Heil Trailer International (HTI) conducted its first Weld School the week of Nov 27, 2006, and Heil distributors from all over the world participated.
The daily agenda consisted of a three-hour technical training session conducted by Rob Tessier and Gary Roberts of Airgas. Then the session moved to Heil's repair and aftermarket parts facility in Louisville KY, where students teamed with Heil personnel to construct a Heil vessel designed to transport non-potable water. David Idol and Tom Stephens (senior HTI manufacturing supervisors) along with Thom Wilkins, CWI from Heil's Athens TN production facility, provided hands-on instruction in building a Heil vessel. Students were taught proper installation procedures and welding techniques for trailer components, and they received hands-on training in GMAW and GTAW weld processes. Each student was administered a box weld test to emphasize the need for material cleaning, preparation, and proper weld joint design.
HTI donated the vessel to the Volunteer Fire Department of Athens TN.