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Wheelabrator® In-Line 8-wheel Monorail

Product News Wednesday, April 8, 2009: Wheelabrator

As a leader in the agriculture sector, Highline Manufacturing Ltd., based in Vonda, Saskatchewan (40 KM Northeast of Saskatoon) underwent a facility expansion during the Summer of 2008. The company proudly services the agricultural equipment industry with its diverse line of product offerings. With construction underway, Highline felt it was the right time to consider the addition of a new in-line Wheelabrator blast cleaning system within its plant facility. The system would be used for cleaning farming equipment weldments. The company’s final decision resulted in a Wheelabrator® In-Line 8-wheel Monorail system purchase. Installation was completed in the Fall of 2008.

Having previously manually blasted the welded components, Highline automated this process to increase production and cleaning efficiency. When Highline approached Don Pelle, Wheelabrator Group Technical Sales Representative, they worked together on the layout of its new plant configuration. Wheelabrator Group personnel worked closely with a team of experts to design an In-Line Eight (8) Wheel Monorail system tailored to its facility.

“I was very pleased with the attention to detail and professionalism displayed by the personnel at Wheelabrator on this project. From the initial planning stages to the wet-run, there were many challenges; all were taken in stride with the end result being exactly what I expected: a reliable machine that we count on twenty-four hours a day”, said Norm Sane, Manufacturing Eng., Team Leader, Highline Manufacturing Ltd.

A monorail system feeds weldments for processing through the Wheelabrator blast system. The eight (8) EZEFIT® blast wheels provide the most efficient cleaning capability available today. Weldments are cleaned at 5 to 7 feet per minute. The cleaned components travel through the machine to the customer’s in-line coating system. Once the parts are painted and cured, they are then ready for the assembly line. Key advantages to the company’s installation of the new Wheelabrator Monorail machine include reduced operating costs, improved cleaning efficiency and, the elimination of its outsourcing practice.

Prior to shipping this equipment, Wheelabrator Group fully assembled and pre-wired it including performing a complete wet-test with abrasive. Mr. Sane and his team flew in from Saskatchewan to visit the Wheelabrator Group facility in Burlington, Ontario. On this visit, they witnessed and approved the wet-run testing of the in-line system with abrasive. This visit allowed both parties the opportunity to communicate any questions, details or concerns to ensure a smooth set-up at the company’s plant site. A full installation package was purchased consisting of mechanical installation, start-up and equipment commissioning, plus operation and maintenance training. “The installation of the unit while production continued was one of our biggest hurdles”, states Mr. Sane. “With the exception of some trucking issues, it came off without a hitch; a special ‘hats off’ to the installation crew! I look forward to working with the Wheelabrator on our next in-line application.”

Wheelabrator Group is a global provider of surface preparation and finishing solutions. Committed to offering the broadest array of technologies, products, services and technical know-how, the Wheelabrator Group works closely with customers to deliver the best solutions for their specific requirements. The company's strategically located and electronically linked offices allow Wheelabrator Group to provide unrivalled customer service and support worldwide.