Elevator installation is one of the most problematic, expensive and time-consuming aspects of construction. Modular Elevator Manufacturing, Inc. (MEM) offers a fully operational elevator that installs in one day.
Modular Elevator Manufacturing, Inc. (MEM), a sister company to T.L. Shield & Associates, Inc., designs and manufactures ready-to-use modular elevators for two-to-seven-story exterior applications in new and existing construction projects.
A MEM elevator is ideal for facilities that don’t require the structural integration of a conventional elevator, and the complexities that go along with it. Like conventional elevators, modulars can be customized and designed to fit in with the look of the existing structure. But unlike conventional elevators, modular elevators don’t need to be an inherent part the structure they are servicing. Instead, they are easily and seamlessly attached to the existing structure without having to share the same foundation. This allows for more design freedom, increased functional versatility and an uncomplicated solution for buildings that need to adapt or modernize.
MEM elevators enable virtually any kind of facility to achieve and/or improve accessibility and meet ADA compliance while saving time and money.
Elevator Components
A modular elevator is constructed of non-proprietary, high-quality components and manufactured in a plant-controlled environment, which results in a high-quality product that greatly minimizes design and engineering costs. MEM elevators feature state of the art digital controls, fully equipped steel cars and fully pre-assembled elevator towers constructed from welded tubular steel, powered by hydraulic hole-less or in-ground jacks, or machine-room-less technology. Priced below conventional elevator systems, modular elevators typically take one day to install and require very little maintenance.
Installation Process
MEM’s factory pre-installed elevators are built in a freestanding, rated or non-rated structural steel elevator tower. Before installation, an elevator pit is prepared with anchor bolt imbeds to ensure precise placement. The elevator and equipment room arrive at the installation site on a flatbed truck and the elevator is attached to a crane for hoisting into place. The crane operator lifts the elevator and the ground crew maneuvers it into place in the elevator pit. Once the elevator is set in place, it is attached to the anchor bolts and verified to be plumb. Next, the fully-assembled modular equipment room is set into place. This installation process is usually completed in just a few hours.
After the elevator is set, electrical, fire and phone services are provided and final adjustments are completed. Once inspected and approved by the appropriate jurisdictions, the elevator is ready for use in a matter of days.
Pre-Engineered Elevators Save Time and Money
MEM’s fully operational elevator system greatly minimizes design and engineering costs. Priced below conventional elevator systems, it installs in one day and requires very little maintenance.
What are the differences between the MEM Modular Elevator and the competition?
COMPONENT |
MEM |
COMPETITION |
Benefits/Drawbacks |
Rails | 15 lb/ft | 12 lb/ft | More stable ride |
Machine Room Vent | Standard | Not Provided | Required by Code |
Hall Stations | Key Controlled | Not Keyed Controlled | Keyswitches required in School Applications, better access control. |
Lifting Eyes | Removable | Non-Removable | Fixed lifting eyes are an eyesore |
Hoistway Anchor Bolts | Four Required | Eight Required | Much easier to line up 4 anchors versus 8 |
Cab Construction | 14g Galvaneal Walls | Particle Board | Wood cabs subject to deterioration, mold, etc. |
Platform Construction | 12g Galvaneal | Wood | Wood subject to deterioration, mold, etc. |
Cab Roof Construction | 12g Galvaneal Powder Coated White | Partical Board | Wood cabs subject to deterioration, mold, etc. |
Car Door | Solid Core | Hollow | Solid core more resistant to vandalism |
One Hour Construction | Standard | Not Provided | Columns in pit not protected as required by code |
Hoistway Mold Resistance | Standard | Not Provided | Historical issue and concern |
Elevator Sling Construction | Heavy Duty | Light Weight | Heavy duty sling makes for very sturdy cab |
Elevator Guides | Swivel Guides | Fixed Guides | Swivel Guides provide a premium ride |
Manufacturing Experience | 100+ | 1 | |
Hoistway Wall Construction | Galvanized Studs | Sheet Metal Studs | Sheet metal studs are subject to rusting |
In Plant Inspections | Within CA | Out of State | CA DSA projects require a Class A or inplant inspector to be at fabrication facility. Out of State Inspections cost approximately 5x – 10x more |
Hoistway Phase I Fire Service Rough-in | Standard | ?????? | Will have to be provided at some point |
Local Code Compliance | Guaranteed | Not Guaranteed | Local Mfg, hence very familiar with all local codes |
Anchor Bolt Templates | Standard | Not Provided | Critical to every elevator set |
All Ancillary Hardware | Standard | Not Provided | |
Elevator Jacks | Pre-Plumbed | Not pre-plumbed | Added benefit |
Pre-Assembled Hoistway Hydraulic Piping | Complete | Not Done | Added benefit |
Compliance with CBC Title 8 | Guaranteed | Not Guaranteed | Local Mfg, hence very familiar with all local codes |
Plywood exterior | Not provided | Provided | Not required for exterior finishes including stucco |
Elevator Door Operator | GAL MOVFR | Off Market | GAL MOVFR is the gold standard of door operators in elevator industry |
Cab Ceiling | Aluminum Egg Crate | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate is not legal due to fire rating |
Pipe Rupture Valve | Installed | Installed by others | Added benefit |
Machine Room Door Placement | Flexible | Fixed | Flexibility is desirable for architects |
Transition Thresholds | Provided | Not Provided | Solution needs to be provided by someone |
Buffer Stands | Installed | Not Installed | Added benefit |
Pit Ladder | Installed | ?????? | |
Pit GFCI | Installed | ?????? | |
Pit Light | Installed | ?????? | |
Pit Switch | Installed | ?????? | |
Factory Supplied Electrical Termination Points in Machine Room | Standard | Not Provided | Added benefit adding clarification for electrician in the field |
Roof Embellishment Allowance | Allowed | Not Allowed | Generally required on every project |
Elevator Door Eye Brows | Allowed | Not Allowed | Option that is desired by architects |
Elevator Bridge | Allowed | Not Allowed | Option that is desired by architects |
Rail Adjustment | Yes | No | Allows for flexibility |
Controller | Serial Link | Microprocessor | Easier to troubleshoot |
Source: modularelevator.net