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
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