As the only U.S. early warning equipment manufacturer to produce its products entirely in the U.S., Whelen Engineering has been developing innovative safety warning systems since 1952.
For the past 10 years, Whelen's chosen partner for its cable processing needs has been Schleuniger, chosen because of its vast selection of high quality equipment, great number of services, and commitment to customer support. Whelen houses a number of Schleuniger cut and strip machines, prefeeders, coilers, end stripping and coaxial stripping equipment.
Solving a Work Cell-Specific Problem
Recently Whelen had an ergonomic and processing issue with a particular work cell involving a cut, strip, and coil line. The work cell setup required an operator to reach over the coiling pans to remove the cables, proving to be ergonomically incorrect.
Whelen discussed lowering the bowls, redirecting the wire, and moving the controls for opposite side access, but this would require the bowls to rotate differently and would involve extensive mechanical modifications. After careful review, Schleuniger engineers designed the mechanical modifications, reconfigured the electronic motor controls, and developed a customized solution to fit the customer's needs. When Schleuniger returned with the prototype, Whelen was happy to see that it allowed employees to operate and approach the coiler in a significantly more ergonomic fashion.
Personal service of this type is rare in today's industrial sector. However, Whelen believes that choosing vendors with quality equipment and a firm commitment for support is essential in keeping its business a competitive leader.