Tackling Elevator Obsolescence: How Metro Elevator Can Help

Have you been told your elevator system is obsolete? That phrase can stop any building owner in their tracks, especially when it’s followed by a costly quote for full modernization or a large replacement part. But before you panic and empty your budget, know this: Obsolescence doesn’t always mean replacement. And you’re not out of options.

At Metro Elevator, we specialize in helping property owners understand what elevator obsolescence means and how to stay operational even when parts are hard to find.

What Does Elevator Obsolescence Actually Mean?

An elevator part is considered obsolete when it’s no longer manufactured or easily found. According to the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII), this typically happens 20 to 25 years into an elevator’s life, especially if the manufacturer stops making the specific parts or changes its product line. 

However, just because a part is harder to find doesn’t mean your elevator is unsafe or unusable. It simply means you need a partner with the knowledge and network to find creative solutions. That’s where Metro Elevator comes in.

Why Obsolescence Presents a Challenge

As elevator systems age, the risk of obsolescence increases. For building owners and facility managers, this can present significant challenges:

Finding Replacement Parts

Once a part becomes obsolete, finding a suitable replacement can be a costly and time-consuming task. In some cases, a building may be left with no choice but to modernize or replace the entire system, which can result in substantial costs and potential operational disruptions.

Safety and Reliability

The continued use of outdated components can compromise the safety and reliability of the elevator system. As parts age, they may no longer perform optimally, leading to increased risk of breakdowns, malfunctions, or even accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes the importance of adhering to current safety standards, which may not be met by older systems (OSHA, 2020).

Financial Implications

Many building owners are caught off guard by the unexpected costs associated with obsolescence. Often, they are informed that a component is obsolete only after it breaks down, leaving little room for financial planning or budgeting for replacement parts or modernization efforts.

How Metro Elevator Helps You Navigate Obsolescence

At Metro Elevator, we understand the difficulties that building owners and managers face when dealing with elevator obsolescence. Our expertise and resources allow us to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring your elevator continues to run safely and efficiently, even as individual components age. Here’s how we help:

1. We Source Hard-to-Find Parts

Thanks to our relationships with a nationwide network of suppliers, specialty vendors, and remanufacturers, we can often get parts that others cannot. Whether the OEM has stopped making it or not, we exhaust every option.

2. We Validate “Obsolescence” Claims

Not every obsolete label is legitimate. Our experts can review the contractor’s claims and determine whether a part is truly unavailable or simply unavailable through their limited network.

3. We Help You Plan Ahead

If modernization is needed, we work with you to create a timeline and budget that make sense. No pressure. No surprises. We’ll ensure you understand all your options and give you a clear path forward.

4. We Offer Practical Repairs and Temporary Solutions

Sometimes, a component can be refurbished or rebuilt. Other times, a simple upgrade buys you years of time. We’ll walk you through all the short- and long-term options that match your goals.

5. We Prioritize Safety and Code Compliance

Our licensed experts will never recommend a shortcut that puts your building at risk. We keep your equipment safe, compliant, and functional while helping you avoid unnecessary costs.

What Should Building Owners Do Next?

If you’ve been told your elevator is obsolete, here’s what we recommend:

• Ask for documentation. Don’t just take a contractor’s word for it—always get a second opinion and ensure the claim is backed by proper documentation.

• Call Metro Elevator. We’ll review the situation, research alternatives, and help you make a confident decision. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to choose the best path forward.

• Start planning early. If full modernization is in your future, let’s build a plan together that keeps your budget and timeline in mind. Planning ahead will help you avoid unnecessary surprises.

Ready to Tackle Elevator Obsolescence? We’re Here to Help

At Metro Elevator, we believe that obsolescence should never be a scare tactic. It's a challenge—and one we’re built to handle. We bring knowledge, resources, and transparency to every job, helping you avoid unnecessary upgrades while keeping your equipment running smoothly.

Don’t let the word “obsolete” push you into an expensive corner. At Metro Elevator, we’ve got the tools, expertise, and options to guide you through the process with confidence and clarity. Reach out to us today and let’s discuss your options.

Contact Us Today

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Taylor Gray is the President of Metro Elevator Coastal Carolina, bringing a decade of experience in marketing and a strong background in strategic communications to the elevator industry. Her unique perspective and customer-first approach have made a lasting impact on both the Metro team and our clients. Learn more about Taylor and her team.