Kone elevators to Beijing maglev line stations

KONE Corporation (OMX: KNEBV) has been selected to deliver escalators and elevators to Beijing’s first magnetic levitation (maglev) train line. KONE will deliver 71 TransitMaster™ escalators and 40 MonoSpace® elevators for eight stations along the so called S1 line. Financial details have not been disclosed and the order has been booked in Q4 2011 accounts.

The medium low speed line aimed at lessening traffic congestion in western Beijing will be using Chinese technology and is scheduled to launch in early 2013, with test runs already this autumn. There have been some delays due to concerns from local residents. The maglev line will be very quiet, with voice levels estimated at the low level of 65 decibels. The entire project is expected to cost close to a billion Euros.