company’s 20 years in China, EHC has diversified and introduced additional products. Its Engineered Polymers division opened in 2005 in Shanghai, producing polyurethane rollers for the lift, automotive and agricultural industries. In 2014, EHC’s Shanghai High Tech Center began manufacturing composite belts for elevators, enhancing EHC’s materials and processing capabilities. Today, EHC operates two manufacturing plants in Shanghai and employs over 300 people. Mr. Ball continues to reside in Shanghai and is frequently asked to share his insights and success story with industry associations, government, business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Last October, Mr. Ball received the prestigious Governor General’s Medallion from the Canadian Government in recognition of his many contributions to international trade and for his efforts in fostering a strong relationship between Canada and China. He is a long-time member of The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Manufacturers’ Business Council. He studied Mechanical Engineering at Ryerson Polytechnical University in Toronto and attended Durham College in Oshawa, Canada. In 2016, EHC Global established the Ronald H. Ball Family Scholarship at Durham College in recognition of EHC’s long-standing relationship with the institution. This annual scholarship is based on academic performance and is granted to a student in Durham College’s School of Business, IT and Management.

About EHC Global Inc.

Established in 1977, EHC Global Inc. (EHC) is a leading manufacturer of handrails, rollers and lift components for escalators, elevators and moving walks. Each day, EHC helps millions of people all over the world move safely and comfortably in public transit systems, shopping malls, airports, office buildings, hospitals, convention centres and other metropolitan spaces. EHC is committed to developing sustainable solutions that optimize safety, enhance value and meet the challenging demands of OEMs, designers, building owners and facility managers. To accomplish this, EHC employs top material scientists and engineers and continues to invest in R&D, product development, and next-generation polymer and composite extrusion technology. EHC has manufacturing and distribution facilities in Canada, Germany, Spain, France, Brazil and China and a global network of sales offices including Mexico, Slovakia, United Kingdom and the USA as well as EHC partners in all major markets globally. For more information about EHC, visit www.ehc-global.com.

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Media Contact:
John M. Calderon
Director of Marketing
EHC Global
1287 Boundary Road, Oshawa, ON L1J 6Z7 (Canada)
O: 905-432-6600, Ext. 217
M: 647-456-7547
www.ehc-global.com
john.calderon@staging.drakaehc.com

 

Ron Ball – EHC High Tech Center, Shanghai

EHC Global Founder Ron Ball Awarded Prestigious Governor General’s Medallion by Canadian Government

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Governor General’s Medallion recognizes Ron Ball’s contribution to international trade and fostering a strengthened relationship between Canada and China

 

June 21, 2018 (Oshawa, Canada) ─ EHC Global (EHC), a leading manufacturer of components and integrated solutions to the vertical transportation industry, is pleased to announce that Ron Ball, EHC’s founder, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Governor General’s Medallion in recognition of his successful career and achievements as well as his many contributions to international trade and the economies of both Canada and China. The Governor General’s Medallion is awarded by the Governor General of Canada, who serves as the representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Canada. The Governor General presents honours and awards to recognize excellence, valour, bravery and exceptional achievements.

 

“I would like to congratulate you on receiving the Governor General’s Medallion,” says The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada from 2010 to 2017. “Your work to foster a strengthened relationship between Canada and China is appreciated by so many. I appreciate the efforts taken to build a successful company in both countries, allowing our peoples to flourish economically. Thanks to your efforts and those of like-minded citizens, I have no doubt that Canada’s ties in the region will continue to grow.”

 

Ron Ball and his family received a special invitation from The Honourable John McCallum, Ambassador of Canada to China, to attend a luncheon at the Official Residence of the Embassy of Canada in Beijing. Ron visited the Official Residence, accompanied by his wife Olivia and daughter Alexandra, and enjoyed a formal lunch and social afternoon in the company of Ambassador McCallum, his wife Nancy Lim, and Mr. Kan. Ambassador McCallum also presented Ron with the Governor General’s Medallion on behalf of the Governor General of Canada.

 

Canada and China share a long-standing relationship on many levels, including political, commercial, scientific, cultural and academic. More than 1.3 million Canadian residents are of Chinese origin and over 110,000 Chinese students studied at Canadian educational institutions in 2014. Chinese is also Canada’s third most spoken language after English and French, and immigrants born in China, including Hong Kong, form one of the largest groups within Canada’s immigrant population.

 

About EHC Global Inc.

Established in 1977, EHC Global Inc. (EHC) is a leading manufacturer of handrails, rollers and lift components for escalators, elevators and moving walks. Each day, EHC helps millions of people all over the world move safely and comfortably in public transit systems, shopping centers, airports, office buildings, hospitals, condominiums and other metropolitan spaces. EHC is committed to developing sustainable solutions that optimize safety, enhance value and meet the challenging demands of OEMs, designers, building owners and facility managers. To accomplish this, EHC employs top material scientists and engineers and continues to invest in R&D, product development, and next-generation polymer and composite extrusion technology. EHC has manufacturing and distribution facilities in Canada, Germany, Spain, France, Brazil and China and a global network of sales offices including Barbados, Mexico, Slovakia, United Kingdom and the USA as well as EHC partners in all major markets globally. For more information about EHC, visit www.ehc-global.com.

 

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Media Contact:

John M. Calderon

Director of Marketing

EHC Global

1287 Boundary Road, Oshawa, ON L1J 6Z7 (Canada)

O: 905-432-6600, Ext. 217

M: 647-456-7547

www.ehc-global.com

john.calderon@staging.drakaehc.com

 

 

EHC GLOBAL Announces Eastern Region Leadership Addition

ted

Shanghai, China – June 25th, 2015

In support of business growth opportunities throughout Asia, EHC Global is pleased to announce the addition of Ted Hornbein as General Manager – Asia Pacific, effective August 3rd, 2015.

Mr. Hornbein has over 20 years of business management experience in China’s manufacturing sector. His leadership skills and operational instincts have accumulated a valuable wealth of experience in managing cross cultures, and new market penetration.

“EHC GLOBAL is in an exciting period of growth, and having Ted bring his experience to the management team will be instrumental to the company’s ongoing success,” said Ron Ball, Chairman, EHC China. “Ted will play a significant role in helping us enhance our world class products and services, while supporting our vision of continuously bringing innovation to the industry. We’re excited to have him join the team!”

Ted holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, a BA in East Asian Studies from George Washington University and speaks fluent Mandarin.

 

Grand Opening: EHC GLOBAL High Tech Centre (HTC)

On June 4th, 2013 EHC Global celebrated the Grand Opening ceremony of its new factory in Shanghai, China.

Known as EHC High Tech Centre (HTC), the factory represents a total area of over 10,000m²  and is dedicated to the advancement of TPU handrail and belt technologies using state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.

Honored by 17 distinguished guests as well as EHC Shanghai’s top management team, the ceremony began with a welcome speech delivered by Mr. Stanley Shao – EHC Shanghai Executive Advisor, followed by a few words from EHC GLOBAL Founder & EHC Shanghai Chairman & Managing Director Mr. Ron Ball.  Mr. Ball briefly shared the history and development of EHC Shanghai; his personal involvement with its growth as a witness, contributor and participant of “the fantastic evolution in China” for the past 15 years.  Mr. Ball  also emphasized EHC Shanghai’s mission of providing gainful and meaningful employment for more than 250 people,  as well as “bringing some of the world’s best technology that will help us reduce our carbon footprint”.

Representatives of our esteemed guests, Mr. Eric Pelletier – Vice Consulate General of Canada, and Mr. Zhang Yu Li – Malu Town Mayor, then delivered their speeches. Mr. Zhang spoke highly of EHC’s contribution to local economic growth, and expressed delight agreeing with the achievements and results of EHC’s presence in China’s developmental market.  He went on to recognize EHC as an exemplary and excellent company invested in Jiading New City, and committed to offer continuous care and support to EHC’s growth by providing optimal services and creating a better environment.

Speeches were highlighted with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.  Mr. Eric Pelletier, Mr. Ron Ball, Mr. Sergio Garcia – EHC Shanghai Vice Managing Director, and Ms. Sun Wei – Deputy Head of Jiading District cut the ribbon to declare the official opening of HTC.

The event concluded with a full tour of the HTC facility, where visitors gained strong confidence in EHC’s future prosperity.

Honored guests and representatives seen above cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

 

EHC GLOBAL Achieves ISO14001 Certification in Germany & China

Oshawa, Canada – April 4th, 2013

EHC GLOBAL manufacturing facilities in Germany and China are now certified to the ISO14001- 2004 Environmental Management System Standard for their commitment to meeting environmental standards.  These facilities now join EHC GLOBAL’s Corporate Head Office in certification and will continue their joint efforts to meet and exceed set standards moving forward.

“The diversion of tonnes of waste from landfills each year is a direct result of EHC GLOBAL’s ongoing commitment to the environment by reducing waste and recycling of almost all our major components including our NT handrails that are now recyclable.” Duane Cook, Environmental Manager

These certifications represent EHC GLOBAL’s continued commitment to provide products that are not only environmentally responsible but are produced in an environmentally friendly manner while offering cost-effective solutions. Realizing the long-term implications of rising fuel and energy costs in general, EHC GLOBAL has taken the necessary steps on a global scale to mitigate energy inefficiencies in hopes to offset the increased expense and avoid burdening customers with additional costs.

“We have always been dedicated to reducing pollution and helping make our community a healthier place to live. This year, those efforts have been formally recognized by ISO.  I am tremendously proud of our regional staff’s commitment to making the world a better place. We believe the extensive environmental and energy conservation measures we have undergone in recent months, reinforce that commitment.” Jeno Eppel, President

EHC GLOBAL is now looking towards products of the future – new materials and ways of manufacturing that use less material overall.

About EHC GLOBAL

For over 35 years, EHC GLOBAL has been a leader in the design, manufacture, sales and distribution of products for the elevator & escalator industry.

Massive Ad Campaign Installed On Escalator Handrails Throughout China

EHC Global has successfully installed the largest advertising campaign on escalator handrails in China. ADRail is a revolutionary product developed by the world’s largest escalator handrail manufacturer – EHC Global. Working with ad agencies and media contractors throughout China, a campaign for Hanns.G was installed in Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Hefei, Zhengzhou, Tianjin, Shenyang, for a total of 24 escalators.

The antimicrobial nature of the full colour custom printed film that is applied directly to existing handrails is extremely popular throughout Europe and North America. 70% of escalator passengers reported that they were pleased to learn that the handrails were antimicrobial – normally they don’t touch them, but with the cleaner surface that is germ-free, they don’t have the same concerns.

Hanns.G and their ad agency – Shanghai Ji Wei Tang chose ADRail because a recent study completed by Synovate confirmed that more than 33% of viewers who recalled the ad on the escalator handrail stated that it increased their desire to purchase that product. When compared to other media such as billboards or magazines, ADRail will typically generate a much higher ad recall – this is due to the fact that it is the only advertising medium that can be put directly into someone’s hand for 30 seconds. It is always there – right along with you as you are on the escalator – it can’t be missed. When ADRail is placed strategically in close proximity to the point-of-purchase, the effects are immediate.

EHC Shanghai Donates 4,000 RMB to ‘Free the Children’

The re-build effort for the Chinese province of Sichuan hit with a devastating earthquake last year is on-going. Financial support from fund-raising activities such as the recent ‘Maple Leaf Dance for Dreams’ hosted by the Canadian Chamber of
Commerce in Shanghai is a major reason progress continues.

EHC feels strongly about this cause, by not only donating 4,000 rmb towards the reconstruction of the area this year, but by also being a contributor to the relief operations when the earthquake first hit, last year.

The 65,000+ rmb raised will go specifically to Free the Children’s efforts in building an elementary school in A Luo, Sichuan. In keeping with the school theme and attempting to recuperate as much of the materials purchased as possible, school supplies wereused as decorations and table pieces. The entrance back drop was made up of two big blackboards used to announce the participating sponsors. These blackboards, decorations, and table pieces all looked great for the dance and are actually a part of the donation process being delivered to the Sichuan school next November.

A musical chair competition, the Macarena, and a live band were some of the activities throughout the evening. One of the highlights being the CANCHAM Director’s version of the Chicken Dance definitely made for a memorable night of goodwill! EHC Shanghai is pleased to be a part of such a worthy cause falling in line with one of our Mission Statements: Helping to Make the World a Better
Place.

EHC Awarded Number One In OTIS Quality Award

XOEC (OTIS), one of the largest elevator companies in the world, held their annual Supplier Quality Award Meeting in September. XOEC is an industry leader in innovative technology and services; their products can be found in landmark buildings worldwide.

Stanley Shao, Managing Director of EHC (Shanghai) Co. Ltd attended the ceremony which was held at their Hangzhou, China facility. The company has over 300 suppliers but on that night, only honoured four of their top suppliers, in various categories.

EHC received two awards consisting of:

1) The Quality Improvement Award: Awarded to both the corporation and individual that made the largest contribution towards attaining the very best in quality improvement. EHC was ranked Number One of seven suppliers considered

2) Q+ Level 3 Certification: The United Technologies Corporation (UTC) Q+ process is intended to assist suppliers in reaching world class quality goals through the never-ending process of continuous improvement. Q+ Level 3 is the highest level XOEC has granted to its suppliers. “It is an absolute honour to be one of only four suppliers to pass Q+ Level 3 assessment” said Jeno Eppel, President

Congratulations go out to EHC’s Quality Technician, Shen Hao, for receiving a Crystal Medal for the Individual Quality Contribution Award. XOEC offered him a three day sightseeing tour to Guilin in Southern China.

“I would like to thank our Production, Quality, and Sales Teams for their excellent efforts and contribution in delivering quality products and services this past year to our valued customer, XOEC. Our ongoing commitment has been recognized and we will continue to provide the ‘excellence’ in production and services that our customers are accustomed to.” said Stanley Shao

This recognition reaffirms EHC’s commitment to the process of ongoing improvements in order to remain strong and competitive in a constantly evolving Chinese marketplace.

ADRail™ – A Revolutionary Advertising Product Is Seeking Asian Distributors

Advertising industry insiders now have one more reason to be excited about escalator handrail advertising (ADRail): EHC Global is now taking applications for distributors in major markets throughout Asia.

ADRail™ is featured in dynamic campaigns in such places as the Hong Kong MTR, Seoul Subway, and Japan Rail and has advertisers, the likes of: Coca-Cola, DHL, HSBC and L’Oreal singing its praises. EHC’s enthusiasm towards working with entrepreneurs and media contractors in making ADRail more widely available in transit systems, airports, convention centres and shopping centres is two-fold:

1) Bring awareness to the target product.

2) Create a niche within the advertising medium for a dynamic new mode of communication to the masses.

ADRail, quite literally, puts potentially millions of consumer’s hands directly onto its advertising messaging in high traffic locations each day. With ADRail, escalator riders are “in touch” with the message for up to 30 seconds – space can be utilized for short term ads, long term branding or public safety campaigns.

ADRail is applied on-site to existing escalator handrails by a trained technician in less than an hour and has been developed to ensure safety and reliability, not impeding escalator operation in any way.

Currently the world’s leader in the manufacturer of escalator handrails and numerous other lift industry components, EHC has patented escalator handrail advertising in several countries in Asia including China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.