Monthly Archives: July 2014

Tyler Pipe Coupling Awarded 2014 Safety Excellence Award by MAM

Tyler Pipe Marshfield MAM Safety Excellence Award

L to R: Kathy Choate/MAM Board Chairperson, Jeff Morris/Environmental Engineer, Alicia Hardacre/Safety Manager, Tim Graham/EHS Technician, Jo Bowers/VPP Committee Chairperson, Bill Kays/VPP Committee Co-Chairperson, Bill Hoffman, and Kim Inman/CEO of MAM

We are proud to announce that Tyler Pipe & Coupling located in Marshfield, Missouri, was recently awarded the 2014 Safety Excellence Award by the MAM (Missouri Association of Manufacturers). Tyler has won this award for two years straight!

This award is given in recognition of superior safety performance and operational excellence, and to honor the dedication to safety by all of the team members working behind the scenes.

Tyler Coupling Plant Manager, Bill Hoffman, was the opening speaker at the conference speaking on “What does Safety Mean to a Plant Manager.”

Great job, Tyler Pipe! Keep up the great work and let’s make it three years in a row!

Drink Up!

Hannah Health Tips - Water

Before stepping outdoors make sure that you are hydrated. It is crucial to drink plenty of water and replenish all the lost fluids. During the summer months we go outdoors more, we are more physically active, and it is much hotter – all factors that dehydrate us.

One caution: drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine can actually increase fluid output, making it much harder to be properly hydrated. Signs of dehydration include:

  • dry mouth
  • headache
  • light-headedness
  • dizziness
  • little or no urination
  • constipation.

Dehydration is a major cause of:

  • Heat stroke – when body temperature rises higher than 40.6 °C (105.1°F). To avoid heatstroke wear lightweight clothing, avoid direct sunlight, use air conditioning, drink cold water, and avoid
    heavy meals.
  • Seizures – dehydration leads to a lack of electrolytes. Electrolytes send electrical signals from cell to cell. When electrolyte levels fall too low these signals don’t function properly, leading to involuntary muscle contractions.
  • Cerebral Edema – may occur when you drink after being dehydrated. The body sends water to the cells, however, it can send too much causing cells to swell and rupture.

Severe dehydration can also lead to kidney failure, coma, and even death.

As we are in full swing with gorgeous, sunny days and warm weather, remember to protect yourself against dehydration by drinking a sufficient amount of water!

Meet McWane: Jorge Arroyo & Georgina Solorzano, Anaco

Brother & Sister 20 Years

Jorge Arroyo and sister Georgina Solorzano

McWane is proud that there are so many team members that have been with the company for decades. But it is unique to find a brother and sister with over 20 years of service. Anaco team members Jorge Arroyo and his sister Georgina Solorzano have worked with Anaco for two decades.

Georgina works in the Assembly Department where she assembles couplings and package finished goods. Jorge is the Lead Material Handler and leads in the day to day activity ensuring that departments are fully stocked with the material they need in order to produce the couplings.

Congratulations Jorge and Georgina!

Synapse Kicks Off Summer with Team Picnic

Synapse recently held a picnic for team members over the Memorial Day weekend. The event was held in a field behind the Synapse offices in Huntsville, Alabama, and approximately 120 people attended the event (families included, of course).

A very competitive game of corn hole was held as well as lots of activities for the kids. During the event, the kids also put together goody baskets for the local St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and collected donations that went towards Manna House, a local food bank.

It was a great day and a wonderful way to kick off the summer!

Clow Water Holds Safety Stand Down to Kick Off Start-Up Week

Clow Water Safety Stand Down

Clow Water Systems held a “Safety Stand Down” to kick off start up week after the summer turnaround on July 7. VP-General Manager Tom Crawford took that opportunity to meet with the 340 team members and talk about the importance of health and safety at McWane.

The meeting included a “State of the Company” address by Tom and also a review of health and safety. They also showed a video (Remember Charlie) about a man who was severely burned in an industrial accident.

Thanks to the Clow Water leadership for reaffirming their commitment to working safely every day!

Pacific States: Cleaner and Even More Efficient

Pac States New Pipe Casting Machine
On January 7, a new, state of the art pipe casting machine began production at Pacific States! This new machine is faster than the older casting machine at Pac States and has two troughs, automatic core setting, and automatic pipe extraction.

When Pacific States installed the casting machine in the first quarter of 2014, the facility didn’t simply upgrade technology—it secured a way to produce more quality, uniform pipes with fewer resources.

As usual, there’s a lot going on at Pac States and, as usual, they’re making a difference for the better! The new casting machine—affectionately known as “Casting Machine A”—replaces two machines. Running at full capacity, it will produce approximately twice as much pipe as earlier machines and produce pipe with far more consistent wall thicknesses, thanks in part to Casting Machine A’s own hydraulic system that reduces fluctuations. The machine will be used primarily for 6”-12” pipe. This is also the first pipe machine of its kind in the McWane Ductile Pipe Group.

Congrats to the whole team at Pac States for taking charge and making a difference in 2014!

Synapse Wireless and Shoals Technologies Unveils Snapshot Wireless Solar PV Monitoring Solution

Synapse

Synapse Wireless, a specialist in wireless solutions that empower the Internet of Things (IoT), and Shoals Technologies Group, a manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) Balance of Systems (BoS) components, unveiled their Snapshot Wireless Solar PV Monitoring Solution in booth 9611 at Intersolar North America.

The Snapshot Wireless PV Monitoring system is designed to optimize plant performance and reduce O&M costs.

With the ability to monitor output down to the string level, this cloud-based solution delivers a host of advantages, including: superior analytics, decision support tools, real-time system alerts, and integrated work order management. Snapshot’s intuitive user interface is optimized for mobile devices as well as PCs for anytime, anywhere insight into solar plant efficiency and output.

Phoenix Solar, a specialist in designing, building and operating large commercial and utility-scale solar power plants, is working with Synapse and Shoals to implement the Snapshot solution.

– See more at: http://www.solarnovus.com/intersolar-north-america-2014-wireless-pv-monitoring_N7931.html

Meet McWane: Ramiro Reyes, Anaco

SAMSUNG CSCRamiro Reyes is a 32+ year team member and Thread Roller Operator at Anaco. On May 12, 2014, Ramiro announced his retirement. Management and team members would like to wish Ramiro a very happy and peaceful retirement. Anaco will miss his loyalty, sincerity, team player spirit, and his devotion to duty.

Ramiro has relocated to Texas where he will enjoy his retirement with his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.

Thank you for your 32+ years of service, Ramiro!

Happy Independence Day!

Independence Day

What do you love about July 4th?

On this Independence Day, we’re giving you four things we love about the Fourth of July!

Fireworks

Imagine sitting outside on a cool summer night, with nothing but the light from the stars and the moon to illuminate your surroundings. Then, all of a sudden bursts of various colors fill the sky giving an “enchanted” feel to the atmosphere around you. One of the greatest experiences in the world, right? Many people only shoot fireworks a few times throughout the year, and luckily, Independence Day is one of those times! Fireworks just seem to elicit warm, magical feelings that give you no choice but to love them.

BBQs

There are many great outings and activities to enjoy, yet nothing compares to a good ol’ BBQ. The idea of good food, good friends, good music, and good fun is something that everyone looks forward to once the temperature begins to rise. On Independence Day, it’s nothing out of the ordinary to go outside and see your neighbors firing up the grill or smell the enticing aroma of grilled food…yum!

Vacations

It’s always enjoyable to relax, visit new places, and get away from the happenings of your everyday life. Numerous Americans vacation during the Fourth of July weekend whether it is to their hometowns, the beach, or to big events like celebratory parades and music festivals. Vacationing is always fun, but it’s something about doing it during the holiday that makes it that much more special.

Being American Made

McWane employs more than 4,000 U.S. workers who safely and sustainably manufacture ductile iron pipe, soil pipe, fittings, hydrants, and valves in facilities here in the United States. We are committed to American workers and American industry. Reports even show that “Buying American” helps to strengthen the economy, creates new jobs and promotes responsible, environmental practices…talk about proud to be an American!

These are just four things we love about the Fourth of July, but of course there are many others, and while we love these things about Independence Day, we must never forget the true meaning behind the holiday. We hope you all have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable weekend!

Leave a comment below and tell us four things you love about the Fourth of July!

Zinwave Wideband DAS Enhances Network Coverage in Sports Stadiums and Arenas

Zinwave

Zinwave distributed antenna system (DAS) is becoming system of choice for high density buildings

With Smartphone ownership on the increase and wireless broadband services more prevalent, sports enthusiasts expect unlimited access to 4G services after purchasing tickets to watch their favorite teams play live in major league tournaments like the FIFA World Cup.

Large stadiums usually have seating capacities in excess of 60K and mobile operators are finding it increasingly difficult to provide uninterrupted access to data services during live events. Networks frequently jam up as spectators share their experiences in real time and these venues require a not only dedicated coverage but also dedicated capacity to address these issues.

Zinwave’s distributed antenna system (DAS) is being increasingly selected as the system of choice by stadium owners and neutral host providers. Its wideband capabilities are enabling these high density venues to overcome interference, soft handover and capacity management challenges and better manage peaks and troughs in network traffic.

Zinwave’s wideband DAS (known as Zinwave 3000) is the only system on the market that is truly future-proof, supporting any combination of services between 150MHz -2700MHz, regardless of protocol or modulation scheme. Additionally it is the only system that can support multiple FDD and TDD 4G LTE services simultaneously across any spectrum allocated globally.

Zinwave 3000 eliminates the need for complex multi-layer infrastructures associated with conventional DAS installations and removes the need for “rip and replace” to accommodate new frequency allocations and/or migrations as they are rolled out. This speeds up the time to market and offers a higher ROI as well as the lowest total-cost-of-ownership per installation.

Zinwave 3000 also facilitates location based services being increasingly deployed in larger venues to improve business services for onsite concessionaires.

Says Colin Abrey, Chief Marketing Officer, Zinwave; When sports fans are watching their favourite teams they want an effortless network experience. Our DAS provides multi-service-multi-operator support, enabling mobile network operators, neutral hosts and systems integrators to better manage traffic peaks and troughs and deliver premium wireless performance on game days.”

Zinwave has already completed a number of successful stadium projects, including the Pepsi Center, home to the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche and the Colorado Mammoths, the Olympic Stadia in Kiev and Warsaw, both venues for Euro 2012, and special Premiership stadium project in the UK.

Zinwave is also actively pursuing a growing number opportunities in the US and Australasia following these recent successes.

 

About Zinwave

Zinwave is a global provider of active DAS technology for in-building wireless coverage, with offices in UK, USA, Asia and Australia “System 3000” is the only true wideband active Distributed Antenna System on the market, supporting multiple services across all frequencies between 150MHz and 2700MHz on a single hardware layer. It is straightforward to deploy and scalable to meet future requirements.

Zinwave’s RF planning, programm management and execution teams are highly skilled, with extensive experience in all areas of wireless communications and international telecoms. Sales activities are global and the company has established relationships with all major operators and system integrators.

Zinwave is a subsidiary of McWane Inc, a privately held manufacturing company based in the US and owners of a global group of wireless technology companies.