July 2009- Caring for its employees is important for Sweepster Inc., Dexter, Mich. When hazy air appeared in the company's manufacturing area, management was concerned about potential health problems for employees.

Air quality at Sweepster had always been above regulated standards, according to Mike Rosebrough, plant manager. But the plant's air had a slight cloudlike appearance. Meeting standards wasn't enough.

"We care for our employees' well-being and also the environment," he said in a press release. "We didn't want to dump the air into the environment, and we felt that it would be better for the employees if we removed the potential hazards."

So Rosebrough decided to invest in air filtration equipment.

Sweepster produces high-speed, high-performance sweepers for airport runways and stadiums, as well as replacement brushes and landscaping attachments. The company's units remove snow and debris at more than 700 airports around the globe.

The company's 154 employees come together to design, fabricate, weld, assemble and manufacture the sweepers and debris removal brushes used for airports. They're also used by the military and at NASCAR tracks, golf courses and stadiums.

Multifaceted fabrication
Key reasons for filtering the plant air also included environmental safety and cost savings during the heating months, mentioned Rosebrough.

"We chose to filter the air for two additional reasons," he said. "The environment was one, and then we can recirculate the air in the winter because it's cold up here."

Sweepster started by looking at air filtration companies and their equipment. Rosebrough said that after receiving three quotes, it became clear that Great Lakes Air Technologies Inc., Clawson, Mich., had the air filtration solution that would work.

"You learn right away who you want to work with," he said, noting that he has a 10-year relationship with Great Lakes. "You look at attention, price and knowledge. They worked with us. They came in here and watched our guys weld."

Great Lakes also reviewed the company's existing systems and recommended customized ways to refit the units to make them more effective.

"I like their service and willingness to adjust and work with us," Rosebrough remarked. FFJ