Kone ECO3000 is said to be the first escalator developed using the combined know-how and experience of three of the world's leading escalator companies. Ideal for retail and commercial buildings as well as airports, the new design achieves new levels of energy efficiency, space savings, reliability and aesthetics, according to a spokesman for Kone.

The new escalator takes design and engineering ideas proven in more than 45,000 installations in 80 countries and makes them better, says Heimo Makinen, senior vice president of Kone's Escalator Business. The international team "represents the best in the world for design, engineering and production technology", he says.

Kone subsidiaries O&K Rolltreppen (Germany) and Montgomery Kone (US), in cooperation with Toshiba, Kone's technology partner, joined together to share best business practices and develop this world-class product, Makinen points out.

Innovative drive

"The heart of this escalator is its innovative TransVario direct drive system. It features a patented, chainless design that is 96 per cent efficient, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. It also extends oil change intervals to 30,000 operating hours, nearly twice that of traditional escalators," explains Harald Kirchner, director of Kone Escalator Marketing.

"This drive system, in combination with the optional EcoChain and other energy-savings features, allows us to offer our customers the most reliable and environmental-friendly escalator on the market," he adds.

"The new escalator requires up to 10 per cent less space than conventional escalators, which means greater architectural and design flexibility," says Dr Alesander Pietz, Kone's escalator R&D manager. "It also makes this escalator perfect for renovations."

"The escalator's tall glass balustrades and slender body achieve an aesthetically-pleasing balance between form and function. An attractive welcome area invites passengers to take a comfortable ride. Architects will enjoy the Kone ECO3000's simple lines, clear sense of transparency, and wide range of finishing options," says Kirchner.

Safety & comfort

Great emphasis is placed on passenger ride comfort and safety.

"It features a balustrade height of 1,000 mm that extends from the ends through the inclined section, which safely contains riders and puts the handrails comfortably within reach. "TransVario's direct drive synchronises stepband and handrail speed to ensure a quiet and smooth ride. All major components undergo rigorous testing and the new escalator meets or exceeds worldwide escalator safety code requirements, including EN 115," he adds.

The escalator is currently being manufactured in Germany, the US and China. Toshiba will build and market this product under its own brand in Japan.

Kone is a leading global supplier of elevators and escalators. In addition to manufacturing, the company provides comprehensive installation, modernisation and maintenance services. Founded in 1910 and based in Helsinki, Finland, the group operates in some 50 countries and employs more than 22,000 people.