Category: Case Studies

At Barron Equipment, we help businesses improve safety, efficiency, and productivity with innovative material handling solutions. Our case studies showcase real-world success stories where clients have solved operational challenges using our ergonomic industrial material handling equipment.

Case Study: Can HVLS Fans Solve Warehouse Airflow Issues?

Z Tech HVLS fan from Barron Equipment

Overview

Lincoln Electric Automation™, a large manufacturing facility in Bettendorf, Iowa, specializing in the design and assembly of robotic automation systems, partnered with Barron Equipment to improve airflow and working conditions in its high‑bay assembly area. With ceiling heights of approximately 35 feet and open floor space exceeding 25,000 square feet, the facility required a solution capable of moving a large volume of air efficiently across production and assembly zones.

After installing Z‑Tech and Z‑Tech3 HVLS industrial ceiling fans, the customer has experienced significant improvements in air movement, comfort, and overall working conditions.

The Challenge: Stagnant Air in a High‑Bay Industrial Space

Prior to installing HVLS fans for warehouse and assembly operations, the facility struggled with stagnant air in key areas of the production floor. These dead zones experienced little to no airflow, making working conditions especially difficult during peak summer months. The lack of consistent air movement directly impacted on employee comfort and made certain areas of the facility challenging to work in during hot weather.

Traditional airflow solutions were not effectively circulating air throughout space. They need ceiling fans capable of covering large areas without creating disruptive drafts.

The Solution: Z‑Tech and Z‑Tech3 HVLS Industrial Ceiling Fans

To address these challenges, Barron Equipment recommended a tailored solution using Z‑Tech HVLS fans and Z‑Tech3 HVLS ceiling fans, selected specifically for the facility’s size, layout, and ceiling height. Barron Equipment worked closely with the customer and manufacturer to ensure the fans were properly sized and positioned to maximize airflow performance.

The decision to move forward was driven by confidence in product quality, reliability, engineering support, and strong local service. Customer valued Barron Equipment’s consultative approach, which provided reassurance when making a significant capital investment in high volume low speed HVLS fans.

Results After One Year

After a year of continuous use, the facility team reports that the HVLS fans have made a noticeable difference across the assembly and production areas. The HVLS industrial ceiling fans deliver consistent circulation, eliminating stagnant air pockets and making summer conditions far more tolerable for employees.

In addition to improved summer comfort, the fans have also delivered value during winter months by helping push warm air down from the ceiling to the floor. This balanced air movement has contributed to more comfortable conditions year‑round while supporting better use of existing heating and cooling systems.

Z Tech HVLS Fan in use

Energy Efficiency and Operational Value

z tech hvls fan

Lincoln Electric Automation™ emphasized the energy efficiency benefits of using HVLS ceiling fan technology to manage airflow. By moving a large volume of air at low speeds, the fans enhance comfort without relying solely on HVAC equipment, supporting efficient operation in a large industrial environment.

Beyond airflow improvements, the customer reported a positive impact on employee morale, noting that working conditions during the hottest months are now far more tolerable.

Recommendations

The client claimed the investment in Z‑Tech HVLS fans as well worth it, highlighting good product quality and strong performance. They would confidently recommend Barron Equipment and HVLS fans for warehouse and manufacturing facilities, highlighting the smooth installation process, knowledgeable support team, and the significant improvement in airflow throughout the space.

"Our territory manager, Jay Bower, went above and beyond during the initial phase of this project, even bringing in "Go Fan Yourself" reps. He ensured that we selected the appropriately sized fans for our facility to optimize airflow, and he provided reassurance during a project that represented a financial investment."
Lincoln Electric Automation™

Conclusion

For facilities operating in large, high‑bay environments, HVLS fans offer a proven solution for improving air movement, comfort, and energy efficiency. This manufacturing facility’s experience demonstrates how Z‑Tech HVLS fans can transform challenging workspaces into more comfortable, productive environments, making them a strong choice for companies seeking the best HVLS fans for industrial applications.

Case Study: Industrial Tool Storage Transformation Using Modular Drawer Tool Cabinets

Untitled design (1)
MDS 44 height
MDS 60 height

Executive Summary

To keep the warehouse organized and running smoothly, Barron Equipment integrated a Strong Hold modular drawer storage cabinet into its own operations. This is a high-quality modular drawer storage cabinet designed for industrial environments.

This drawer cabinet for tools features 14‑gauge all-welded steel, offers a 7,700 lbs. total capacity, secure access, and arrives assembled for immediate use. By integrating these tool cabinets into everyday processes, Barron Equipment uncovered operational benefits outlined in the case study below.

Customer Background

Barron Equipment supplies industrial and warehouse solutions across the Midwest, offering everything from tool mezzanines to material handling products. Internally, their service and warehouse teams use a diverse mix of tools daily. As the business expanded, Barron recognized their own facility needed a more structured and durable drawer storage system to support operations.

The Challenge

Barron junk drawer for case study

Before adopting the modular drawer system, Barron’s shop encountered challenges that many customers face: 

  • Tools were scattered across mixed toolboxes and open shelving, creating inefficient tool storage workflows. 
  • Previous drawer cabinets lacked the durability to withstand long‑term industrial use, causing drawer issues and structural wear. 
  • Technicians lost time navigating between workstations due to inconsistent storage locations. 
  • Certain specialty tools require secure, controlled access. 
  • Floor space was not optimized due to non‑modular, low-capacity storage cabinets. 

Barron Equipment needed a heavy duty, long‑lasting tool storage cabinet solution suitable for daily, high frequency use. 

Barron drawer for case study

The Solution: Modular Drawer Tool Storage Cabinets

MDS open drawer divider

Barron Equipment chose this modular drawer cabinet because it is built for the most demanding work environments. The tool storage cabinet is positioned in the warehouse workstations to centralize daily operations. 

Built for Daily Use 

  • Each 14‑gauge heavy duty drawer holds up to 400 lbs., and accommodates heavy loads, parts, and specialty hardware kits. 

Easy to Set Up and Move 

  • Made in the U.S., this cabinet was shipped fully assembled and ready to use, reducing setup time.  
  • Pallet‑jack mobility allows Barron’s team to easily reposition this tool cabinet as their workspace evolves. 

Security & Organization 

  • An interlocking safety system allows only one drawer to open at a time, helping prevent the cabinet from tipping.
  • 32 drawer insert options helped Barron customize the organization for hand tools, power tools, and specialty hardware kits.

Made to Last 

  • These cabinets come with a 99‑year warranty, showing how long they are built to perform.
MDS lock

Results

MDS tools

Improved Workflow and Faster Access 

  • With each modular drawer storage cabinet working as a central tool hub, technicians now spend less time searching for tools and more time completing their tasks. This keeps projects moving and prevents slowdowns. 

Higher Durability in a Real Industrial Setting 

  • Because the cabinets are built from all-welded 14‑gauge steel, they stay strong even with heavy daily use. This storage cabinet maintains smooth operation even when fully loaded with dense tools and equipment, allowing technicians to work confidently without concerns about drawer strain or degradation.  

A Safer, Cleaner Workspace 

  • With vertical modular drawer storage optimizing floor space, Barron’s warehouse has a cleaner and more organized layout that supports safer movement throughout the work area. The locked drawer configurations further strengthen accountability by securing valuable tools and ensuring they remain accessible only by authorized personnel.

Conclusion

Strong Hold modular drawer cabinets helped Barron Equipment build a more organized, efficient, and safer warehouse. The strong construction, high‑capacity drawers, and secure storage make these cabinets a dependable choice for daily industrial use. Barron Equipment proudly recommends these cabinets to any facility looking for a reliable and durable tool storage solution. 

Testimonials

"After incorporating Strong Hold Modular Drawer Storage Cabinet into our storage strategy, we have been able to more reliably restrict access to expensive tools and small equipment. The key to the keyed lock stays with authorized personnel at all times and we are able to better track check out of certain items."
Barron Equipment Logo in blue
Terry Gisi
Operations Manager

PRISUM Solar Car Club Caster Case Study

Solar Car Club

Overview

In January of 2024, Iowa State University’s PRISUM Solar Car Club, whose aim was to devise and construct a practical solar-powered vehicle, found themselves struggling to efficiently transport their 20’ steel racks. These are essential in the construction of the vehicle the club intended on entering in the Formula Sun Grand Prix at the start of July 2024. The racks needed to be able to withstand extreme heat (over 500 degrees Fahrenheit) and more than 5 tons as they were transported to multiple facilities.

Solution

Fiberglass tub

To assist them in their efforts, Barron Equipment donated eight 10’’ Heavy-Duty Kingpinless Swivel Casters with Polyurethane Wheels and Large Top Plates, which they installed onto their steel racks. The team was hopeful that these industrial casters would provide their racks with an improvement to their mobility and durability, making the act of transporting their heavy molds simpler and safer.

Impact

Thankfully, Barron Equipment’s Kingpinless Casters helped PRISUM move their molds more easily and efficiently. Once they were equipped with casters, their racks held up nicely in a range of settings; including
fiberglass facilities, spray booths and outdoor environments. In addition to making the relocation process less cumbersome, Barron Equipment’s casters proved to be effective in supporting the extra weight that the molds added to the racks.

Casters on racks
Spraying the molds

Customer Experience

The PRISUM Solar Car Club takes their carbon fiber and mold manufacturing processes seriously and utilizing industrial casters for their wire racks was pivotal in helping them optimize those processes. PRISUM has been competing in the FSGP since 1989 and they’ve developed a reliable procedure for constructing their intricate molds during that timeframe. The students within the organization found that Barron Equipment’s swivel casters were highly effective in the mold transportation process. PRISUM now highly recommends Barron Equipment to any business or organization in need industrial casters and Barron Equipment continues to donate to PRISUM to this day.

Solar Car from ISU

Conclusion

Thanks to the work put in by our heavy-duty casters, the PRISUM Solar Car Club has been able to ship their molds from location to location more swiftly and securely than ever, allowing them to fine-tune their processes and focus on the end result. With the aid of Barron’s products, PRISUM has felt more focused than ever on their main objective: crafting a solar-powered vehicle that ushers in the future of transportation while also leaving its competition in the dust on the racetrack.

Interested in Learning More About our Casters?

Barron Equipment has a whole team dedicated to finding solutions for ergonomic related caster issues. Fill out the form below and a caster specialist will be in touch soon!

 

Contact Us

Summary

Captcha

Case Study: HON Company Implements PowerPusher for Safe and Efficient Laser Table Movement

Industry: Office Furniture Manufacturing

Challenge: Ensuring Safe and Efficient Movement of Heavy Laser Tables

HON Company, a division of HNI Corp., faced a critical challenge when their existing LoadMover Power Tug experienced control issues, creating safety concerns in their operations. The company needed a reliable solution to move their 5′ x 10′ sheet steel carts, each weighing up to 10,000 lbs, efficiently and safely within their manufacturing facility.

Cart being moved by HON

Previously, HON had been using a LoadMover CartCaddy, but when its circuit board failed, and a replacement was unavailable, the company sought an alternative to maintain production efficiency and operator safety.

Solution: Implementing the Super Duty PowerPusher

HON Company turned to Barron Equipment for a solution and ultimately decided on the Super Duty PowerPusher. The PowerPusher offered:

  • Safe and Easy Movement: Allowed a single operator to move heavy tables safely without strain.
  • Pushing and Pulling Capabilities: Enabled precise maneuvering of carts, particularly when loading them into the laser cell.
  • Custom Attachment Design: Barron Equipment worked with Nu-Star to design and fabricate a custom attachment, allowing HON to use their existing carts without modifications.
Custom attachment for super duty power pusher

Results: Increased Safety and Operational Efficiency

With the PowerPusher in place, HON Company successfully eliminated the safety risks associated with manually moving large tables. The ergonomic design and efficient power assist of the Super Duty model allowed operators to move carts hourly across 75 feet of dry concrete flooring with minimal effort.

Super Duty Power Pusher with Custom Attachment

Customer Experience & Recommendation

HON Company was highly satisfied with both the PowerPusher product and the service from Barron Equipment.

“I would recommend a PowerPusher to anyone considering it. I really appreciated the fact that they designed and fabricated a custom attachment that allowed us to use our current tables with zero modifications.”
Logo for Hon Company
Max Royer
Manufacturing Engineer

Additionally, HON praised Barron Equipment’s responsiveness, particularly Stephen’s ability to quickly address their concerns and facilitate a seamless purchasing experience.

Conclusion

The PowerPusher Super Duty proved to be a reliable and effective solution for HON Company, ensuring workplace safety, operational efficiency, and reduced manual strain for operators. By partnering with Barron Equipment, HON successfully navigated its equipment transition, maintaining productivity without compromising safety.

Looking for a custom solution? Barron Equipment has your material handling handled. Contact us today!

Contact Us

Summary

Captcha

Upload PO

10% OFF AIR CURTAINS AND HVLS FANS