are linked together using an RJ45 Cat5e ethernet cable, and connected to the SMA cluster controller, a monitoring device. In particular, the monitoring device provides on-site readouts for solar production performance and is also connected to the Internet via an RJ45 Cat5e ethernet cable so information is also available online in more detail. The company can view live solar production performance by computer, tablet, or smartphone. The system is also outfitted with analytic tools that show, in detail, how the solar system is performing on a daily or yearly basis to ensure expected performance and assist in any necessary maintenance. Additional Advantages “There’s an economic multiplier effect we see with solar,” said Troy Van Beek, CEO of Ideal Energy. “Steffensmeier will use these savings to grow their company, ultimately benefiting Lee County.” This installation is also contributing to the growth of Iowa’s new solar economy, which has expanded from two installation companies in 2009 to 45 companies that employ nearly 1000 people across the state today. “When businesses like Steffensmeier Welding and Manufacturing decide to switch to solar energy, they’re saving on their operating budget, creating jobs in our state, and contributing to a healthier environment,” Van Beek added. Bright Future Jenny Steffensmeier hopes her welding company’s solar panel project will inspire other businesses. “There has been a strong history of development and growth at Steffensmeier, which will only get stronger as we’re able to use the savings to provide more classes, training, and benefits to our employees,” she said. This change could not have happened without the people who make the company what it is today, she concluded. WJ Facts at a Glance — Steffensmeier Welding and Manufacturing As a custom-order fabricator that services the Midwest, Steffensmeier Welding and Manufacturing, Inc., Pilot Grove, Iowa, has handled various jobs over its 34-year history. From the design phase to final production, it focuses on fine craftsmanship; some of the company’s welders are certified by the American Welding Society. In addition to in-house service, a mobile repair unit is deployed for onsite farm and industry repairs. Also, it serves some of the largest enterprises in the region, including Siemens Wind, Hawkeye Steel, ICI Iowa Fertilizer, and Cryotec, yet takes a “no job is too small” attitude. Here is a look at the fabricator’s range of capabilities. • Laser, Cutting — 2500-W laser, 5 10 ft; 4000-W laser, 6 12 ft; 12-ft shear, 3⁄8-in. mild steel capacity; oxyfuel cutting table, 6 16 ft; and three auto band saws, 10 14, 15 20, and 16 16 in. • Forming, Bending — Two, 230- ton 12-ft press brakes; tube bender, up to 2-in. pipe; plate roller, 10 ft long, up to 5⁄16-in.-sheet thickness; and angle roller, rounds 13⁄16 in. and squares 21⁄4 in. • Welding — Robots; gas metal arc/ gas tungsten arc welding equipment; steel, aluminum, and stainless capabilities; and braze welding. • Machining — Manual lathes, 1400 rev/min; four CNC mills (two with pallet changers); and two CNC lathes (one with a bar feeder). • Painting — Powder coating system and manual wet spray painting. Jeremy Marshall, an employee at Steffensmeier Welding, gas metal arc welds a project. JULY 2016 / WELDING JOURNAL 41 RACHEL STEFFENSMEIER (rachels@steffweld.com) is the marketing director at Steffensmeier Welding and Manufacturing, Inc., Pilot Grove, Iowa. AMY VAN BEEK (amy@idealenergyinc.com) is the cofounder of Ideal Energy, Inc., Fairfield, Iowa.
Welding Journal | July 2016
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