Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation

Miguel Chías González-Blanch Appointed General Manager of EHC Global Operations in Spain and Portugal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miguel Chías González-Blanch Appointed General Manager of EHC Global Operations in Spain and Portugal

March 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 Miguel Chías has been appointed General Manager of EHC Spain and Portugal. Based in Seville, Mr. Chías will be reporting directly to Norman Rosnersky, Managing Director of EHC Central Region, and will focus on growing EHC’s market presence throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

Headquartered in Baesweiler, Germany, EHC’s Central Region operations include manufacturing and distribution facilities in Germany, Spain and France, regional sales offices in Slovakia and the United Kingdom and a network of partners throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In addition to providing escalator handrails, safety brushes and other lift component solutions, EHC provides turn-key escalator and moving walk installation and modernization services within the EMEA region.

“I am very pleased to welcome Miguel Chías to the EHC Global family and the Central Region leadership team,” says Norman Rosnersky, Managing Director of EHC Central Region. “Miguel’s extensive lift industry experience, in-depth knowledge of the Iberian market and his proven leadership will further enable EHC to meet the growing needs and opportunities in Spain and Portugal.”

Immediately prior to joining EHC, Mr. Chías was the operations manager of MP Lifts in Seville, Spain. He has also served as branch manager for MP Lifts in Seville and Almeria. Mr. Chías holds a degree in Law and a degree in Economics from the Pablo de Olavide University in Seville. He speaks Spanish and English.

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 Receives 2017 Impact Safety Award from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EHC Global Acknowledged for its Contributions to Public Safety in Ontario

December 1, 2017 (Oshawa, Canada) ─ EHC Global (EHC), a leading manufacturer of components and integrated solutions to the vertical transportation industry, is pleased to announce that the company has been selected as a recipient of the 2017 Impact Safety Award by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). TSSA believes that making Ontario a safe place to work, live and play is a shared responsibility. The Impact Safety Award acknowledges organizations that have made significant contributions to public safety in Ontario that go above and beyond regulatory compliance.

“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award from TSSA on behalf of all of EHC employees around the world,” says Jeno Eppel, President and Chief Executive Officer of EHC. “EHC Global is committed to helping to make the world a better place by developing innovative safety solutions, participating in industry groups and safety committees, and promoting best practices when it comes to proper escalator use.”

In 2016, EHC announced the global launch of NT SafeRail™ handrail solutions to the healthcare market with Durham Region-based Lakeridge Health serving as EHC’s launch customer. Escalators at Lakeridge Health’s Oshawa hospital were retrofitted with EHC’s patented NT handrail, which features permanent and vandalism-resistant safety messages to encourage safe and responsible escalator use.

“EHC’s safety designs and escalator messaging fit nicely with TSSA’s own efforts in addressing safety on escalators,” says Roger Neate, TSSA’s Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices. “While EHC has a truly global presence, their safety impact on Ontario’s riding public is more than worthy of TSSA’s Impact Safety Award. With a passion for safety and engineering excellence, EHC has firm grip on escalator safety.”

The 2017 Impact Safety Award was presented to EHC during TSSA’s annual general meeting, which was recently held in Ottawa, Ontario. EHC was also featured in TSSA’s 2017 Annual Report and profiled in a feature video produced by the TSSA (https://www.tssa.org/en/about-tssa/safety-awards.aspx).

About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of Ontario’s public safety regulators, mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, operating engineers, ski lifts, and upholstered and stuffed articles. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.

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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
john.calderon@staging.drakaehc.com

Video | PDF

EHC Global Launches NT SafeRail™ Handrail Solutions to Healthcare Market

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lakeridge Health is World’s First Healthcare Provider to Implement NT SafeRail™

September 19, 2016 (Oshawa, Canada) ─ EHC Global (EHC), a leading manufacturer of escalator and elevator components, announced the global launch of NT SafeRail™ handrail solutions to the healthcare market with Durham Region-based Lakeridge Health serving as EHC’s launch customer. Escalators at Lakeridge Health’s Oshawa hospital have been retrofitted with EHC’s patented NT handrail, which feature permanent and vandalism-resistant safety messages to encourage safe and responsible escalator use.

“EHC’s newest innovation, NT SafeRail™ has been engineered to maximize passenger safety, accessibility as well as traffic flow on escalators and moving walks in both indoor and outdoor applications,” said Jeno Eppel, President and Chief Executive Officer of EHC. “NT SafeRail™ expands EHC’s comprehensive suite of escalator safety and accessibility solutions, which include NT MotionRail™ motion indicators, NT AMRail™ antimicrobial handrail, NT ColourRail™ and D-Flector™ skirt brushes.”

Developed by EHC, the NT thermoplastic urethane (TPU) handrail platform was introduced in 1997 as an environmentally-friendly and technologically advanced alternative to conventional rubber-based products. Available in a wide range of sizes and colours, NT handrail is recyclable, easy-to-clean and requires minimal maintenance. With the addition of NT SafeRail™ to the NT platform, designers and operators now have the option to select a preconfigured safety message or design their own graphic to meet local code requirements, language and/or branding considerations. NT SafeRail™ is ideally suited for a wide range of applications including healthcare facilities, public transit systems, airports, shopping malls, department stores and convention centers.

“The safety and comfort of our patients, staff and visitors is of upmost importance,” said Neil Clarke, Director Engineering, Infrastructure and Security at Lakeridge Health. “Our hospital is dedicated to providing the very best experience to our patients and their families. Every part of our hospital contributes to that goal from our clinical spaces to our escalators. We are thrilled to be the first healthcare facility in the world to implement EHC’s NT SafeRail™ solution at our Oshawa site!”

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.

About Lakeridge Health
Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s largest community hospitals, serving people across Durham Region and beyond. Our dedicated team of health care professionals give their all every day to keep improving the quality of care delivered, drive down wait times, and improve results. We have four hospital sites and three Emergency Rooms and many services our community rely upon including a leading regional cancer centre, diabetes management, dialysis, adult and children’s mental health services, and a newly renovated Women’s and Children’s program. For more information about Lakeridge Health, visit www.lakeridgehealth.on.ca.

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Media Contacts:
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
john.calderon@staging.drakaehc.com

Daina Porter
Manager, Communications
Lakeridge Health Foundation
1 Hospital Court, Oshawa, ON
O: 905-576-8711, Ext. 3814
M: 905-391-0181
dporter@lakeridgehealth.on.ca

saferail-collage

Link to High Resolution Photographs:
NT SafeRail™ – Lakeridge Health – Oshawa Hospital 2016 – Media Packet (ZIP) DOWNLOAD

NAEC 2014 Expo

EHC GLOBAL is pleased to offer Complimentary Expo passes to contractors attending the annual NAEC Convention in September. For details please download the brochure below and complete the registration form.

We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio!

EHC se enorgullece en ofrecer Pases Complementarios para la Expo a los Contratistas que deseen atender la Convenciόn NAEC en septiembre. Para detalles por favor descargue la informaciόn anexa y llene la forma de registro.

Esperamos verlos en San Antonio!

Download:
2014 NAEC Brochure & Registration Form

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: SIGNAGE ON ESCALATOR & MOVING WALK HANDRAILS

October 15th, 2013

An open letter to all Authorities Having Jurisdiction, Maintenance Contractors, Consultants, and Equipment Owners in the United States and Canada:

The topic of signage on escalator & moving walk handrails has been one of considerable discussion over the past several years.

ASME A17.1-2010/CSA B.44-10, section 6.1.6.9.2, specifies that no “additional signage” shall be permitted within the “safety-zone” of the escalator. Similar language can be found in 6.2.6.8.2 pertaining to moving walks. The same paragraph goes on to define the Safety Zone as an area that extends 118” (3m) horizontally outward from the newel and cautions that additional signage should not impede traffic flow. ASME A17.3 – 2011 only addresses mandatory Caution Signs and contains no language regarding Additional Signage.

Various interpretations of the “additional signage” wording have in the past lead to acceptance of handrail signage in some jurisdictions and refusal in others.

The purpose of this communication is to provide an update on code revisions, address perceived safety concerns, and open a channel for feedback and additional requests for information.

Late 2011; the A17 Escalator and Moving Walk Committee unanimously approved revisions to sections 6.1.6.9.2 and 6.2.6.8.2 and the creation of 6.1.6.9.3 and 6.2.6.8.3. These changes specifically permit handrail signs or graphics on escalators and moving walks providing that they do not distract, impede passenger flow, or impair the operation of safety devices. At their May 9 2012 meeting, the A17 Standards Committee approved these revisions for publication in A7.1 – 2013.

The benefits of simple motion indicators on handrails have been widely known for decades; they provide better visual cues of speed and direction of travel for escalator passengers, especially for children and the elderly. With today’s evolved print technology it is now possible to provide handrail motion indicators in full-color and in high-resolution; resulting in opportunities to convey safety, directional, or other information to the riding public in a tactile and interactive way.

In a world where we are bombarded with distractions handrail signs and graphics direct passenger focus to the escalator; improving the frequency of handrail holding and of natural steps both on & off the escalator.

Pilot installations on four escalators in the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority demonstrated how handrail signage can be used to positively reinforce the mandatory Caution Signage required in 6.1.6.9.1/ 6.2.6.8.1. and to further mitigate accident risks.

There are presently two types of handrail signs and graphics; one designed to be changed regularly on-site, the other a permanent addition to the handrail. Both have undergone rigorous testing in aggressive laboratory environments and with extensive world-wide field installations.

Temporary installations are accomplished with the addition of a durable composite thermoplastic film; engineered specifically for field-application to escalator and moving walk handrails. Stringent procedures and quality guidelines ensure that handrails must pass inspection prior to application and daily unit start-up and shut-down procedures are supplemented with additional inspection requirements.

Further information is available to all upon request and feedback based on your experiences with handrail signs and graphics is most welcome.

The cooperation of all Authorities Having Jurisdiction in granting any required variances until such time as A17.1 -2013 has been adopted is a step forward in improving Passenger Safety on Escalator and Moving Walks and is sincerely appreciated.

For further information; please contact:

Patrick R. Bothwell | Director of Sales | EHC GLOBAL
Telephone: 1-905-447-6709
E-mail: patrick.bothwell@staging.drakaehc.com

EHC Expands to Indonesia

EHC Global and PT. Pillar Utama Contrindo

Oshawa, Canada – September 12, 2013

EHC Global has signed an agreement with PT. Pillar Utama Contrindo of Bandung, Indonesia, as an EHC Products & Services Licensee, effective September 1^st, 2013. PT. Pillar Utama Contrindo has been an active EHC business associate in excess of 15 years, and will now represent EHC products and services to local customers in the Indonesian market.

Established in May of 1995 as an elevator installation and maintenance company, PT. Pillar Utama Contrindo now employs over 450 people, and has an impressive and expanding regional market presence with offices located in all major cities throughout Java Island, the economic and political epicenter of Indonesia.

“The Indonesian market is quickly on the rise and we’re excited to have PT. Pillar Utama Contrindo as our licensee representing EHC products and services throughout this region” said Jeno Eppel, President of EHC Global.

EHC Brazil: Grand Opening Ceremony

Oshawa, Canada – September 25, 2013

On September 23^rd EHC Global held its formal grand opening of their new facility in Cambé, Paraná, Brazil. The ceremony included opening speeches from Jeno Eppel, President, EHC Global and Uwe Fritz, Managing Director of EHC Brazil.

Jeno Eppel welcomed Mayor of Cambé, Mr. João Pavinato and assured him that EHC Brazil would be a profitable enterprise, certain to be looked upon as an excellent corporate citizen as they are with all of their businesses worldwide. Eppel also welcomed the many financial and legal associates in attendance and summoned their continued support, especially in the early days as they absorb all of the unique tax and legal requirements for managing a successful business in Brazil.

Uwe Fritz recognized a key customer, Schindler, who was in attendance as well. Fritz presented the benefits that EHC Brazil will bring to the market-place, specifically the high quality of NT3000, EHC’s patented TPU escalator handrail and ‘just-in-time’ cost effective deliveries.

Dean Loewenberg, EHC Global Corporate Trainer, impressed guests with a presentation and demonstration of how EHC handrails will be produced in Brazil. Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting and the requisite champagne, everyone enjoyed a traditional Brazilian buffet.

Eppel expressed excitement over EHC Brazil’s readiness to commercialize their products in Brazil, and added, “Fritz is to be commended for his efforts and relentless determination over the past 18 months in setting up our business and getting us to the point where we can now begin supplying customer pleasing products to the Brazilian market”.

“Brazil is a unique market and if you have patience, learn to adopt local practices and do it right, then you will prosper quickly and for years into the future”, explained Fritz.

Grand Opening: EHC GLOBAL High Tech Centre (HTC)

On June 4^th, 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.

EESFC Inaugural Toronto Harbour Cruise – Don’t Miss Out!

The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation of Canada Inaugural EESFC Toronto Harbour Cruise Hosted by EHC Global, Inc. and GAL Canada

Thursday, June 4th, 2009, 7:00 to 11:00pm.

– Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m.

– Dinner and Cruise from 7:00 to 11:00. Disembark by 11:30pm.

Because space is limited, registration is required!

Ticket Cost: $150 per person

Sponsorship Levels:

Platinum Level Sponsor – $1,000 Includes Four Harbour Cruise Tickets

Gold Level Sponsor – $500 Includes Two Harbour Cruise Tickets

Silver Level Sponsor -$250 Includes One Harbour Cruise Ticket

Escalator Safety Brush Promotion Raises Funds For EESF

For the past 18 years the EESF (Elevator & Escalator Safety Foundation) has been educating children, senior citizens and the general public with its safety messages. Each year this non-profit organization seeks the assistance of individuals, schools, groups and corporations to fulfill its vision of ‘educating the public on the safe and proper use of elevators, escalators and moving walks through informational programs.’

Last September, EHC Global announced to its customers that for each Escalator Safety Brush kit purchased, $10.00 USD would be donated to the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation to help support their programs. EHC safety brushes are specially designed to reduce accidents caused by side-step entrapments.

The promotion took place during the last quarter of 2008 and thanks to EHC customers, US$2,860 will be donated this month.

The EESF is seeking to further spread its message on safety as thousands of passengers are still being injured each year. In 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 11,000 people were injured on escalators across the US and side-step entrapments were one of the major causes of injuries.

Commenting on the initiative was Monica Stoer, General Manager Sales & Marketing – The Americas

“EHC has been a longstanding supporter of EESF financially but also through volunteer work. This year we took a different approach because we wanted our customers to know that they are also contributing, through us, to the safety and wellbeing of families when they buy our escalator safety brushes.”