Invertek Adds Anechoic Chamber for R&D, Expands

Elevator World

LERCH BATES TO GROW GLOBAL WORKFORCE BY 20% IN 2018 Lerch Bates, Inc. plans to grow its global workforce by 20% in 2018, citing a global construction industry projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% from 2018-2023. One focus is on Latin American regions. Lerch Bates opened a location in Santiago, Chile, earlier this month in light of Chilean legislation requiring inspection and documentation for elevator equipment. The company tells ELEVATOR WORLD it has more than 250 employees globally and is considering 20-50 new hires in 2018-2019. Its 2018 projects include elevator design for The Peninsula in London, audit and maintenance management for MGM's U.S. portfolio and elevator modernization at the AT&T Tower in Nashville. INVERTEK ADDS ANECHOIC CHAMBER FOR R&D, EXPANDS Variable-frequency drive designer and manufacturer Invertek Drives has taken delivery of an anechoic chamber as part of a continued investment into R&D. The company's innovation team, based at its global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Welshpool, U.K., is using the chamber for design and validation. Also known as an electromagnetic compatibility chamber, the room is radio-frequency shielded to allow in-house electromagnetic emissions, immunity and wireless testing. Additionally, Invertek is building a 5,000-m2 production facility at its headquarters. To be completed at the end of 2018, it builds on the company's existing 3,000-m2 production facility. Invertek expects the expansion to increase its production to more than 400,000 drives a year. “INVEST IN IRAQ” DRAWS INDUSTRY, INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION The Kuwait International Conference of Iraq Reconstruction and Development was held on February 13. Organized by the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry, National Investment Commission of the Republic of Iraq, World Bank (WB) and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, it included a conference titled "Invest in Iraq" attended by investors from all over the world. Iraq presented feasibility studies and licenses for 60 key investment projects, the total amount of which exceeded US$85 billion, Kuwait Chamber announced. Businessmen from the elevator industry and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson attended the event, the first of its kind to be supported by the WB. NYC DOB REMINDS OF SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS The New York City (NYC) Department of Buildings (DOB) has released a reminder of new 2018 safety training requirements. Beginning March 1, construction workers on large projects must have 10 hr. of safety training. Pursuant to Local Law 196 of 2017, by that date, they must show they have taken at least an OSHA 10 class within the previous five years to continue working. When fully phased in by 2019, workers at jobsites that require a site safety pan must receive a minimum of 40 hr. of training. Supervisors must receive a minimum of 60 hr. of training. If training isn’t performed, a fine of up to US$5,000 per untrained worker may be assessed. If a permit holder fails to maintain a log to prove training, a US$2,500 fine can also be issued. CECA CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPEN The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) has opened registration for its 44th annual convention, taking place on May 29-June 1 in Calgary, Canada. Hosted by Canwest Elevator and Lifts, the event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Calgary and include a round of golf at the Lynx Ridge Golf Club and a night at the Glenbow museum, in addition to the annual themed kickoff breakfast, annual general meeting educational sessions and exhibition. Visit cecaconvention.com for more information. Image courtesy invertekdrives.com: http://www.invertekdrives.com/news/post/Inverteks-innovation-team-takes-delivery-of-latest-Anechoic-EMC-Chamber.aspx Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes?Google Play | SoundCloud?Stitcher?TuneIn