Kings III & Wurtec Partner to Improve the Emergency Communication Market of Elevator Video Messaging Systems

11 February 2025

Dallas, TX, February 11, 2025 - Kings III Emergency Communications—a privately-owned emergency response company based in Coppell—has partnered with Wurtec, a global supplier of tools, components, and solutions for the elevator industry. Founded in the 1980s, Kings III (1989) and Wurtec (1985) share over three decades of industry experience and a foundational commitment to integrity and service excellence. This alignment of core values and dedication to industry advancement made the collaboration a natural fit. 

The partnership helps address significant changes to elevator emergency communication requirements brought about by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), International Building Code (IBC), New York Building Code, and others requiring additional elevator emergency communication requirements. Applicable code years dating back to 2018 (IBC) and 2019 (ASME) are adopted in over 75% of the US and mandate the following for all newly constructed and modernized elevators: 

Two-way message display in the elevator cab to ensure communication for hearing and/or speech-impaired passengers
A means for authorized emergency personnel to view video footage of passengers anywhere in the cab, strengthening elevator emergency phone requirements for enhanced monitoring and response

Such rapid advancements affect video messaging solution (VMS) hardware, outward connectivity such as internet and cellular, repair, replacement and emergency dispatch services. Both Kings III and Wurtec have a shared goal of prioritizing the long-term viability of current and future products to satisfy the growing market demand for a complete and compliant video messaging solution. 

What does this mean and who does it affect? At a high level, this strategic partnership benefits elevator companies, passengers, and building management professionals through a comprehensive approach in addressing video messaging requirements. 

For elevator companies, this means faster, more efficient implementation of VMS solutions through shared expertise and advanced training, significantly reducing technical support wait times and implementation bottlenecks. The flexibility of our offering and joint expertise allows companies to adapt to evolving code requirements while creating new revenue opportunities through less barrier to entry on modernization projects with a non-proprietary and easily transferrable VMS offering. Current partners can continue to use their preferred VMS hardware; however, this partnership enhances our capabilities to help the customer with Wurtec's WUR-COM units. 

Building managers - and by extension, the elevator companies serving them - will benefit from streamlined emergency communications with a single point of contact and nationwide consistency in monitoring services. Moreover, the partnership will grow to enhanced hardware warranty options, reducing costly repairs and massive capital investment from the customer. With the combined core competencies targeting complementary strengths in turnkey solutions and superior engineering, these partners gather to provide a more integrated, future-ready approach to elevator safety and compliance that better serves the industry, ultimately ensuring a safer and more reliable experience for the people who rely on elevators every day. 

Norm Nelson, CEO of Kings III, had the following to say about the groundbreaking partnership with Wurtec: 

As ASME code changes reshape elevator communication, we see a real opportunity to simplify video monitoring for the industry.  Property managers and elevator contractors need clear, complete, and effective solutions to stay compliant. Together, we’re tackling the complexities of video-based elevator monitoring head-on, making it easier to implement and manage. Wurtec is a fantastic partner in this effort, and we look forward to bringing this innovative solution to the industry.

Norm Nelson, CEO, Kings III Emergency Communications

Joel Wooley, Vice President of Revenue at Wurtec, also gave his thoughts: 

Kings III is a trusted leader in the industry, and their unique capabilities are a perfect complement to Wurtec’s strengths. We believe this partnership is a win for Kings III, Wurtec, and, especially, our customers.

Joe Wooley, Vice President of Revenue, Wurtec

For more information, email Kings III National Product Manager, Daniel Goldstein here.

Joel Wooley, Wurtec VP of Revenue, and Norm Nelson, Kings III CEO, talk about the future of the companies' strategic partnership at Kings III's Annual Kickoff Meeting in January.

About Kings III Emergency Communications

At Kings III, we provide critical communication services to help people in distress. Kings III of America, LLC is headquartered in Coppell, Texas. Owned by Arcline Investment Management, Kings III is a provider of all-inclusive emergency monitoring solutions for elevators and pools across North America. Kings III designs, engineers, and manufactures its monitoring equipment, as well as runs a state-of-the-art 24/7 emergency dispatch center staffed with certified emergency responders. With over three decades of service, Kings III is a critical enabler of the elevator infrastructure in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit https://go.kingsiii.com/wurtec-partners.

About Wurtec

Wurtec has been a leader and innovator in the vertical transportation industry for forty years, specializing in systems, components, and tools for each phase of the elevator life cycle. Their diverse team of manufacturers, engineers, and customer service providers brings decades of expertise to every area of the industry – including emergency elevator communications. 

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Goldstein
National Product Manager
dgoldstein@kingsiii.com
(786) 939-0232

Tyler Williams

Digital Marketing Coordinator at Kings III Emergency Communications