Infrastructure Access Solutions, part of Alimak Group, was engaged to undertake a major inspection and engineering assessment of the powered under-deck gantries operating beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge. These permanent access systems enable inspection and maintenance crews to safely access the bridge’s steelwork below the roadway, a critical component in maintaining one of Australia’s most iconic pieces of infrastructure.
The project required detailed engineering assessment of complex access plant operating in a highly constrained environment beneath an active transport corridor. The gantries consist of integrated structural, mechanical, electrical, and control systems that must function reliably while supporting suspended access operations at height.
Working within strict safety and operational requirements, the inspection program needed to verify the integrity and performance of the systems while minimizing disruption to ongoing maintenance activities.
Infrastructure Access Solutions delivered a coordinated major inspection and certification program, combining in-house engineering expertise with specialist testing services.
The scope included comprehensive inspection of structural elements, drive systems, rolling components, electrical and control systems, and operator safety features. Non-destructive testing of critical components was undertaken through a NATA-accredited laboratory, alongside functional testing of brakes, limit systems, and operational controls.
Infrastructure Access Solutions managed multiple specialist disciplines throughout the project, ensuring a structured inspection methodology and clear engineering documentation to support the certification process.
Through a detailed engineering assessment and coordinated inspection program, the under-deck gantries were verified for safe operation, restoring reliable access to critical areas of the bridge for ongoing inspection and maintenance activities.
The project highlights Infrastructure Access Solutions’ capability in delivering complex inspection and certification programs for permanent access and specialist maintenance equipment operating in demanding infrastructure environments.
In today’s construction and façade access industry, operational precision, teamwork, and reliable service are critical for success. For Jewel Zhu, Implementation Manager at Façade Access Solutions China, these principles guide both her daily work and long-term vision. During International Women’s Month, her career focuses the growing impact of women leaders in shaping China’s construction sector.
With seven years at Façade Access Solutions, Jewel has steadily expanded her responsibilities. She now plays a pivotal role across marketing, operational coordination, and key client support. This cross-functional work allows her to contribute to both business strategy and service delivery, ensuring projects run efficiently and meet client expectations.
Jewel works closely with service and cleaning teams to support major clients, including the Shanghai World Financial Center and Hang Seng Bank Tower. She also prepares strategic presentations and business review reports, aligning local operations with broader divisional goals. Her ability to bridge technical knowledge with strategic thinking makes her a key driver of the company’s growth in China.
Jewel’s background in mechanical engineering gives her a strong analytical foundation. This expertise informs her approach to operational challenges and strategic planning.
Before joining Façade Access Solutions, Jewel gained experience across multiple industrial sectors, including elevator components, security and access systems, and a Swedish gardening brand. Her roles involved marketing, public relations, and commercial strategy, helping her develop a unique perspective that blends technical knowledge with effective communication.
By combining engineering logic with collaboration skills, Jewel approaches every project with structured problem-solving while keeping teamwork and client needs at the forefront.
Today, Jewel’s responsibilities cover marketing, office operations, financial planning, and business reporting. This wide perspective allows her to understand how different teams interact to deliver operational excellence.
Managing after-sales operations for major clients gives her real-world insight into project performance, connecting strategic objectives with practical outcomes. Looking ahead, she is focused on strengthening teamwork, improving communication, and maintaining high service standards to support sustainable growth in China.
A: I am the Implementation Manager of FAS China. I joined seven years ago, and my role now supports multiple aspects of the business, from marketing to after-sales operations for key clients like Shanghai World Financial Center and Hang Seng Bank Tower. My engineering background drew me to an industry that values technical precision and long-term performance.
A: I studied mechanical engineering, which trained me to think analytically. My marketing journey began with an internship at an advertising agency. Since then, I have worked in elevator components, security systems, and commercial strategy. This combination helped me connect technical knowledge with business communication effectively.
A: I enjoy working across functions. Being involved in marketing, operations, budgeting, and reporting gives me a full understanding of the organization. Managing after-sales for key clients provides practical insight into our service performance.
A: I hope to strengthen collaboration across teams and ensure consistent service quality. Clear communication and alignment with divisional goals will help our China operations grow sustainably.
A: I enjoy traveling across China and abroad, exploring architecture, museums, and geography. Gardening has become a recent passion, reminding me that growth takes patience and structure.
Women like Jewel Zhu are redefining leadership in the construction and façade access industry. Their technical expertise, strategic insight, and collaborative approach help deliver safer and more efficient solutions for modern cities.
Façade Access Solutions is committed to building diverse teams that drive innovation and operational excellence. If you are passionate about engineering, construction, and global collaboration, explore opportunities to join a team that supports the people who build and maintain the world’s skylines.
The construction sector continues to evolve as more women take on leadership roles that shape the future of the industry. This International Women’s Month, we recognize Alicia Diaz Sanchez, a leader who helps guide people strategy behind a global façade access organization.
Alicia Diaz Sanchez serves as People and Culture Business Partner within the Façade Access division, leading the Training function. Since joining the company in 2014, she has supported talent development, strengthened collaboration, and helped teams grow across multiple international locations.
In an industry known for engineering and technical innovation, strong leadership in people development plays an equally critical role. Alicia’s work ensures that the professionals who design, manufacture, and service façade access systems have the training and support needed to perform at their best.
Alicia began her professional journey after completing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and pursuing PhD training focused on Learning. She started her career with Eaton in Madrid as part of the Human Resources team at a manufacturing site employing more than 700 people.
She gained extensive experience in human resources while also developing knowledge in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma processes, during her 11 years with the department. These experiences helped shape her continuous improvement mindset and her ability to support complex industrial operations.
She later became Human Resources Director for the Spanish operations of Ascendum, the main dealer for Volvo heavy machinery. From this role, she gained valuable experience in decentralized operations and developed a deeper understanding of service activities and customer relationships in the construction equipment sector. After eight years Alicia joined CoxGomyl to contribute to a global organization that brings together engineering, manufacturing, and service expertise.
Today, Alicia works closely with teams across several countries within Façade Access Solutions. Her responsibilities include leading training initiatives, supporting leadership development, and aligning people strategies with the company’s business objectives.
A key focus of her work is helping employees grow within the organization. By strengthening communication and encouraging collaboration across locations, she supports a workplace culture where employees remain engaged and connected to the company’s goals.
Her efforts contribute to the success of teams that support façade access solutions.
In the construction industry, strong leadership is essential not only on project sites but also within the teams that support innovation and operational excellence. Alicia Diaz Sanchez believes that developing people and fostering collaboration are key to building resilient organizations. Through her work in Façade Access Solutions, she supports employees across multiple locations while helping align talent development with long-term business goals. Her perspective reflects a broader shift within the construction industry, where diverse leadership and inclusive workplaces are becoming critical drivers of progress. Alicia shares insights on her career journey, her leadership approach, and the evolving role of women in construction.
I joined the company in December 2014 as Human Resources Director for the factories located in Alovera and Meco near Madrid. Over the years I have taken on additional responsibilities beyond my initial role and now serve as People and Culture Business Partner for the Façade Access Division. Since last September I have also been leading the Training function for the division and I supervise the People and Culture Manager in France.
What inspired me most was the opportunity to work in an international environment within a market leading organization. I was also motivated by the chance to be part of a company that combines engineering, manufacturing, and service processes in one site, which is quite uncommon in Spain.
The constantly changing environment and the diversity within our division motivate me every day. I enjoy working with colleagues from many countries and supporting their professional growth.
One of my favorite aspects of the role is collaborating with different locations to keep employees engaged and committed. When people grow and feel connected to the company’s mission, the business can achieve greater success.
We have an incredible team in Façade Access Solutions. My goal is to continue expanding our network and sharing best practices between locations.
Improving communication through meetings, performance conversations, and engagement surveys will also be important. When employees understand the strategy and feel aligned with it, they can achieve stronger results.
I am a very active person. I do fitness several times a week and I enjoy travelling and diving whenever I can. I also participate in weekly charity projects through my church where I help support people with limited resources. In addition, I teach young people in an organization that trains future leisure time activity leaders.
The construction industry depends on strong collaboration and skilled professionals across engineering, manufacturing, and service operations. Leaders like Alicia Diaz Sanchez demonstrate how people focused leadership can strengthen organizations and support long term growth.
At Façade Access Solutions, teams work together across regions to support complex building projects around the world. If you are passionate about construction, innovation, and professional development, explore opportunities to join a global team shaping the future of façade access.
International Women’s Month is an opportunity to recognize professionals who are shaping the future of the construction and engineering industries. Women are bringing new perspectives to technical roles, leadership, and innovation, across the built environment.
At Façade Access Solutions, Laura Peinado represents this growing movement of women helping modernize construction through digital transformation. She closely works with teams across multiple countries as Digitalization Manager for the EMEAI region, to strengthen digital processes, improve operational efficiency, and support data driven decision making across the organization.
Her work demonstrates how digital leadership plays an important role in advancing construction technology, improving collaboration, and enabling smarter ways of working in complex engineering environments.
Before joining Façade Access Solutions, Laura developed her career in business and strategy consulting within the IT sector. Her work focused on change management, digital transformation, and operational improvement initiatives in complex organizations.
This experience provided a strong foundation for navigating the challenges of large scale transformation. Today, she applies these skills within the construction and façade access industry, where digital tools play an increasingly important role in supporting engineering teams, improving workflows, and strengthening project performance.
Laura was drawn to Façade Access Solutions because of the company’s culture and its focus on expertise, collaboration, and innovation across global teams.
Digital transformation is rapidly influencing how construction companies operate. Through her role, Laura works intently with colleagues across regions to help implement systems that improve efficiency and enable better decision making.
In this conversation, she shares insights into her career journey, what motivates her work, and how digitalization is shaping the future of the construction industry.
“I’m the Digitalization Manager for the EMEAI region at Façade Access Solutions, after leading the same role in the NAM region for several years.
What drew me to Façade Access Solutions, as part of the Alimak Group, was the opportunity to work in a culture that truly values expertise and encourages ideas. I’m proud to work with a team that drives impact, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration across the organization.”
“Before joining Façade Access Solutions, I built my experience in business and strategy consulting within the IT sector, working on change management, digital transformation, and operational improvement initiatives in complex environments.”
“I love the challenge and diversity of my work. No two projects are ever the same, and I enjoy delivering solutions that are both technically complex and highly practical, while improving ways of working and driving tangible impact across the business.
Working with talented colleagues across different countries is also rewarding, as everyone brings unique knowledge and fresh perspectives that keep me constantly learning.”
“In the year ahead, I look forward to supporting the team in delivering high quality solutions, enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and strengthening data driven decision making to create measurable impact across the business.”
“Outside of work, I enjoy fitness, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. It’s a great way to recharge and keep a balanced perspective.”
As construction continues to evolve through digital technology and engineering innovation, professionals like Laura Peinado emphasize the important role women play in shaping the industry’s future.
At Façade Access Solutions, diverse expertise and new perspectives help drive innovation across global teams. Women in construction are contributing not only through engineering and project management but also through technology, strategy, and digital transformation.
Façade Access Solutions continues to support professionals who are passionate about advancing the built environment through engineering expertise and digital innovation.
For those interested in contributing to the future of construction, the company offers opportunities to collaborate with international teams and work on projects that support safer and more efficient buildings around the world.
Discover how you can be part of a team that is advancing façade access technology while supporting the growth of women in construction and engineering.
Alimak Group has been recognized for innovation and sustainability with the 2025 Latour Sustainability Award for Manntech’s Articulated Mechatronic System (AMS). The award celebrates the company’s next generation Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) that delivers safer, faster, and more sustainable façade access for the world’s most complex buildings.
The Latour Sustainability Award was established in 2024 to honor measurable sustainability achievements across the Investment AB Latour portfolio. Alimak Group was selected for Manntech’s AMS, which achieved:
The AMS is an articulated, mechatronic BMU designed for safer and more sustainable building maintenance. Traditional BMUs often rely on heavy structures and rigid movement, which increases material use and CO₂ output. AMS offers a smarter solution through compact articulated arms that move precisely along façades. Its mechatronic design combines mechanical components with intelligent controls for smoother operation, improved reliability, and enhanced safety.
Installation is faster and simpler thanks to a modular and more efficient design that reduces the number of components lifted into place. This innovation drives a 40% reduction in assembly time, lowers loads on the building, and extends operational life. Operators also benefit from precise controls that allow safer and more confident work at height, improving both efficiency and sustainability.
Richard Horkavy, Vice President R&D, says:
“Winning the Latour Sustainability Award is a proud moment for Facade Access Solutions and a powerful validation of our approach to innovation. With the AMS, we’ve proven that it’s possible to rethink façade access with sustainability at the core—reducing CO₂ emissions, material use, and installation time, while enhancing safety and performance. We remain fully committed to continuing our journey of delivering smart, sustainable solutions that shape the future of our industry and support Alimak Group’s long-term environmental goals.”
This award reinforces Manntech’s role within Facade Access Solutions as a driver of sustainable progress in the facade access industry. It also reflects the strong partnership between Latour and Alimak Group and the shared commitment to long-term sustainable growth.
What is your role and how long have you been with the company?
I started with Manntech NA in 2013. When Alimak Group acquired Manntech and Cox Gomyl in 2017 I moved to Texas from New Jersey to help with the merger transition for the companies, technicians and systems.
I am currently the Service Support Manager. I have 4 service coordinators reporting to me (2 on the Alimak Group side and 2 from Tractel). I am also the Sales manager for the South East United States.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I have always enjoyed getting to know my clients, through emails but most importantly over the phone. The fabulous part of my sales job (which I started this past September) is getting out to visit clients. It has been great to meet people in person that I have only had a virtual relationship for years with. I find that talking to clients (in person or on the phone) is much more personal than emails. The client feels that Alimak Group cares for them, their needs with this personal touch.
What is your biggest accomplishment at work?
I had been a service coordinator for years. With the addition of Tractel to the Alimak Group family the responsibilities increased. I was promoted to Service Support Manager and hired the 2 Alimak Group service coordinators and have been working with the 2 Tractel coordinators to manage clients needs, scheduling of services, invoicing, etc. It is an ongoing job as we fully integrate the Tractel clients into the Alimak Group Salesforce system.
An anecdote during your tenure?
In 2019 a new Manntech BMU was installed in Houston, TX at the AIG building. It was the first time I was onsite to witness an installation of a BMU. Even more exciting because the lift was by helicopter. I was able to see all the work that is involved with knowing what parts can be lifted and the sequence to have them installed. I saw our technicians work tirelessly in the summer heat to piece the BMU together. Truly an awesome experience that not everyone in our business can be part of.
What is your role and how long have you been with the company?
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve recently been promoted to RRR Manager (Refurbishment, Retrofit & Replacement) after 9 years with the company!
From day one, I’ve been involved in key projects, from the design phase and factory manufacturing to installation coordination, testing, commissioning and final handover. This hands-on experience has given me a 360º perspective of projects, allowing me to understand both client expectations and factory requirements, while prioritizing lead times and key milestones to achieve project success.
What’s my favorite part of my job?
The opportunity to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that truly make a difference, not only for our clients but also for the long-term performance of our equipment. Ensuring that our systems operate safely and efficiently for years to come is something I take great pride in. I also love the dynamic nature of my role. Working across all project stages while collaborating with our local offices, clients, and factory teams allows me to see the full impact of our work. But if I had to pick a single favorite moment, it would be the commissioning phase being on-site, witnessing a project come to life, and experiencing that incredible sense of accomplishment when everything runs smoothly.
My biggest accomplishment at work
I’ve had the privilege of working on iconic projects around the world, and choosing just one as my biggest achievement is nearly impossible. Each project has been special, not only because of its scale but because of the incredible teamwork that made it happen.
Some of the projects I’m most proud to have contributed to are:
Being part of these landmark projects has not only benefited our clients and company but has also reinforced my belief that great teams build great projects.
A memorable moment from my journey
I specially remember one of my first projects, being part of Alimak Group, our team faced an unexpected technical challenge during commissioning of Seminole Hard Rock, concerned about potential delays, we all collaborated closely to quickly diagnose the issue and implement a solution on-site. Seeing the system operate flawlessly after overcoming that challenge was a testament to the power of teamwork, problem-solving, and shared expertise, the key elements behind every successful project and Alimak´s values.
Being part of Alimak Group has allowed me to grow professionally while contributing to cutting-edge solutions in the industry.
Excited for what’s ahead! Looking forward to leading key projects that extend the lifespan and enhance the performance of building access systems worldwide.
What is your role and how long have you been with the company?
I am the General Manager of Facade Access Solutions China & HSPS China. I joined the company in May 2008, and it has been an incredible journey ever since.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working in a male-dominated industry, I’ve always focused on leading my team and overcoming challenges, without letting gender define my role. The sense of achievement we share after conquering these challenges is my favorite part of the job.
With 17 years in the BMU industry, my passion for the products and brands has become second nature. My family loves to travel, and with my frequent business trips, I’ve developed a habit of looking up at skyscrapers in every city I visit. I instinctively check the brands of the BMUs installed on them. When I spot one from a brand I’ve worked with, I feel an immense sense of pride.
What is your biggest accomplishment at work?
I am incredibly proud of my stable, dedicated, and collaborative team we’ve built. Over 31.2% of the team has been with the company for more than 5 years, 10.4% for over 10 years, and 27% for more than 15 years. This longevity reflects the strong culture and commitment we’ve developed together.
Another achievement I take pride in is securing a major project in 2020 through persistence and sincerity. Despite strong competition, our commitment and expertise convinced the client to choose us, resulting in the successful installation of multiple BMUs, including a highly complex unit. To date, all 3 BMUs have been successfully installed and come into use, including the complex and largest of which weighs over 110 tons.
An anecdote during your tenure?
I started my BMU journey with Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) as a Project Manager, and it remains one of our key customers. That time SWFC was under construction, elevator access was extremely limited, and wait times were very long. To save time and increase efficiency, I often took the stairs. My personal record was climbing from B3 to the 54th floor – over 250 meters (the building stands at 492 meters). To this day, no one in the company has managed to break my record!
