October 2009 - If there were ever a product that's greater than the sum of its parts, it's an automobile. That's not to say, though, that each component of a car, truck or van is not critical in its own way.

The obvious winners in terms of importance are under the hood: engine, transmission, coolant. One often-overlooked element of every automobile is the seat. Drivers and passengers alike tend to take for granted the comfort seats provide--no one wants to return to the days of covered wagons, when people endured long, bumpy rides while sitting on wooden planks with no back support.

More likely than not, companies that produce automotive seats don't get a great deal of recognition. But for employees of Toyo Seat USA Corp., Imlay City, Mich., they can take a deep breath and know that the products they helped manufacture made someone's ride more comfortable.

And thanks to an air filtration system on the company's welding line, Toyo Seat USA's employees are breathing easier.

Growing pains
As its plant grew, the company added various air-filtration systems at the facility. Workers still spotted smoke, though, and some fume collectors caught fire. "Management made the decision to renew its commitment to air filtration by making the investment needed to capture all fumes, reduce the risk of fires and improve employee safety," according to a press release.

Thus, Ken Swanstrom, programs planning manager, decided to purchase RoboVent air-filtration products from Great Lakes Air Technologies Inc., Clawson, Mich.

That was six years ago, and since that time, the company has never looked back. And the RoboVent system's positive impact has been twofold--it improved air quality inside the plant, and it bolstered productivity and employee motivation.

Additionally, according to Tim Dufort, plant superintendent, even outsiders have noticed the difference the air-filtration system has made.

"We have people visit here and say, 'This is a welding shop?'" he says.

Science 101
After the RoboVent air-filtration system was installed, air sampling took place, and significant improvements were found.

These include lower airborne concentrations of arsenic, particulate matter and oil fume, welding fume and mercury vapor. FFJ