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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I am the General Manager of FA China & HSPS China. I joined the company in May 2008, and it has been an incredible journey ever since.
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.
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 accomplishment I value is living by one of my mottos: “Sincerity is the key to success.” A notable example of this is the Guangzhou Business Center project in 2020. After a lengthy tender process, we learned our competitor had a 90% chance of winning. In response, I immediately flew to Guangzhou and waited at the office of job owner – Star River Group to meet with their chairman, Ms. Huang. Despite her busy schedule, my persistence earned me a few minutes of her time. In those moments, I explained why Star River Group should choose us as their supplier. As the only direct-operated BMU company in China, we offered unparalleled advantages, including our whole SDE team with thousands of projects experience and the professional and experienced local project team, they are all stand behind Star River Group.
Ultimately, the chairman was deeply touched by our attitude and sincerity and finally rewarded the challenging order to us, in additionally, provided very good payment terms. To date, all 3 BMUs have been successfully installed and come into use, including the complex and largest of which weighs over 110 tons.
I started my BMU journey with Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) as a Project Manager, and it remains one of our key customers. By the time back 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!
