The THIEquip News Blog has a new home!

You will now find it at: http://www.thiequip.com/news.html

Thank you!

Kendall Thompson Bike's The Mississippi

One for the Grey Hairs (in their sixties)

 

Just after school started this fall, I took a six day bike trip. As you can see in the picture below it was a peddle bike - a 95 Schwinn. A couple of years ago I started at the head waters of the Mississippi River and rode for 6 days. I picked up where I left off and rode for another 6 days. This trip started a day's journey above the twin cities in Minnesota and ended up above the Iowa border. I took my sleeping gear and slept out each night. I did not take any matches for fire, but I got one hot meal a day and carried a few treats to hold me over. I went by myself so I could peddle at my own rate, stop and take pictures where I wanted to, and enjoy nature when and where I could. I rode on bike paths and side roads that followed the Mississippi River Trail. Part of the trip that was a little overwhelming was a section of the road that continued to climb up and wind around forever or at least it seemed that way. I ended up stopping about 25 times to rest or push my bike until I made it to the last climb. Of course cars and trucks were whizzing by, but there was an 8' shoulder that was paved. To say the least, going down I did not peddle very much! Then unknown to me, the camp site that night had another long winding road that went up, up, and around once again! I did not take an air mattress with me, but I slept very well that night. I met a number of people along the way: one guy was walking around the world (Andrew’s Adventures), another was riding a unicycle and it looked like he had more gear then I had, I had breakfast with two guys and a dog that were canoeing down the Mississippi, then I had missed one of my campsites and as it was getting darker I asked a grey hair gentleman if I could put my tent up in his yard. He was cutting his grass and he said okay. Later his wife invited me in for warm tea and hot apple crisp with ice cream.  I had checked my bike out mechanically before I made the trip and there were no issues on this trip. I ended up taking more gear than I needed as the trip before, but maybe next time I will lighten the load. By the fifth night I was kind of glad that my wife would meet me later the next day to end of my journey for 2014. I would encourage you to take short or long bike trip this next year.

Kendall Thompson

Thierica Equipment introduces automated CO2 cleaning as a viable solution to plastic part cleaning prior to coating.

Thierica Equipment Corporation (Grand Rapids, MI) has introduced an automated solution to reinvent the cleaning process for plastic components in the automotive industry. Thierica is teaming with Cool Clean Technologies (Eagan, MN) to implement CO2 cleaning systems for automobile manufacturing in the cleaning of plastic parts prior to coating. Thierica is the world leader in paint finishing, product decorating and automated equipment technologies. They excel in automating systems to a wide range of applications. Cool Clean Technologies is the global leader in CO2 engineered solutions. They bring the innovation of incorporating CO2 into precision cleaning systems. The two companies work together for installation, design, and service of the machine.
Cleaning plastic parts prior to coating presents a difficult challenge for automobile manufacturers. Current cleaning methods include using expensive, aqueous power washing systems or manually hand wiping the part clean. Power washing requires large floor space and can leave water spots on the plastic part. Hand wiping is very monotonous for employees, and inconsistent. One way that companies are improving their cleaning process is by automating with CO2 cleaning systems. BMW and VW have implemented systems and greatly improved efficiency and cleaning efficacy.
Specifically, using the OMEGA™ CO2 precision cleaning system from Cool Clean Technologies effectively removes dust and light oils from the plastic part prior to coating. By cleaning the surface, the paint is able to adhere better, resulting in fewer defects. Companies have seen increased productivity and lower labor costs after implementing with Cool Clean Technologies.
The spray nozzle concentrates CO2 particles that are sprayed at the part removing dust and contaminants left from manufacturing. CO2 is harmless to employees and the environment. It's nonabrasive and won’t cause any damage to the part.
Watch the brief video highlighting the cleaning process and contact us with any questions. We'd love to help you improve your process and save you time and money!

Thierica Extends To Brazil - Welcomes Willians Caresma

Building on our success in Mexico and recent projects in South America, Thierica Equipment has decided to take the plunge and locate sales and service support in Sao Paulo Brazil.

 
Willians Caresma has extensive experience in automated process painting applications. He has worked with Thierica for years as both a customer and a partner. We are very excited to have him as part of our team.

Large/Heavy Handling

Every year, we build an increasing number of systems that paint larger/heavy components. Like the one shown in the pictures below for process valves over 3,000lb each! Thierica's typical robust modular design lends itself to just such applications. We have even automated complete paint lines for products over 40ft long and 3ft in diameter. So challenge our engineering with your painted products.

Custom engineered solutions for large parts is becoming a specialty niche and Thierica is rising to the challenge.

 












Even large product systems are fully assembled and tested in our 85,000 square foot facility, ensuring a trouble-free and fast installation.

Schedule an appointment to visit our facility and see what's being built on our floor today!

Merry Christmas!

Our Dave Kooienga took this photo of ice that formed naturally over a stream.

Thierican Bill Nelson Bikes The West

Here's a shot of our Bill Nelson posing with an all carbon-fiber bike on vacation out West. Lucky dog!

Kendall Goes The Distance - On A Bike

Kendall Thompson, our shipping/receiving manager and maintenance man, rode his bike from Headwaters, MN, to the Twin Cities, sleeping in a tent he carried with him.

Thierica Equipment attends SAC

Come visit our booth at the SAC in October! We will be drawing business cards for chances to win Gift cards from top named stores.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how Thierica can improve your coating processes with the most advanced systems in the industry.

Grand Rapids in Forbes Magazine

Grand Rapids, MI:
"Best city for raising a family."
- Forbes

FANUC Robotics Video Featuring Thierica Equip.

FANUC Robotics features a button painting machine built by Thierica Equipment Co.

Improved Panel Construction

"We are always striving to keep our high quality standards while improving the look and value of of construction."

And our latest breakthrough in wall panel construction does just that. With our new construction method we are able to protect all the things you love about our equipment. Modular build technique, smooth interior and exterior skin, double wall construction, and the choice of SS, aluminized, or epoxy coating on either side of the panel. Typical single wall flanged constructed panels don't even begin to compare. Who wants a flimsy bolt together booth when you can get quality built wall panels at comparable costs. Call us for more information.........

Go Vertical!

Vertical Process Ovens, that is.....

Why waste valuable floor space with a single layer, floor level oven when you can GO VERTICAL!

Thierica has been building vertically conveyed ovens for over 25 years but recently the trend has been growing. Increased efficiency, higher part density, and reduced floor space all adds up to big cost savings and that is the name of the game these days.

Thierica Equipment Achieves Servicing Integrator Status With FANUC Robotics

While Thierica Equipment has used FANUC robots since the early 1980's, our recent certification as a servicing integrator demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with the best products in the industry.

Thierica Equipment featured on "World's Greatest" TV Show!

"World's Greatest!...." is a fast-paced tour around the world featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews of some of the most amazing and unique companies, products, people, and travel destinations the world has to offer! This segment aired in October of 2011. Watch to find out why Thierica Equipment is considered ...... The "World's Greatest!"

Darin Hibbs Joins Thierica Equipment's Sales Team

Darin has an extensive background in paint finishing equipment and automated applications.  His customer skills are exceptional and he is motivated to show you how Thierica can be your preferred paint systems supplier.

Call Darin today at 616-453-6570x302 to discuss your project!

Thierica Equipment Co. To Be Featured On "World's Greatest!..." Television Show

Thierica Equipment Co. to be featured on ION Network's "World's Greatest!..." television show about top companies in the consumer, commercial, industrial, retail, travel, and service industries.

Press Release:

How2Media, the producers of the television show "World's Greatest!...", announced today that they have recently selected Thierica Equipment Corporation to be a part of the popular television series.

"Thierica Equipment is exactly the type of company that we like to feature on 'World's Greatest!...'. They're a very innovative, leading edge company that people usually associate with the design and fabrication of spray booths, but they're more than that; Thierica Equipment focuses on the complete "painting system". Founded in 1945, with a desire for continuous improvement, they have a great story to tell, and we can't wait to help tell the story in a meaningful way to our viewers" said Gordon Freeman, Executive Producer of the show.

As part of the show, How2Media will be sending a film crew to visit the company's manufacturing facilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to get the story behind the story on Thierica Equipment Corporation, and to show the "World's Greatest!..." viewers why they were selected, and why they will be featured on the show.

"World's Greatest!..." is a thirty minute show dedicated to highlighting the world's greatest companies, products, places, and people. Each show is a fast paced tour around the world featuring behind the scenes footage, informative interviews, and exciting visuals.

How2Media is a 21st Century television production company. Their award winning programming can be seen on national cable channels and local network affiliates across the country. For more information on How2Media and their show lineup, please visit How2Media.tv.

Adhesives Plugging Up Your Filters?

Then add baffles and extend filter life by 75%!!!
 

Adhesives can be sticky business and when it comes to spray application that means filters that plug up rapidly, reducing your air flows through the booth, and making filter changes much sooner than expected.  Typical spray adhesives create webs that face load your filters and you end up throwing away only partially used filter media. The added cost of filters, downtime, and poor air flows can be avoided with a properly designed baffle in front of your filters. Thierica has developed an adhesive baffle specifically designed to capture the adhesive webbing and extend your filter life by 75% or more. And cleaning the baffles is a snap because of a unique surface treatment that wont allow the adhesive to stick.
 

Stop wasting money on filters and have Thierica install a baffle system for you today!

Think Modular

Thierica's modular built equipment is quick to install, easy to expand, and will save you money.

Over the past few years many paint projects aimed at expanding capacity have been put on hold. Reduced demand and a slowing economy have made it difficult to justify new capital equipment. Well guess what? Demand is on the incline and paint capacity is at a all time low. Now is the time to brush off that shelved project and get the paint system you have always wanted. And you're in luck! Thierica has been using this time to improve our designs and focus on quick capacity expansion systems.

Call us for more information and to begin planning for your future capacity expansion!

Monterrey Devastated by Hurricane Alex Flooding

Monterrey, Mexico - home to Thierica de Mexico - was recently declared a disaster area by Mexican President Felipe Calderon. While our plant was spared, the devastation is wide-spread and dramatic. With the mountainous terrain and rocky ground the water tore through the town with great force destroying or burying everything in its path.