Eco-Efficient KONE Escalator Honored with Top Innovation Award

LISLE, Ill., Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- KONE Inc. today announced its eco-efficient TransitMaster™120 Escalator has won an Architectural Products Product Innovation Award (PIA).

Among the 300 products considered, the KONE TransitMaster stood out for its innovation in eco-efficiency, safety and design. The TransitMaster's signature attributes include a standby speed operation – which saves up to 16 percent of energy by reducing escalator speed when there are no passengers on the step band – and its regenerative solutions. Additionally, the escalator offers a range of attractive LED lighting options that save up to 80 percent of energy compared to conventional lighting.

"KONE's innovation stems from our belief that sustainable buildings are our future," said Larry Wash, EVP and Area Director for KONE Americas. "Recognition from industry experts affirms this strategy and strengthens our resolve to proactively address the people flow needs of the future."

Now in its third year, the PIAs provide impartial review of innovative building-related products to thousands of readers, including architects, specifiers, interior designers and building owners/operators. As a PIA winner, the KONE TransitMaster will be featured in the November issue of Architectural Products.

The award comes on the heels of other innovation-related recognition, including KONE's inclusion on Forbes most innovative companies list and its status as a 2013 World Technology Award finalist in the environmental category.

For further information, please contact:

Kellie Lindquist, Marketing Manager, KONE Inc., tel. +1 630 955 4202

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 2012, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 6.3 billion and around 40,000 employees. KONE class B shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd in Finland.

www.kone.us

SOURCE KONE Inc.