PK USA Orders First North American Lincoln Electric Guardian Fire Safety Solution

PK USA, Inc., a Shelbyville, Ind.-based supplier of parts for automotive companies around the world, needed a fire safety solution for two of its plants, so Lincoln Electric introduced the company to the Guardian™ fire safety solution for its existing welding and fume extraction systems. The combination of oil or other flammable materials, fresh oxygen from the fan and hot welding sparks can produce fires in these systems. PK USA will be the first company to install a Guardian system in North America.

“We are pleased to provide PK USA with a solution that will give its employees a safer and cleaner work environment,” said Chris Brodnick, business manager, safety and environmental products, Lincoln Electric.

The Guardian fire safety solution prevents, detects and suppresses fires when a total system is installed. The spark arrestors in a system can stop fires before they start, while the limestone feeders provide chemical-fire protection to extinguish a fire, if one occurs. There’s also a fire-detection panel, which activates dampers to shut off the air supply, triggering suppression components to rapidly extinguish a fire.

“The system is quiet and efficient,” said Jeremy Brattain, process coordinator, PK USA. “We are looking forward to running it long term.”

The first part of the project consisted of installing Guardian in five arc welding cells, which is a large project for PK USA. After the system is in place, PK USA will be making parts for approximately 172,000 vehicles per year. The first system is scheduled to be in full production by September. Both systems will be in place by the end of the year.

Lincoln Electric has serviced PK USA for more than two years. The company started with weld wire and expanded to fume extractors then to portable welders.

“Customer service with Lincoln Electric has been very good and very well-rounded, making sure we get everything we need on time,” Brattain said.

To get a free Guardian assessment on an existing weld fume extraction system, call 888-935-3878. System and filter maintenance is also necessary to ensure proper operation and minimize the risk of fire, even where fire protection systems are installed. For more information, visit www.lincolnelectric.com/fireprevention.

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 45 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 19 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at www.lincolnelectric.com.