WASHINGTON, June 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) and its subsidiary, Otis Elevator Co., announced they will donate eight Otis escalators, valued at $2 million, to the Smithsonian's new National Museum of African American History and Culture, now under construction on the National Mall.
As the primary vehicle for transporting visitors, the new Otis NCE escalator units will help the museum achieve its goal of becoming the first "green" building and the first LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) museum on the National Mall. Otis NCE escalators use power monitoring sensors and other advanced technology to sharply reduce energy consumption when compared to conventional escalators.
"We are proud to support the Smithsonian in celebrating African American life, art, history and culture by contributing to a world-class visitor experience," said United Technologies Chairman and CEO Louis Chenevert. "This contribution is an example of how United Technologies supports vibrant communities and encourages growth and vitality where our employees live, work and raise families."
The National Museum of African American History and Culture was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, becoming the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution. Scheduled for completion in 2015, it is now under construction on a five-acre tract on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., adjacent to the Washington Monument. When completed, the Museum will cover approximately 380,000 square feet and is expected to welcome millions of visitors each year.
"This gift from United Technologies is an important product donation to the museum," said Lonnie Bunch, the museum's founding director. "UTC and Otis have been integral to the history of innovation and manufacturing in our country, and the museum will be proud to transport our visitors with these energy-efficient escalators."
The Museum is currently hosting public programs, assembling collections and presenting exhibitions at other museums across the country and at its own gallery at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Its current exhibition, "Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and The March on Washington, 1963" explores the historical context of these two events, their accomplishments and limitations, and their impact on the generations that followed. It will remain open to the public through Sept. 15.
For more information about the exhibition and the museum, visit the website at http://nmaahc.si.edu.
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries. For more information, visit the UTC website, connect on LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter: @UTC.
Contact: John Moran, UTC
860-728-7062
www.utc.com
SOURCE United Technologies Corp.