Cresswood Shredding Machinery, an Illinois-based company, has been innovating in manufacturing for over 40 years. Their journey began in 1979, crafting residential stoves and fireplace inserts. Over time, they evolved into the realm of industrial furnaces, and then automated boiler systems.
Initially, they utilized German grinders for wood, paper, and plastic to grind material for boiler stokers. After a while, they were not satisfied with the quality of the imported product. So, Cresswood decided to design and build their own grinders – a venture they have successfully undertaken for the past 35 years.
This pivotal shift, however, presented a new challenge: dust and smoke. That is because a crucial aspect of their shredder manufacturing process involved using flex core welding wire, which generated a significant amount of smoke. As Jack Cress, CEO of Cresswood Shredding Machinery, explains, “One of the critical aspects of a weld shop is smoke.”
Cresswood had tried various solutions to combat the welding smoke. They experimented with fume extraction systems attached directly to the welding guns and employed fans to try to pull the smoke out of the building entirely. Unfortunately, none of these methods proved truly effective.
A Breath of Fresh Air: The Imperial Systems Solution
Employee retention is a significant concern across many industries, and Cresswood recognized the importance of fostering a pleasant work environment. Jack explains, “For the last 20 years, it’s been a serious problem to create an environment that employees want to work in.” Clean air was certainly a key piece of that puzzle.
Jeremiah Wann at Imperial Systems listened to Jack’s concerns and proposed a solution: the Shadow Compact Fume Extractor. This innovative system proved to be a significant change for Cresswood Shredding Machinery. Shop employees finally had a smoke-free environment to work in.
“It’s very difficult to get employees and employee retention, and part of that is creating an environment where they want to work,” emphasizes Jack. The impact of the Imperial Systems solution goes beyond just improved air quality; it contributes to a happier, healthier workforce.
Cresswood Shredding Machinery’s story exemplifies the power of innovative solutions. By partnering with a company like Imperial Systems, they were able to address a longstanding challenge and create a more positive work environment for their employees. This not only benefits worker well-being but also contributes to a more productive and successful company overall.
