Kentucky manufacturer utilizes compressor airend rebuild and renews trust in Gardner Denver air compressors
“From the time they stepped in the door, to the first shutdown, (JBS) has been friendly, informative and able to deliver.”
Brian T., a Wolverine maintenance manager
If you work with your hands, are a hiking enthusiast or just plain appreciate a well-made boot, then you know Wolverine. Their boots are icons of the American workforce. Wolverine Worldwide’s other brands, such as Saucony and Merrell, are household names. It’s not surprising then, that Wolverine’s Louisville, Kentucky manufacturing and distribution center has trusted Gardner Denver compressors to support their operation for nearly 15 years.
In fact, one of their existing compressors has performed for over 100,000 run hours. The maintenance department had been highly satisfied with their existing Gardner Denver machines and John Bouchard & Sons’ preventative maintenance support, so they reached out to JBS for recommendations regarding next steps with this machine. Our compressed air application specialist recommended a next-generation replacement to support their current systems and an airend rebuild of their 100k hr. system for additional support.
Wolverine elected to purchase an Electra Saver II G2, 50HP (STG2-50) rotary screw compressor to be their workhorse for the next decade. They then had JBS perform an airend rebuild of their old compressor, which will now be used as a redundant backup. The rebuild cost was less than 50% the price of a new machine, and the rebuilt compressor will now provide auxiliary air for the facility.
Upgrading to a new industrial compressor not only ensures Wolverine’s production is uninterrupted, but it also improved the employee workplace experience:
“The noise level has been one of the most noticeable things. (The Saver II G2) is just incredibly more quiet than any of the compressors we’ve had in the past. I’ve had several comments from people who work back in that area about how much quieter it is,” said Brian T., a Wolverine maintenance manager, “And even for my maintenance guys. They’ve gone back to that area, like after a power outage or something to see if it’s running. And you’d have to get all the way up to it before you know (if it is running), because you can’t hear it.”
The STG2 model was recommended due to its robust resiliency in a dirty atmosphere of leather and plastics production. The high-efficiency machine features super-sized bearings and an airend that’s up to 40 percent larger than competitors’. The rotary compressor’s larger airend, which runs at slower speeds, maximizes efficiency and reduces wear and tear, while the permanent alignment of the airend and motor ensure maximum coupling and bearing life.