Problem Solving Culture: Teamwork, Curiosity, and Drive
We are a team of problem solvers. AirPro’s skilled engineers, fabricators, and project managers thrive when the lead times are short and the specifications are complex. In fact, walking the shop floor, you will hear that our employees prefer challenging projects. They beam with excitement when talking about interesting fans they’ve machined, fabricated, or assembled. They remember job numbers and how they solved specific challenges. They are always primed and ready for the next puzzle.
That foundation was critical when we took on one of our largest projects yet: 20 custom-designed Hastelloy fans needed five weeks after order. Hastelloy (C-276) is a corrosion-resistant alloy used in extreme environments. It’s ideal for chemical processing and clean energy, like this solar panel application, but it can be demanding to fabricate. It requires longer lead time in procurement, specialized welding techniques and more machining time than other alloys.
The first few were so slow, but we realized we needed to change [equipment]. Once we figured it out, I was ready to put in as many hours as they needed to get it all done.
Mitchell M., Machinist
Design: Teamwork and a shared knowledge base
Each of the 20 fans was custom-engineered to meet the customer’s exact system specifications. The fans required exacting balance, durability under stress, and performance reliability. Volumes ranged from 2,000 Acfm to 38,000 Acfm. Each model also needed a custom unitary base, vibration isolators, and variations in wheel sizes, housing geometries and mounting configurations. Our engineering team coordinated closely with the customer to finalize every design element, then worked with our production team to ensure efficient manufacturing.
There were some challenges that could have slowed us down, but because we are ALWAYS designing things that are unusual and custom, we just relied on our experience and put trust in the design team.
Gabe B, Engineering Supervisor
The Execution: High Volume, Tight Timeline, No Compromises
Delivering these fans in a matter of weeks required coordination across every part of the business. Raw material, motor, and hardware procurement had to be precise and timely. Schedules had to flex, because throughout it all, we had to continue meeting commitments to our other customers. As the fans came together, energy built and transferred from department to department. Employees spoke often about how much they enjoyed meeting the challenge of a tough project with a tight timeline.
Like any project, this one didn’t go perfectly. Part of taking on tough projects means being prepared for mistakes. When a member of the shipping team caught an error, the unitary bases had to be sent back to fabrication, paint, and assembly. AirPro values honesty and encourages every employee to take ownership of both the wins and the mistakes. Our team confronted the misalignment head-on, reworked the problem area correctly to AirPro’s exacting standards, and still got the fans to the location on time.
A lot of the weird stuff comes to me. I like figuring out how stuff goes together. I knew what to expect with this one because I worked with Hastelloy before.
Seth B., Welder Fabricator
The outcome: Out the door and on to the next project
From a May 15 order to first shipments by June 20, this project was a true test of speed, skill, and teamwork. It also showcased the culture we’ve built: one where complex challenges are met with energy, ownership, and pride. We’re ready for what’s next because this is the kind of work we’re built for.
Contact us to learn how we can meet the demands of your project today.
Second wave of blowers being staged for pickup.
