September 2024
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Inside the September Issue |
Service Contractors:
Results Come Down to Training
High-volume belt conveyor systems are among the most hazardous pieces of equipment in any bulk handling operation. Maintaining the delicate balance between production demands and efficiency can be a challenge for any internal maintenance team. To control labor costs and improve safety, operators often enter servicing agreements with outside contractors to perform routine maintenance or to retrofit new equipment during a shutdown.
Although outside contractors may be experienced, they often lack the proper training and specific knowledge needed to offer adequate servicing and installation of modern equipment designs. Moreover, this gap in expertise might limit what recommendations to common problems they offer, causing them to default to antiquated equipment or debunked solutions. This is why it is so crucial for contractors to have ongoing training that ensures they use modern techniques, install the latest equipment and operate to workplace safety best practices.
Modern Equipment & Techniques Training
As the global leader in belt conveyor accessories and material
flow technology, Martin Engineering technicians are often invited to offer solutions to serious conveyor issues. For example, a
common complaint from customers is that the belt cleaners currently
installed on the belts are ineffective. The perception of
the operator is that the product is defective or just plain“garbage”. Upon inspection, the technicians often find the equipment
was simply, (1) not installed properly, (2) not adequately
maintained (improper intervals, over-tensioned, etc.) and/or, (3)
inappropriately specified to match the application requirements.
All these issues can be addressed through proper training.
That’s why Martin Engineering ensures its team of Martin Service Technicians (MSTs) are up to date on the latest techniques and bulk handling technologies by conducting regular, intensive weeklong 28-hour training sessions like the most recent one in the spring of 2024. MSTs who have been with the company for a few months to a few decades regularly receive refreshers on their existing knowledge and to learn about newproducts and practices.
From deep mines to large cement plants, the goal of the training
is to ensure Martin’s customers experience maximum efficiency
and productivity in their bulk handling systems and are
provided with the highest standard of service that complies with
safe workplace best practices at every step.
“As factory-trained MSTs, it’s not just our experience but
also our knowledge that allows us to provide a solution for our
customers,” said Blayne Anderton, Martin service technician.
“For an expert contractor to come in and do the job professionally
and safely is one less stress the customer needs to worry
about.” Full story »
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