In the News

In the News

Elevator Controller Product Roadmap and Support Plan for Legacy Products



MCE has formally announced its controller product roadmap for 2008 and beyond. The strategy includes a move to the new state-of-the-art ‘Motion platforms’ and gradual production phase out of IMC (Intelligent Motion Control), PTC (Programmable Traction Control) and PHC (Programmable Hydraulic Control).

Link Elevator Monitoring to Building Management System, with BMS-Link

Elevator contractors, facility managers and building owners have long sought the ability to link elevator and escalator monitoring into the building management software that monitors heating/cooling, lighting and other critical building systems. MCE’s BMS-Link provides this important capability.

Traction Auxiliary Power Supply (TAPS®*)Save 15% through September 2008

Designed specifically for VVVF Controllers, this essential safety product provides back-up power, when commercial power is lost, to safely deliver the elevator car to a landing and maintain door power to allow passengers to safely disembark.

MCE Sister Company, Imperial Electric Celebrates 100 Years



Imperial Electric opened its doors on January 27, 1908 in Akron, Ohio with a product line of just a few electric motors. Today, the company’s product mix includes machine, gearing, and control products that are sold around the world.

With better efficiency, Imperial manufactures twice as many products as it did a decade ago, and has quadrupled its revenue in the same 10 year time frame.

One of those new products is a “green” line of elevator motor systems that allows energy from the motor to be recycled, thus reducing the amount of energy needed to run the motor.

Imperial Electric is a custom manufacturer of special application AC and DC motor systems. With existing product leadership in the escalator/elevator, commercial floor care and hose reel markets, the company has always had an eye on growth and in 2007, acquired Howell Electric Motors which increased its product offerings to include commercial food/restaurant equipment. The acquisition brought Imperial Electric's employee total to 325 worldwide.

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MCE and Imperial Electric Exhibit at NAEC 2008

Come to NAEC and witness MCE and Imperial Electric's new and exciting products at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas, September 11 and 12. MCE will feature its complete Motion line of controllers: Motion 2000, Motion 3000ES, Motion 4000 and Motion 4000MRL; iControl, and the latest in destination based dispatching, or check out the view from the top by taking a ride in our MRL elevator tower. Experience the benefits of Imperial Electric's 100 year history of innovation by visiting Imperial's booth which will feature the latest in AC and DC elevator motors.

Help us celebrate Imperial's 100th birthday by joining MCE and Imperial Electric Thursday night, September 11, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Gaylord's Riverwalk Café.

MCE Teaches Class on ASME A17.1-2004 Code



On April 4, 2008, it became known that California would be adopting “Group IV” referencing the ASME A17.1-2004 code. Since MCE has been involved in the ASME A17.1-2000 code since its inception, and with building code compliant controllers since their first adoption almost 8 years ago, we wanted to help make the transition easier for contractors, building owners and consultants by hosting a free class at the Doubletree Commerce Hotel in Commerce, CA.

The response was phenomenal.

Our mission was clear: to present the essential material customers need about the ASME A17.1-2004 code and show how MCE’s Motion 2000 and Motion 4000 accomplished code compliance. We explained how MCE controllers handle specific code requirements and why the ASME A17.1-1996 with 1998 addenda controllers can’t be used for an ASME A17.1-2004 compliant job.

Class opened with a presentation by MCE Sales Engineer, Dan May, on the basics of the main differences between the old code (ASME A17.1-1996 with 1998 addenda) and the new code (ASME A17.1-2004). Covered topics included redundancy monitoring, force guided relays, Electrical Protective Devices (EPD’s), fixtures, fire service operation, inspection/access operation and exceptions. The presentation included facts for successful installations and examples of previous implementation problems. Using actual controllers, Dan provided an overview of the Motion 2000 and Motion 4000 controller code compliant features and benefits and revealed future products MCE has in the works.

Next, MCE Senior Engineer, Pat Fleming and R&D Engineer, Allan Peterson, used pictures and CAD drawings to successfully interpret what the code means, how the controllers handle the code and how to implement the code on the job site.

During lunch, Hydraulic Sales Manager, Orlando Turner, and NW/SW Sales Manager, Mike Franco, spoke about concerns on bidding ASME A17.1-2004 compliant jobs.

Feedback on this successful and informative class indicated that it instilled confidence in overcoming the ASME A17.1-2004 code. MCE is evaluating the possibility for future training opportunities.

MCE’s Factory Training Schedule, Summer/Fall 2008

Classes are now offered in MCE’s facilities in both Rancho Cordova, California and Glendale, New York, and include classroom training, one-on-one time with MCE instructors and small group sessions.

Teaching correct techniques and methods in a simulated training environment, rather than on the job, lowers expenses and increases ROI.

Specific class instruction covers elevator controller functions, computer diagnostic tools, job print reading, signal tracing, selector systems, sequence of operation problems, rotary equipment concerns and induced and stray voltages. For added convenience, customers can register online or contact Margo Walls at 916.463.9462. Please see schedule below for class dates and locations.

MCE Web Site Provides Quick Access to Customer Support

We have updated our web site to provide faster, more streamlined responses to customer requests. You can now link directly to the support area you need! We encourage our customers to use the following links: For technical support, please contact techsupport@mceinc.com; for change orders and/or modifications to existing controllers in the field, please contact modifications@mceinc.com; and for parts price and availability, please contact parts@mceinc.com.

Customer Service: Working Better For You

Customer service is extremely important to MCE, so when we heard that there were issues with the phone system and its inability to connect customers with an expert technician on a specific product, we fixed it. We purchased a new phone system with enhanced functionality and improved ability to route your calls to an expert on your controller.

The system also allows us to track incoming calls so that we can follow recurring issues and improve how we do business. We also implemented a direct line for spare parts and other non-controller-based issues such as shipping discrepancies and invoice questions.

We’re committed to delivering the best service possible.

MCE and Kinetek Expand Global Presence



To better address the needs of our European and Indian customers, MCE and Kinetek have expanded their global presence by opening offices in both Europe and India. For the European sales office, located in Bolton, England, please contact Julian Barnett, and for the Indian sales office, located in Punjab, India, please contact Nashvinder Singh.

2008 Tradeshow Schedule for MCE and Kinetek, Summer/Fall

September:
11-12 NAEC, Grapevine, TX

November:
12-15 Lift 2008, Milan, Italy

Kinetek Announces Joint Ventures with Two Leading Chinese Companies



Kinetek, the parent company of MCE, has announced joint ventures with two outstanding Chinese companies, Wuxi Zhongxiu (ZX) and Jinghe Machine Co. (JH). The new joint venture companies will be known as “ZXK” (Zhongxiu Kinetek) and “KJH” (Kinetek Jinghe), respectively.

ZXK will continue to design and manufacture elevator microprocessor boards and complete elevator controllers for domestic China and international markets. They will also co-develop products for the global marketplace, including MRL (machine room-less) elevator packages intended for international export.

Ashur Kanon, MCE president, noted that ZXK produces high quality, high performance boards and controls for EN81 based international applications. He believes this will be a nice extension of MCE’s North American manufactured controls, which will enhance Kinetek’s total product offerings to the global market. With access to ZXK’s technology and distribution channels, MCE will have the opportunity to market technology and products into the Asian market.

KJH has been an important supplier to Kinetek companies, including Imperial Electric, Scott DC Power Products and Advanced Motors & Drives for the past several years. A leading Chinese shaft and gearing manufacturer for the power tools and automotive market segments, KJH serves high profile international customers including Makita, Hitachi, Bosch, Panasonic, Black & Decker, Mitsubishi, Siemens, and Kinetek.

KJH is an ISO 9001:2000-certified manufacturer that markets its products through direct sales to OEM customers and particularly multi-national companies.

Personnel Changes

Ashur Kanon Appointed President



Ashur Kanon, a 19-year MCE veteran, was appointed President of Motion Control Engineering earlier this year. As MCE Senior Vice President for two years previous, Ashur effectively managed the day-to-day activity of the company, including oversight of engineering, research and development, sales and marketing, and most recently, production and operations. He demonstrated through his leadership qualities, and proven track record, that he is well positioned to take MCE to the next level and lead the company’s global growth initiatives.

Ashur started his MCE career as an Electrical Engineer in 1989, and is looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead. He will continue MCE’s legacy of designing quality, innovative products for a worldwide market.

Frank Marchese Appointed Director, New Business Development



Frank Marchese, most recently Operations Manager for MCE/New York City, has been appointed Director of New Business Development for MCE’s Northeast and New York City regions. Ashur Kanon, MCE president, announced the appointment, noting that Frank brings unparalleled elevator insight to his new role. Frank has considerable knowledge and expertise and will be a tremendous link to our contractor, consultant and building owner partners.

What’s more, as MCE transitions from a controller manufacturer to a total solutions provider, he will lead the introduction of MCE’s complete elevator/escalator solutions in the New York City marketplace.

Kinetek

Kinetek companies operate 28 facilities and employ more than 3000 people in North America, Europe and Asia and hold market leading positions in the elevator/escalator, commercial floor care, material handling, golf and utility vehicle, commercial food equipment, aerial work platform and medical market segments. Kinetek companies include Imperial Electric, Scott DC Power Products, Euclid Universal, Advanced Motors & Drives, Kinetek De Sheng (KDS), FIR Group, Kinetek Controls, Valmark Industries, Merkle-Korff Industries, Motion Control Engineering (MCE), Zhongxiu Kinetek (ZXK) and Kinetek Jinghe (KJH). Learn more about Kinetek by visiting www.kinetekinc.com.

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