January 4, 2022 - MidWest Materials Inc., Perry, Ohio, held a ceremony to mark the groundbreaking of a new Red Bud Industries Stretch Leveling Cut-To-Length line. The new line will be capable of processing material up to 0.750 in. thick by 78 in. wide and a maximum yield of by 80,000-pounds. The line incorporates the most advanced technologies currently available in the industry, including a hybrid 30-ft. Stretch Leveler with a looping pit. This allows the line to operate in start/stop mode when running thicker materials and in looping mode for 0.375 in. and thinner material. Loop mode significantly increases productivity and throughput while stretching.
The new line will also feature many high efficiency options for processing, maintenance, and packaging. The shear includes a quick-change blade feature that minimizes downtime during blade changes. The new line also includes a Continuous Stacking System, which allows virtually nonstop operation even when discharging finished bundles. When a bundle is completed, the line momentarily stops, but is quickly restarted and continues to operate while the bundle is removed.
The announcement comes on the heels of the recent announcement that MidWest Materials was awarded the 2021 Service Supplier of the Year award for the 4th time from one of the nation’s largest transportation OEMs.
CEO Brian Robbins used the groundbreaking ceremony to highlight the significant investments MidWest Materials has made to satisfy customer demand, embrace technological innovations, and increase employee retention through safety and training initiatives. In addition to the Red Bud Line, MidWest Materials has initiated a multi-million-dollar project to install new 40-ton and 15-ton cranes, new material handling devices, and upgrade existing lines with more advanced safety features (including laser light curtains and dust removal systems).
Robbins pointed out the remarkable achievements of his team, specifically production and maintenance, who worked non-stop throughout the pandemic to ensure critical supply chains for customers remained open and uninterrupted. He pointed out that in the hyper-competitive job market, doing everything possible to attract and retain talent has been a top priority. In the past quarter, MidWest Materials has invested more than 1,200 training hours to improve safety awareness, enable employee advancement, and increase overall quality. “Together, we are stronger than steel. It’s not only our motto, but also our way of life.”
