Rohde Brothers Recognized with Prestigious Industry Awards

Rohde Brothers Recognized with Prestigious Industry Awards

At Rohde Brothers, Inc., we are proud to announce that we recently received three prestigious awards for two standout projects that exemplify our commitment to engineering excellence, innovative solutions, and teamwork. These awards underscore the dedication of our talented field and fabrication shop staff, project managers, and engineers. We couldn’t be more thrilled to share these achievements with our team, clients, and partners.

ABC of Wisconsin Projects of Distinction AwardsRudy McCormick and Todd Hammond Accept the ABC awards

The Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin Awards Banquet honored Rohde Brothers with two silver awards at the annual Projects of Distinction Excellence in Construction awards banquet. The Projects of Distinction Awards recognize projects based on merit and are judged based on several criteria, including unusual challenges, quality, sustainability, quality, and safety.
The projects awarded were the North EastNortheast Wisconsin Zoo Life and Safety Systems Upgrade as well as the Revela Foods Dehumidification Project.

NEW Zoo Life and Safety Systems Upgrade
For this project, we retrofitted and enhanced the zoo’s mechanical systems, providing a critical upgrade to life and safety systems. Our engineering team implemented an ozone generation system, a modern solution that eliminates the need for chlorine in the animal habitats. This not only improved water safety but also created a more sustainable and animal-friendly environment.
For more information about this project, make sure to check out the project portfolio!

Revela (formerly North Star) Foods Dehumidification Project
This project involved designing and installing a new glycol chiller system integrated into the company’s drying system. The upgraded dehumidification system significantly improved their operational efficiency, and Rohde was able to complete the project just in time for processing season.
The awards were proudly accepted by Rudy McCormick, Marketing Manager, and Todd Hammond, Principal Engineer, on behalf of the Rohde Brothers team.
For more information about this project, make sure to check out the project portfolio

AGC Build Wisconsin AwardCraig Bahr and Erik Johnsen accept the AGC award

Our work on the NEW Zoo Life and Safety Systems Upgrade was further recognized by the Association of General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin at their Build Wisconsin Awards in the Specialty Contractor category. The Build Wisconsin Awards judge a variety of project aspects, including sustainable practices, innovation, quality, and meeting difficult challenges.

The award was accepted by Craig Bahr, Vice President, and Erik Johnsen, Engineer/Project Manager, both key leaders on this transformative project.

A Team Effort to Build Something Together

These awards spotlight the collaborative effort of our skilled professionals and the trust our clients place in us to deliver innovative, reliable solutions. We’re proud of our ability to meet and exceed the unique challenges presented by both the NEW Zoo and Revela Foods projects.
We extend our gratitude to our field and fabrication crews, project managers, and engineering team for their dedication, expertise, and craftsmanship. These achievements exemplify their hard work and ingenuity.

As we celebrate these milestones, we also look forward to continuing our tradition of delivering top-tier solutions to our clients across Wisconsin and beyond.
Let’s build something together.

Essential Winter Maintenance for Industrial Mechanicals

Essential Winter Maintenance for Industrial Mechanicals

Boost Efficiency, Prevent Downtime, and Save Money

As winter approaches, facility managers and maintenance teams face unique challenges in keeping industrial mechanical systems running smoothly and efficiently. Cold temperatures can lead to increased wear, higher energy consumption, and unexpected downtime. But with a proactive winter maintenance plan, you can protect your mechanical assets, optimize performance, and reduce operating costs. In this guide, we cover the most critical maintenance tasks for winter, helping your facility remain productive, efficient, and resilient all season long.

Service and Calibrate HVAC Systems for Optimal Efficiency

Wisconsin HVAC SERVICE

Key Points: Heating systems, filters, controls, and ventilation.

  • Inspect Heating Systems: Boilers, furnaces, and other heating equipment should be professionally inspected, cleaned, and calibrated for winter use. Well maintained and tuned burners operate at peak efficiency and minimizes energy waste.
  • Replace Air Filters: Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing HVAC systems to work harder. Replacing filters reduces strain on equipment, saves energy, and keeps indoor air quality high.
  • Check Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in winter. Too little airflow causes poor air quality. Too much outside airflow wastes energy. Inspect and clear any blockages in ventilation ducts to ensure a continuous flow of fresh air and reduce strain on HVAC systems. Confirm dampers are working properly.

Savings Insight: Efficient HVAC systems can reduce energy bills more than 20% during winter, a significant savings in an industrial setting.

Prepare and Protect Pipes to Prevent Freezing

Key Points: Insulation, heat tracing, and water temperature.

  • Insulate Exposed Pipes: Insulation helps maintain pipe temperatures, reducing the risk of freezing and subsequent damage as well as minimizing energy loss.
  • Use Heat Tracing for Critical Pipes: Heat tracing cables provide direct heat to pipes, which is especially beneficial for critical process piping. Ensure the system is operational and calibrated to activate during low temperatures. Focus on pipes in unheated areas or those located near exterior walls.
  • Monitor Water Temperatures: Cold weather can affect water temperatures, impacting certain processes. Consistently monitor and adjust to maintain safe temperatures that won’t stress pipes or equipment.

Savings Insight: Proactive pipe maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, downtime, and potential damage to the facility due to burst pipes.

Perform Routine Maintenance on Pumps and MotorsPumps and motor service

Key Points: Lubrication, seals, and vibration analysis.

  • Lubricate Moving Parts: Cold weather can cause lubricants to thicken, leading to additional wear on pumps and motors. Regularly lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Be careful not to over-lubricate, which can cause increased friction and reduced efficiency.
  • Inspect and Replace Seals: Cold weather can harden seals, leading to leaks or pressure drops. Inspect seals on all pumps and motors and replace any showing signs of wear.
  • Conduct Vibration Analysis: Excessive vibration can be a sign of imbalance or misalignment in pumps and motors. Regular vibration analysis helps identify potential issues early, reducing the risk of breakdowns.

Savings Insight: Properly maintained pumps and motors consume less energy and have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for costly replacements.

Maintain Water and Wastewater Treatment Systems

Key Points: Tank heaters, drain lines, and pump inspections.

  • Install or Test Tank Heaters: Cold temperatures can cause water in outdoor tanks to freeze, disrupting processes. Ensure tank heaters are installed and functioning properly to maintain consistent temperatures.
  • Inspect and Clear Drain Lines: Blocked drains can freeze over in winter, leading to backups or overflows. Regularly clear drain lines to prevent ice buildup and ensure smooth water flow.
  • Pump Inspections: Winter can be tough on pump systems due to cold, thickened fluids. Inspect pumps for signs of wear and verify that they can handle increased resistance from colder, thicker fluids.

Savings Insight: Preventing freeze-related issues in water systems helps avoid unexpected downtime and maintains process integrity.

Inspect and Test Backup Power Systems

Key Points: Generators, fuel levels, and load testing.

  • Generator Inspections: Power outages are more common in winter, so it’s essential to ensure that backup generators are ready to handle unexpected demand. Conduct a full inspection, checking fuel levels, battery health, and connections.
  • Perform Load Testing: Load testing helps verify that your backup system can handle the facility’s power needs during an outage. Schedule these tests regularly to avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • Check Fuel Quality and Storage: Cold weather can cause diesel fuel to gel. Make sure fuel tanks are properly maintained and consider using winter-grade fuel or additives to prevent gelling.

Savings Insight: Reliable backup power prevents costly downtime, safeguarding your operations even during winter storms.

Implement Energy Management and Monitoring SystemsVFD's in a control panel

Key Points: Smart controls, energy monitoring, and data analysis.

  • Smart Control Systems: Consider installing or updating control systems to automate temperature adjustments and regulate energy use based on facility needs.
  • Continuous Energy Monitoring: Monitoring energy usage across heating, ventilation, and process systems gives facility managers insight into where energy use spikes, allowing for targeted efficiency improvements.
  • Data Analysis for Efficiency Gains: Reviewing data from energy management systems can reveal areas for improvement, such as adjusting heating levels or scheduling system downtimes.

Savings Insight: Energy management systems provide actionable insights, allowing you to reduce unnecessary energy expenses and optimize equipment performance.

Final Thoughts: Plan Proactively to Save Big This Winter

Winterizing industrial mechanical systems isn’t just about getting through the season—it’s about running a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective operation all winter long. By implementing these maintenance steps, facility managers can reduce the risk of unexpected downtime, protect valuable equipment, and significantly reduce energy costs.

Ready to keep your facility winter-ready and efficient? Let’s build something together.

Winter is coming, and your industrial mechanical systems need to be ready. Don’t let freezing temperatures cause costly downtime, skyrocketing energy bills, or unexpected repairs.

Download our Essential Winter Maintenance for Industrial Mechanicals Checklist to:

✔ Boost HVAC efficiency and cut energy costs by up to 20%
✔ Prevent pipe freezes and protect critical infrastructure
✔ Extend the lifespan of pumps, motors, and other essential systems
✔ Ensure backup power is ready for winter storms

Equip your team with a proven step-by-step guide to keep your facility running smoothly, efficiently, and safely all winter long. Just fill the form out and we’ll send the checklist directly to your inbox.

 

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How Variable Frequency Drives Can Save Your Company Money in the Long Term

How Variable Frequency Drives Can Save Your Company Money in the Long Term

In manufacturing, every watt counts, and downtime is the enemy of profit. The spotlight is typically fixed on efficiency, reliability, and safety. As we prepare for marketplace volatility, these factors become even more critical. Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) have emerged as a game-changing technology in this regard, offering significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. Here’s how VFDs can help your company weather financial highs and lows and contribute to a solid financial position.

First, what is a VFD? A VFD is a motor speed controller that works by modulating the frequency of the electricity being supplied to an electric motor. This motor could be driving pumps, it could be driving fans, or it could be applying physical pressure to something.

VFD is not the motor and for general understanding fixed speed systems are just that, fixed speed and lacking a digital controller, mostly these motors are attached to a gearbox or some other kind of damper, or valve that would control the output.

VFDs.com has a calculator to find an approximate savings based on the following. It should be noted that no calculator can be 100% accurate because there are many factors involved in individual applications that are not the same.

The formula for predicting the savings in energy cost is fixed and it requires you to understand some things. The basis of this analysis is a 10hp pump with a VFD operating at 70% speed 168 hours per week with 5 days of downtime annually.

 The results of the analysis are as follows:VFD's in a control panel

  • Number of motor run hours – 8760 hours annually
  • Percent of that time the motor will run at 95% of the time @70% power
  • Motor Horsepower (HPx.746-Kilowatts)
  • The utility rates $.09/KWH
  • Motor Efficiency
  • VFD Cost assumption: $2000
  • Installation and downtime costs (variable, not included in this analysis)
  • Possible incentives or rebates on efficiency and equipment (also varied and not included for simplicity)

The savings are typical and repeatable:

  • Estimated annual operating cost without VFD: $8616
  • Estimated annual operating cost with VFD: $1856
  • The annual cost savings: $6760
  • Payback time: 8.46 Months

Reduced Energy Consumption

One of the most compelling benefits of VFDs is their ability to cut energy costs, which can be more than 40% of the total cost of ownership. Unlike traditional AC motors that run at constant speed, VFDs adjust the motor speed to match the actual demand. This means:

  • Energy Savings: By optimizing motor speed, VFDs applied to pumps or fans can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%. This leads to substantial savings on electricity bills, which is often one of the largest operational expenses in manufacturing. Another factor that will save energy is the VFD can start a process more efficiently by ramping up the equipment more slowly than an on/off switch.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Lower energy consumption translates to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, helping companies meet sustainability goals and avoid potential penalties.

Extended Equipment Lifespan

VFDs not only save energy but also extend the lifespan of your equipment:

  • Soft Starts and Stops: VFDs enable soft starts and stop, reducing mechanical stress on motors and other components. The in-rush of current during start up of a static motor can be 600% while VFD’s typically max out at 150%. This minimizes wear and tear, leading to fewer breakdowns and longer equipment life.
  • Reduced Maintenance Costs: With fewer mechanical stresses and smoother operation, maintenance needs decrease, resulting in increased bearing life, lower maintenance costs and less frequent equipment replacement.

Increased Process Control and Efficiency

Enhanced control over manufacturing processes can lead to significant savings:

  • Precision Control: VFDs provide precise control over motor speed, allowing for more accurate process management. This reduces waste and increases the energy efficiency of production lines and supporting utilities.
  • Adaptive Operations: VFDs can adapt to varying load conditions, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency at all times. This adaptability reduces the need for manual adjustments and oversight, saving labor costs.
  • Automation: VFDs can be integrated with your distributed process control systems to increase reliability and reduce variability.

Enhanced Safety Features

Safety is paramount in manufacturing, and VFDs contribute to safer work environments:

  • Integrated Safety Mechanisms: VFDs come with built-in safety features such as motor and load protection, fault detection, and emergency-stop functionalities. These features prevent accidents and equipment damage, reducing liability and associated costs.

Conclusion

In an economic downturn, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs become critical for manufacturing companies. Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) offer a compelling solution by reducing energy consumption, extending equipment life, enhancing process control, improving reliability, and ensuring safety.

At Rohde Brothers, Inc., we understand the challenges manufacturers face and are committed to helping you build a more efficient and resilient operation. Let’s build something together and navigate the future with confidence.

Celebrating Dedication: Rohde Brothers, Inc. Hosts First Annual 20+ Years of Service Recognition Dinner

Celebrating Dedication: Rohde Brothers, Inc. Hosts First Annual 20+ Years of Service Recognition Dinner

At Rohde Brothers, Inc., we believe in honoring the dedication and hard work of our long-standing employees. On June 25th, we hosted our first annual 20+ Years of Service Recognition Dinner to celebrate the exceptional contributions of ten remarkable team members. This special event was held at Avenue 795, a beautiful venue in Fond du Lac, WI, where we gathered to express our gratitude for their unwavering commitment and service.

Honoring Our Loyal Team Members

The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, delicious food, and a sense of camaraderie. We were proud to recognize the following employees for their 20+ years of dedication to Rohde Brothers, Inc.:

 

  • Scott Mulder
  • Brian Bowe
  • Jason Kicherer
  • Todd Puchalla
  • Chad Wood
  • Chad Schumacher
  • Tim Lamb
  • Ed Dickrell
  • Heath Meyer
  • Craig Lefeber
  • Mike Rohde

Each of these individuals has played a vital role in our company’s growth and success. Their expertise and commitment have helped us provide top-notch services throughout the last 20 plus years.

A Night to Remember

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from our President, Mike Rohde, who spoke light heartedly about the achievements of our honorees. The atmosphere at Avenue 795 was perfect for this momentous occasion, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed setting for the evening’s festivities.

Attendees enjoyed a gourmet dinner featuring a variety of delectable dishes, allowing everyone to indulge and celebrate the victories the team achieved.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the past and celebrate these incredible milestones, we also look forward to the future. At Rohde Brothers, Inc., we are committed to fostering an environment where dedication is recognized, and hard work is rewarded. We understand that our success is built on the foundation laid by our employees, and we are excited to continue this tradition of recognition for years to come.

Let’s Build Something Together

This event underscored our company’s core values of collaboration and appreciation. As we move forward, we invite all our clients and partners to join us in building a brighter, more successful future together.

Rohde Brothers, Inc. Celebrates Successful Youth Apprentice Hiring Day

Rohde Brothers, Inc. Celebrates Successful Youth Apprentice Hiring Day

Plymouth, WI, June 24, 2024 – Rohde Brothers, Inc. is thrilled to announce the successful hiring of several Youth Apprentices from our recent “Hiring Day” event. This initiative, in partnership with organizations like CESA 6 and CESA 7, underscores the commitment that Rohde Brothers, Inc. shares to provide excellent job opportunities for young individuals, allowing them to earn while they learn. This also fuels a philosophy that embeds growing from within into the culture at Rohde Brothers, Inc.

Youth Apprentices at Rohde Brothers, Inc. are high school juniors and seniors who gain hands-on experience while earning school credit and a paycheck. They are required to work a minimum of 450 hours between June and May, balancing their educational and professional responsibilities effectively.

At Rohde Brothers, Inc., we believe in investing in the future of our workforce,” said Mike Rohde, President of Rohde Brothers, Inc. “Our partnerships with local educational organizations like CESA 6 and CESA 7 enable us to provide young people with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in the trades. We are proud to be a starting point for so many skilled tradesmen.

 

We are pleased to introduce our current Youth Apprentices:

  • Gunnar Larson, Howards Grove High School: Welding in the Shop
  • Grayson Schamberger, Plymouth High School: Controls
  • Max Trepanier, Plymouth High School: Welding GWSM
  • Gage Bimmel, Oostburg High School: Construction and Welding in the Shop
  • Zander Lulloff, Elkhart Lake High School: HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding

 

“Kaise(CESA 6) and Dana(CESA 7) have done an exceptional job mentoring these young talents,” added Claudia Krepsky, HR Manager at Rohde Brothers, Inc. “Their dedication to guiding and supporting our apprentices is a testament to our company’s commitment to nurturing future tradesmen.”

Rohde Brothers, Inc. is extremely valued among local educators as a premier place for aspiring tradesmen to begin their careers. Our dedication to hiring and training employees fosters a culture of growth and development, leading to an impressive 95% promotion-from-within rate. This approach not only benefits our employees but also strengthens our company by retaining experienced and knowledgeable professionals.

“We’re excited to welcome our new Youth Apprentices and watch them grow within our company,” added Claudia Krepsky.  “Our commitment to promoting from within creates a supportive environment where employees can advance their careers and contribute to the success of our projects.”

Rohde Brothers, Inc. specializes in Process Piping, HVAC, Metal Fabrication, Industrial Controls, and Geothermal Systems for energy savings. Our extensive engineering expertise and comprehensive project capabilities ensure that we deliver cost-effective and efficient solutions to our commercial and industrial clients.

About Rohde Brothers, Inc. Rohde Brothers, Inc. is a leading provider of process piping, HVAC, metal fabrication, industrial controls, and geothermal systems. With a strong focus on technical expertise and collaboration, we are dedicated to building lasting relationships with our clients and partners. Our extensive engineering expertise and comprehensive project capabilities ensure that we deliver cost-effective and efficient solutions to our industrial and commercial clients.

For more information, please contact: Claudia Krepsky
Title: Human Resources Manager

Email: Krepskyc@rohdebros.com