KONE launches latest version of its industry-leading KONE TravelMaster escalator solution

KONE Corporation, trade press release, December 17, 2012

KONE, an innovative leader in the elevator and escalator industry, announces the launch of its new KONE TravelMaster(TM) 110 escalator. The latest version of the KONE TravelMaster 110 is designed to cut both the operational costs and carbon footprint of a building, ensure the highest levels of passenger safety, and provide the best possible passenger experience in demanding commercial environments.

"The new KONE TravelMaster combines the best in eco-efficiency, safety, and design," says Reino Hyvärinen, Senior Vice President, KONE's New Escalator Business. "We've once again raised the bar when it comes to reducing energy consumption of our products.  The new escalator offering also incorporates a wide range of new safety features, including an optional, low-maintenance fiber optic skirt monitoring solution, as well as a completely renewed set of design options for creating a seamless look and feel throughout the building," he continues.

Cutting energy consumption and building carbon footprint

Incorporating the latest in energy efficient technology, the KONE TravelMaster is powered by the new KONE Direct Drive(TM), the industry's most efficient drive, which is up to 20% more efficient than conventional worm-gear solutions. It also includes a new direct drive handrail, eco-efficient inverter, and smart operational modes, all of which help to minimize overall energy consumption under the highly variable traffic conditions typical of busy public environments such as retail centers and transit hubs.

Ensuring the highest level of passenger safety

The new KONE TravelMaster also continues the company's strong focus on safety, with a range of practical new features designed to offer even better passenger guidance, including new traffic-light signalization options, a design that enables the highest levels of safety during maintenance work, and a new fiber-optic monitoring technology for immediate detection of skirt obstructions. An optional feature, this low-maintenance solution runs along the entire length of the escalator's skirt, immediately stopping the escalator when an obstruction is detected between the skirt and steps.

Providing ambience and style

As well as being a key transportation method, modern escalators play an important role in defining a building's ambience and style. KONE's latest escalator offering provides a range of new traffic light guidance options which, when combined with innovative textured and patterned cladding finishes, can turn escalators into an attractive architectural element.

Support for the entire life cycle of a building

As a dedicated partner, KONE supports customers every step of the way - from planning and design, through installation and maintenance, to modernization. This approach encompasses expert advice and industry-leading tools that ensure the optimal outcome at each life cycle stage. During planning, for example, customers can take advantage of easy-to-use online tools like the KONE Escalator Toolbox, which saves time and effort by allowing them to create detailed escalator specifications and CAD drawings online. The toolbox also includes 3D BIM models, which makes the preparation of digital elevator and escalator designs easier and quicker for architects.

For further information, please contact:
Norbert Balkenhol, VP, Escalator Sales & Product Marketing, KONE
Tel. +49 201 17785 119 

About KONE
KONE is one of the global leaders in the elevator and escalator industry. The company has been committed to understanding the needs of its customers for the past century, providing industry-leading elevators, escalators and automatic building doors as well as innovative solutions for modernization and maintenance. The company's objective is to offer the best People Flow® experience by developing and delivering solutions that enable people to move smoothly, safely, comfortably and without waiting in buildings in an increasingly urbanizing environment. In 2011, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 5.2 billion and on average 35,000 employees. KONE class B shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd in Finland.

www.kone.com