Gen2 - The Elevator Reinvented: Otis Revolutionizes Elevator Market With Launch of Gen2 Comfort; Another Product in The Company's Line of Unique, Proprietary Flat-Belt Elevator Systems

FARMINGTON, Conn., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis Elevator Company announced today the launch of its Gen2(TM) Comfort system, a new model with its patented flat-belt drive system technology in the Gen2 family of elevators. The Gen2 Comfort system expands the Gen2 elevator product line to better serve the residential and small-scale commercial markets while continuing to deliver the same unparalleled energy savings, reliability and supremely quiet operation of Otis' Gen2 system.

When first introduced in Europe in 2000, the Gen2 elevator system transformed the elevator industry. Otis developed the first elevator system using a unique flat, polyurethane-coated steel belt to lift the elevator car, replacing conventional steel ropes that had been the industry standard for more than a century. Since 2003, when Otis completed global deployment of the Gen2 system, Otis has remained the undisputed market leader in the machine-roomless elevator market, a market that is expected to make up 90 percent of new elevator deliveries by 2020.

"With more than 40,000 systems already sold worldwide, the Gen2 system offers superior technology against any measure," said Otis President Ari Bousbib. "The Gen2 elevator system's patented state-of-the-art technology leads the market in safety, reliability and functionality. It has dramatically increased customer satisfaction by meeting the needs of architects, building developers and the riding public worldwide."

Now, with introduction of its Gen2 Comfort system, Otis has extended the Gen2 elevator product range beyond its current mid-rise applications, providing a highly efficient and cost-effective solution ideally suited for the low-rise residential and small-scale commercial market. Later this year, Otis will introduce additional expansions to the Gen2 family of products to meet the requirements of almost every building need, large or small, including higher speeds and duties.

"Otis' Gen2 system with flat-belt technology provides a consistently quiet, smooth ride," said Candido Moreno, production and building manager of La Finca business park near Madrid. "With nearly 100 Gen2 elevators in operation at La Finca, ride quality, reliability and energy efficiency are paramount. We couldn't be happier -- and our customers couldn't be happier -- with the superior performance and service that Otis products and people provide."

The Gen2 system's coated-steel belt, which weighs up to 20 percent less than conventional ropes, enables Otis to reduce the size of the machine required to power the elevator by about 70 percent. The smaller machine fits easily inside the elevator hoistway, eliminating the need for a costly, separate machine room in the building.

The patented Gen2 elevator drive system also delivers unrivalled ride quality. The smooth polyurethane-coated steel belt combined with the gearless PM (permanent magnet) machine and a closed loop variable frequency (VF) drive results in smooth, quiet operation with outstanding leveling accuracy (to within +/- 3 millimeters at every landing).

The Gen2 system has further enabled a marked advance in reliability. Its long-lasting coated steel belt, smooth crowned sheaves and reduction of moving parts in the gearless machine have dramatically reduced wear, increased durability and considerably lowered operational noise.

In addition, the Gen2 system is extremely environmentally friendly, as neither its polyurethane belts nor its gearless machine require any form of polluting lubrication. The low-inertia gearless PM machine with VF control also results in substantial energy savings when compared with larger conventional machines equipped with induction motors. This exemplifies Otis' commitment to the best environmental practices and its efforts to continuously reduce production of unnecessary waste.

The Otis Gen2 Comfort elevator system will deliver a speed of 1 meter per second, bearing load capacities ranging from 320 kilograms (four people) up to 1,000 kilograms (13 people).

Otis Elevator Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation , is the world's largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products, including elevators, escalators and moving walkways. With headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut, Otis employs 60,000 people, offers products and services in more than 200 countries and territories and maintains more than 1.45 million elevators and escalators worldwide.