Elevator system out of the box thinking. The most recent project for Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) was a retrofit elevator for California State University – Long Beach. The demand for updating dormitories is growing. Many colleges and universities across the country are improving the dorms they built decades ago. They are hearing from students and parents, want to be code compliant and convenience are the main reasons. I mean who wants to carry boxes up three flights of stairs on move in day? But updating comes with challenges so an elevator system outside the box of normal thought is in need. Usually, our elevator solution is a fully installed elevator. It is a placed hoistway and all the components in less than four hours. But challenges on this job required a new way of looking at things.
As you can see in the above photographs our normal procedure had to be changed. Usually we just crane in a fully installed elevator. In four hours you can have a a fully installed elevator in place and ready for start up and inspection. But, due to the terrain in this particular job the crane could not carry the full load. The result is a little out of the box thinking was required.
As pictured the hoistway is placed first. Then cab is then inserted into the hoistway. The roof is placed next and finally the modular machine room.
“…our decades of experience allows us to provide the innovation and nimbleness for any project.”
Hugo Beltran – MEM Vice President of Sales and Marketing
It all came to together with no problems, thanks to the MEM production team. And just like in the factory, the elevator car slipped in perfectly on the rails and into the shaft.
And it was still under four hours to complete the full set. So, the customer had a completely installed elevator by noon ready for the start up procedure. Quite an accomplishment.
Hugo Beltran, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at MEM was proud of the creative thinking of the team. Everyone came together for this unique build. He said, “The MEM team performs at a high level and there is tremendous flexibility in the product. Those two factors plus our decades of experience allows us to provide the innovation and nimbleness for any project. It really shows in our success.”
In other words if you have a project for any low or mid-rise application MEM should be your first choice. Anywhere a traditional elevator can go the MEM elevator system can be a replacement.
According to Beltran, even if it takes some out of the box thinking. MEM loves a challenge.
“The key is letting us know early in the project.” Says Beltran. “If we are included at the outset of the process our system fits in smoothly and easily. Even with unique challenges.” And over the years, MEM has had several unusual challenges to say the least. The team completed a corner post elevator that no other company would take on. Glass elevators are a frequent request and large capacity elevators are a snap for MEM.
Another challenge for the entire project that updated the dormitory was the timeline of completion. Traditional elevator companies are slow. Installing the various elevator components involves carrying each into the hoistway one piece at a time. Also, elevator doors and frames are often the last components put in place.
That in turn slows down the rest of the build. Call backs are necessary. Exterior finishers, electricians and other trades must return to finish once the doors are installed. That means up to $30,000 an opening or more. There is no slowdown of other trades with the MEM system.
In conclusion, you can partner with us too! If you have a low to mid-rise job that needs an elevator system click a button below. You can sign up for a live, virtual tour of our facility. Or you can get a FastTrack budget number for your project. We will honestly answer any questions you may have. We can supply you with a Fast Track quote in 24 hours. MEM – Quality Elevators taking you to a higher level.
In this surprising conversation Clay Hubbell talks about savings from a perspective rarely discuss, the true value of taking the elevator off the critical path. He also says what it was like working with MEM for the first time and why more modular elevators maybe in his future.
But first, a little background. The Olive View/UCLA Medical Center project involves constructing a new Restorative Care Village with a Mental Health Wellness Center, Residential Treatment Program and Recuperative Care Center. It is a huge sprawling complex with six elevators.
The purpose of the facility is a needed one. In other words, addressing the pressing need for increased mental health, medical, and homeless support services in local communities is necessary and crucial. The surroundings of the project are impressive. It is purposely placed in quiet hills with nature paths and stunning landscaping and design. The new Restorative Care Village will provide an unparalleled opportunity for mental health and community renewal.
Abbott Construction took on the SWA Architects plan and all the challenges including using modular construction. In many ways it was a test for the modular concept and in particular the MEM elevator system. Due to the size of the project, timelines were crucial and had to be met. The project superintendent, Clay Hubbell was understandably skeptical. He has worked with just about every elevator company and usually sees delays and excuses.
Could the elevators really be taken off the critical path? And would there be any real savings? As the project wraps up we sat down with Hubbell to find out.
“It is hard to put into words what they have meant for this project. Elevators are a challenge when built onsite, but the modular elevators went in with no problems.”
“This is the best elevator team I have ever worked with and I have worked with them all. For instance, they across the board are all about solutions and getting the project done.”
“I can’t say enough about their knowledge, abilities and service. They even worked on Saturdays when we needed them. Great team!”
“Usually when dealing with elevator companies it is a struggle to get personnel when you need them, but working with MEM was an incredibly pleasant and enjoyable experience.”
When was the last time you heard such high praise for an elevator manufacturer or installer?
“The MEM elevator allowed us to move up the whole process. Everyone can can be pushed forward in sequence. Normally the elevator slows everything down. You have framers, rock and tape crews, floor prep, flooring, painters, electricians, sprinklers. They usually come out and work to the elevator openings on each floor. Then they have to stop.”
“With the fully installed modular elevator, all those crews complete their work in sequence. They make one trip out and no call back because the elevator’s openings came finished with door frames already installed.”
“The results, we estimate that saved us $30,000 to $40,000 per opening.”
“Then you have a similar savings on the exterior. Framers, coping metal, parapet work was all done in sequence with no call backs and up charges. The result is tremendous savings.”
Think about the math for a second. With that savings per opening, plus an additional savings on exterior work, that results in MEM elevators saving over a half-million dollars on this project. Why consider anyone else?
“MEM has an incredibly clean operation. We visited the factory for a tour and it’s impressive. Tom (Shield – President) and his team led us on the tour and then answered all of our questions.”
“The entire process was extremely smooth. The dedicated MEM project manager Tim Dolan even consulted with the inspectors before hand to iron out any issues.”
“Usually when dealing with elevator companies it is a struggle to get personnel when you need them, but working with MEM was an incredibly pleasant and enjoyable experience.”
“The delivery and set up time was just like they said. And above all the timeline was met each and every time.”
“Seeing elevators delivered on a flatbed (see a video of the project) and craned into place on time was incredible.”
We are elevator experts in every sense of the word and provide you with a highly experienced project manager. In other words to keep the experience seamless, on track and on time we provide you the help you need.
“We can’t wait for the next project. The incredible savings and ease to work with are unmatched in the elevator industry.”
At the end of the conversation we discussed other applications beyond modular construction. The modular elevator is flexible enough for interior or exterior placement and therefore, can be used in almost any type of construction project for a high-quality solution you can count on.
And of course the feelings are mutual, the Abbot Construction team proved time and time again they are top notch. And we can’t wait for the next one!
Although it seems like high praise, Clay Hubbell’s experience is the norm. People are tired of the promises and prodding needed when dealing with the conventional elevator industry. When you couple our easy process, experienced and supportive team and money saving product you get a happy and satisfied client.
In conclusion, you can partner with us too! Just click the button below to take a live, virtual tour of our facility. We will honestly answer any questions you may have. You can also give us a few details of a potential project and we can supply you with a Fast Track quote in 24 hours. MEM – Quality Elevators taking you to a higher level.
This month we look at Cerritos College and their need for an elevator. Unfortunately, they had a pretty big hurdles that were looking like budget busters. Due to the design of the initial structure, an interior – traditional elevator would be impractical and not cost effective.
Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM) was the solution that brought the project in on budget and within strict timelines. But, this is not the only example of budget busting problems that builders can face.
We hear about the exorbitant ancillary costs all the time. This is because traditional elevators have significant restrictions and limitations in delivery, installation and set up. Upfront the elevator cost alone seems manageable for the customer, but then the additional costs drive up the investment busting the budget.
In the Cerritos College example the elevator was one thing, but due to structural issues traditional vertical transportation was just going to be too expensive and inconvenient for the college. It looked like the project was coming in way over budget until MEM was considered.
The problems facing Cerritos are common where additional expenses are a big burden. So, here are a few additional examples of ancillary costs MEM can help drive down or eliminate:
The above are just examples of how our creative solutions equals dollars saved on your building project.
In other words, for over 20 years MEM has been in the business of making elevators high in quality and consistency and with simplicity for every job we do. If you contact us you will see the difference we make. MEM is leading an elevator revolution.
To find how we can be a solution for you, click the button below for a live virtual tour. You can also request a Fast Track number to get the ball rolling on stopping budget busters in your project. Above all and proudly, it worked for the good folks at Cerritos College. Put us to work for you. MEM – Quality Elevators taking you to a higher level.
“It takes one to know one.” Most of the time that quip is associated with an adolescent’s insult. However, it can have a broader application as it sometimes takes an expert to spot another. That is especially true in the construction business. Tony Valentine owner of Tony Valentine Construction, has developed the eye for experts in construction including elevator experts.
This project spotlight will focus on a conversation with Tony Valentine regarding the landmark project Aerie in Newport Beach, California. It will demonstrate in his own words the value he sees in Modular Elevator Manufacturing (MEM), one expert to another.
First, we have to illustrate that Tony is indeed an expert and that is easy enough. He is a third generation builder and leader in the construction industry since 1984. He has a string of accomplishments and awards but, what really sets him a part are the projects he has completed. Just looking at his portfolio puts Tony in a different league.
Aerie is one of those special legacy projects he has been a part of. It is seven luxury condominiums each with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. It is one-of-a-kind with the combination of a breathtaking bluff-top view, private accessed beach cove and private marina all a walkable distance from world class dining and shopping. He knows what he is doing and Aerie demonstrates that clearly.
With all that said, what does he have to say about the use of a modular elevator in Aerie and the elevator experts at MEM?
“MEM always gets the project to the finish line. The job is always finished on time every time.”
“The value of MEM is that they take the ball and run with it. They handle everything. And they have the expertise that allows you to have confidence that the job will get finished on time with a high level of quality with great customer service.”
“I can’t say enough about their knowledge, abilities and customer service.”
“Seeing a five-story elevator craned into place is wild when you think about it.”
“MEM handled the difficulties of the design and intricacies required with ease. They made the process simple.”
“With MEM elevators my job is easy, because we know MEM takes care of the whole process including design, logistics, aesthetics, and planning.”
“It makes my life better to work with some one that knows what they are doing.”
“You don’t have to be an expert in every aspect of the construction industry to be successful, but you have to be able to recognize the experts. They (MEM) are experts”
“I’d be an idiot if I choose anyone else for an elevator.”
Tony Valentine sees MEM as elevator experts regarding elevators in general and modular elevators. That is high praise from a person of his stature in the construction industry. The result is we will see him again in future projects just as we have over the past 30 years of partnering with him. If you are tired of the headaches associated with elevators, it is time to contact us. We can provide quality you deserve and always finish on time. Also, we make the elevator simple for you by handling all the details with real expertise.
You can partner with us too! Just click the button below to take a live, virtual tour of our facility. We will answer any questions you may have. You can also give us a few details of a potential project and we can supply you with a Fast Track quote in 24 hours. MEM – Quality Elevators taking you to a higher level.
