More manufacturing leaders mark 2007 milestones

In addition to Plant Engineering magazine; The Raymond Corporation; the Square D plant in Lexington, KY: and Bosch Rexroth, U.S., here are more companies that reached important milestones in 2007.
R.W. Beckett: 70th anniversary
The R.W. Beckett Corp. of Elyira, OH, a manufacturer of heating components for residential, commercial and industrial uses, this year celebrates its 70th anniversary. Its products are used everywhere from the Statue of Liberty to McMurdo Base in
The firm was founded in the home of Reginald W. Beckett, an electrical engineer, with partner Stanton Fitzgerald in 1937. The entrepreneurial Beckett saw an opportunity to capitalize on new technology as the country moved from hand-stoked coal heat to automatic oil heating devices. He invented the well engineered, easy-to-service Commodore, and this first model became a success, being awarded more than 20 U.S. and Canadian patents.
R.W. Beckett currently manufactures residential oil burners for boilers, hot water tanks and furnaces and commercial oil and gas burners for boilers, furnaces and specialty applications. Its future plans include taking full advantage of the latest technologies in order to meet industry needs for fuel efficiency. The firm maintains a steady workforce in an area where manufacturing layoffs are common and in an industry with cyclical seasonal demand. The current Beckett workforce shows 2,394 total years of service, an average of 13 years of service per employee. In fact, the company’s latest retiree worked for the company for more than 56 years. In addition, a fitness center and a focus on employee education have earned Beckett Cleveland’s “Employer of the Year” award from the Employers Resource Council.
The Montreal Protocol: 20th anniversary
As the Montreal Protocol marks its 20th anniversary, ASHRAE noted the role of the HVAC industry in helping reduce ozone depletion. The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion.
“ASHRAE has played a substantial role in stopping further ozone depletion by helping the industry to transition away from ozone-depleting refrigerants,” Kent Peterson, ASHRAE president, said. “The Montreal Protocol has shown that when we do what is right for mankind, our initial burden can turn to benefit. Not only has the Montreal Protocol improved the ozone layer, but it also initiated vast technological improvements in air conditioning equipment.”
In particular, ASHRAE has traced the development of HCFCs to replace CFCs, and then HFCs to replace HCFCs as technology improved. Now, there is a movement to use “natural” refrigerants such as carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrocarbons such as propane and butane.
Since the Montreal Protocol, ASHRAE has written and updated its Position Document on Ozone-Depleting Substances, and the Society is currently writing a position document on natural refrigerants.
Garlock: 120th anniversary
Garlock Sealing Technologies, a leader in the fluid sealing industry, celebrates its 120th year of success in this highly competitive arena. Founded by Olin J. Garlock in 1887 as a piston rod sealing company, Garlock Sealing Technologies is now recognized worldwide as a top player in the fluid sealing industry with 1,500 employees in 13 global operations, supported by a network of authorized distributors in 79 countries.
Forward-thinking management, dedicated employees and well-planned strategic direction are the guiding forces behind Garlock’s long-standing success. In addition, the company has developed a broad global business base, providing its fluid sealing solutions to a wide spectrum of industries, including: chemical processing, petrochemical, refining, pulp and paper, power generation, electronics, steel mills, food and pharmaceutical, mining and original equipment manufacturers.
The company’s commitment to innovation is the true cornerstone of Garlock’s success. Since its founding, the company has introduced many industry firsts, such as GYLON gasketing, BLUE-GARD compressed fiber gasketing, carbon fiber compressed gasketing, CHEVRON v-rings, elastomeric expansion joints and the Garlock EVSP seal, which is the first low-emission stem seal of its kind. The formulations of the first asbestos-free gasketing and packing products in the late 1970s helped further solidify Garlock’s technological leadership in the fluid sealing industry.
To mark this milestone, parent company EnPro Industries is investing $35 million over the span of a five-year period to its Palmyra Modernization Project (PMP). The PMP includes the recently-completed construction of an advanced, 114,000-square-foot Klozure facility, used for manufacturing high-performance Garlock Klozure oil seals, bearing isolators and mechanical seals. This massive renovation will ensure that Garlock has the most efficient, environmentally sound facilities possible.
“This anniversary marks an exciting time for Garlock,” said Paul Baldetti, president of Garlock. “As we expand into new facilities, launch innovative new products and help our customers meet their challenges, our business continues to gain momentum. This momentum will surely propel us into the next 120 years of business.”
Harrington Hoists: 140th anniversary
Edwin Harrington, a machinist and inventor, founded this machine shop and hoist business in 1867 in Philadelphia. Long-term survival from its beginning has rested on continual improvements in the design and production of hoists. In the 1880s and 1890s Harrington obtained several patents including an improved worm-gear driven chain hoist known as the Quick Lift and an
improved screw hoist, which was Harrington’s first product with completely interchangeable parts. What would perhaps be the company’s most historic achievement was when it manufactured one of the world’s first electric hoists in 1895.
Harrington Hoists Inc. has evolved considerably over the last 140 years with relocations, building expansions, increased personnel and many additions to their innovative, revolutionary product line. Its emphasis on research and development has allowed Harrington to revamp nearly its entire product offering in the last 10 years.
Harrington Hoists Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kito Corporation, is now located in Manheim, PA and Corona, CA. It supplies electric and air-powered chain hoists and trolleys, electric wire rope hoists and trolleys, lever hoists, manual hand chain hoists, push and geared trolleys, overhead cranes, crane accessories and a full line of replacement parts.

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