This #TechnicianTuesday, we’re spotlighting the skill and dedication of our National Mill Maintenance (NMM) team as they tackled an urgent, complex mandrel gearbox rebuild on-site for a major client.
The Challenge:
The NMM service department received an emergency call-out on a Tuesday for a mandrel gearbox that had not been rebuilt since the plant’s construction. Due to its size, the gearbox needed to be serviced directly in place, a task that required careful coordination and precise technical expertise. Despite the obstacles, our team of six technicians — Britt Tuggle, Tyler Reed, Justin Stewart, Tyler Rice, Justin Hogan, and Landon Tissier — took on the challenge, developing a safe strategy for the rebuild.
Our Solution:
- Day 1: Disassembly Our technicians disassembled the gearbox in the first 16 hours, removing a 40,000-pound bull gear and mandrel gearbox with chain hoists and other lifting equipment. Safety and precision were paramount throughout this process, with every team member ensuring the highest safety standards while managing such heavy components.
- Day 2: Inspection and Assembly On the second day, the team prepared and inspected all spare parts, including precise measurements of each shaft, bearing, and coupling to ensure perfect fit and function. NMM gearbox specialists Britt Tuggle and Tyler Reed set each bearing within tolerance, aligning the components to ensure smooth operation. After another 16 hours of labor, the assembly was complete and handed over to the plant for testing — far ahead of schedule.
Safety Insights:
Working with manual chain hoists can be hazardous. Before operating, our technicians recommend conducting pre-inspections and ensuring all load inspections are current. Always stay within the hoist’s operating capacity and place yourself in the safest position when handling heavy loads.
Pride in Performance:
Reflecting on the project, our team members take pride in having overcome a unique and complex challenge that was entirely new to both NMM and the plant. They maintained a rigorous focus on safety, efficiency, and precision — a testament to their expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Moving Forward:
Thanks to the success of this initial project, NMM is now collaborating on several other projects within this plant. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and excited to continue providing solutions that showcase the skills and dedication of our team.
Kudos to Britt, Tyler R., Justin S., Tyler R., Justin H., and Landon for making this #TechnicianTuesday one to remember!
