21 / 24
the communication channels open, we
are able to solve issues together, which
make the entire process much smooth-
er,” comments Croghan. “We might be
two different companies, but ultimately
we have formed a team with KONE. We
work jointly towards the same goal and
it has worked out to be a great partner-
ship between both companies.”
According to
Sherif Fayek
, KONE
Canada’s senior vice president of Busi-
ness Development, this is something
that companies in the elevator industry
have sometimes overlooked in the
past. “Elevator companies typically
do not have the best communications
practices, but we want to change that.
I believe KONE is making an effort to
be a better communicator, not only
through our daily verbal conversations
with customers but also with improved
processes and tools.” Fayek adds, "Both
our KONE eOptimum web-based re-
porting system and our field mobility
program are core examples where we
can add direct value to our customers’
operations regardless if they are a multi-
million contracting corporation or a
smaller facility management firm.”
ADDING UNIQUE
VALUE TO THE MIX
When asked what the key elements are
behind a successful partnership, Fayek
agrees with Croghan on the impor-
tance of communication, and also un-
derlines the importance of adding value
for customers.
“KONE and EllisDon worked togeth-
er right from the start. We have a dedi-
cated team that is devoted to adding
value to the partnership and to the suc-
PEOPLE FLOW |
21
cess of this job. Such collaboration from
the get-go enabled us to get the best
possible outcome and to see how we
could optimize EllisDon’s operations on
the construction site,” explains Fayek.
For the project, KONE designated
a specific project manager as well as
an installation site manager in order to
facilitate the exchange of information
between both companies. This ensured
that everything went according to
schedule during construction. In fact,
KONE’s installation manager was allo-
cated an office on the construction site.
“By having KONE’s
Sam Weatherall
on-site during construction, we were
able to be in constant contact with
the contractor and their workers,” says
Chris Plummer
, KONE project manager
for the 183 Wellington Street project.
“We were able to have frequent meet-
ings with the contractor and we were
even able to solve a few of their logisti-
cal problems by offering our expertise
in elevators for construction time use.”
“We knew that this job would in-
volve difficult and complicated aspects.
But with extensive communication and
planning, they became non-events and
everything progressed flawlessly. At
the end of the day, the most impor-
tant thing for the customer is that
their operations go smoothly and on
schedule,” sums up Plummer.
The 183 Wellington Street project is
in the heart of Toronto’s entertain-
ment district and will feature both
hotel suites and luxury residences.
Photo: Design Architect: KPF, Archi-
tect in record: Page+Steele Architects