Degreasing and Coating of Metal Fabricating Machinery in Carol Stream, Illinois

Client Background

The client is part of a global enterprise with a multinational network of production sites, including facilities in the greater Chicagoland area. The company processes metals and alloys into a number of products for a diverse range of markets, including architecture, construction, electronics, and medical equipment.

Facility Description

Located in the west Chicago suburb of Carol Stream, the facility was originally built as the headquarters for a 60-year-old metal processor and was updated in 1989 to serve as headquarters for the division that processes and distributes metal products in strip, sheet, coil and foil forms. 

The facility normally runs two shifts, 6 days a week.

Requested Maintenance

The request was to degrease / clean and paint 16 used machines ranging in size from approximately 30 to 100 feet, including packaging units, wrapping units, and conveyors.

Decision Driver and Timing

Along with meeting routine maintenance needs, the project was prioritized to prepare for a site visit by the corporation’s European CEO. It was important to local management for their facility to look as good as possible and be completely on-brand for the visit.

The seasonal timing over the winter was also a consideration as prime time for interior work.

Scope of Work

• Cleaned and degreased all surfaces to remove dirt and oily residue with wet-wiping and a green degreasing product.
• Masked sensitive areas to protect them from paint overspray, checked and approved by a company representative in advance of proceeding.
• Painted equipment surfaces with epoxy and urethane coatings according to specified colors, including company standards and brand matching.
• Painted tight fence grating and installed stencils for painting machine numbering requirements.
• Removed masking material and touched-up as needed.
• Cleaned and removed waste and all project materials for full return to service.

Notable Details

No Shutdown Required

Work was performed during the client’s normal first shift hours. Accommodations were made on both the client side and Painters USA side to minimize interference with each other’s workflow.

Time-Saving Advanced Preparations

To save time and money, the client removed certain equipment components that were not part of the project scope prior to the start date, and the company’s scissor lift was used by Painters USA crews (with appropriate safety measures) for reaching the top of packaging units.

Planning Efficiency

Project was planned to start with the most difficult machines first (based on size and condition) to gauge timelines and ensure completion of the most critical, time-consuming work.

Safety

Because of power going to the machinery and assembly line, client-specified Lockout / Tagout (LO/TO) procedures were followed, along with Painters USA’s standard safety checks and procedures.

Quality Control

Painters USA followed a formal sign-off process for quality control with a documented process for all steps of the project plan.

Client Satisfaction

The customer was highly satisfied with Painters USA’s work processes and final outcomes, specifically citing the following items:

• Pace of work that met all deadlines with no issues
• Attention to detail
• Adherence to LO/TO requirements
• Daily safety checks and procedures
• Superior communication
• High quality results

Why Painters USA

Having worked on a number of industrial cleaning and coating projects at a couple of the client’s multiple locations, we had already proven Painters USA’s credibility and capabilities. With a touch-base and sign-offs, the client is able to “set and forget” maintenance, knowing that all bases will be covered by experienced, safety-aware crews. 

In addition, we provide consistent outcomes and vendor management ease through our full menu of services that includes plant cleaning, painting, and performance coatings for all surfaces, ceilings to floors.