|
Merrillsteel, a leader in structural steel manufacturing based in Schofield, Wisconsin, actively engages with its local community. The company maintains strong partnerships with schools such as Edgar High School and Marathon High School, supporting students' educational development and career exploration. However, hosting student tours within its vast, nearly million-square-foot facility presented a significant challenge: how to ensure a safe and smooth tour experience in a high-noise environment? This problem was effectively solved after introducing Retekess noise-reducing headphones and the tour guide system. |
When Education Meets Manufacturing: The Value and Challenges of Factory Visit
For over sixty years, Merrillsteel has grown significantly, contributing to major US projects like Orlando International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and the Tyson Events Center. Its products have also shaped iconic structures such as Lambeau Field, Miller Park, Soldier Field, and U.S. Bank Stadium, serving renowned companies like Tesla, Ford, and General Motors.
However, the rapidly growing company is facing a shortage of technical personnel and engineers. At the same time, many students feel uncertain about their career paths. Bridging the gap between the two created valuable opportunities for both sides.
As part of its community commitment, Merrillsteel donates protective helmets and welding jackets to local high school metal and manufacturing classes. It also invites staff to teach courses on construction and technology for seniors. Regularly, Merrillsteel hosts tours for area high school seniors, showcasing the potential and opportunities within the manufacturing and steel industries. These visits help students broaden their perspectives and better understand promising manufacturing careers.
The Challenge of Tours in High-Noise Environments
Each visit typically hosts dozens of students, and one of the key challenges is ensuring that each student can hear the guide clearly in the noisy plant environment. The large space, high ceilings, and loud machinery combine to create a challenging auditory environment:
· Students struggle to hear and retain key information.
· Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can damage hearing.
· Poorly communicated safety instructions can lead to safety hazards, especially in dangerous areas.
A teacher responsible for the tours, emphasized, "For younger students, attention spans are short. When they can hear the guide clearly and ask questions on the spot, it helps them connect and remember what they learn."
Teachers realized that a high-quality tour guide system not only affects the quality of knowledge transfer but directly impacts the safety of the visit. The purchasing manager at Merrillsteel remarked, "Retekess offers excellent products and top-notch customer service, and we didn't hesitate to partner with them. Their audio equipment has enhanced the quality of our tours and helped us better fulfill our mission of developing the workforce of the future."
Hearing Solution for Manufacturing Plant
The challenges of noise and safety hazards aren't limited to student tours; they apply to any visitors to the factory—whether potential investors, customers, or job seekers. Clear and safe communication is essential in a factory setting.
To meet Merrillsteel’s needs, Retekess recommended a combination of the TT034 professional noise-canceling headphones and the TT126 two-way tour guide system:
· The TT126 Two-Way Tour Guide System uses digital transmission for clear, high-quality audio. It enables two-way communication between the guide and participants,
allowing for real-time interaction.
· The TT034 Professional Noise-Canceling Headphones offer 23dB of noise cancellation.Their fully sealed ear cups provide excellent sound isolation. The adjustable
headband fits over safety helmets, and the built-in microphone supports two-way communication.
System Advantages:
·Easy to Use: One-touch talk, auto-pairing, channel memory, one-key mute.
·Long Battery Life: Transmitter works for 10 hours; receivers last 10-70 hours.
·Durable Build: Industrial-grade quality. Optional charging dock and storage case support bulk charging.
Supporting Manufacturing Tours
All manufacturing enterprises can trust Retekess for professional service. We provide comprehensive plant tour solutions, including one-way/two-way communication, language translation, assisted listening, and professional noise reduction equipment. All products come with a 30-day worry-free return policy and a two-year warranty.
Explore our full range of tour guide systems today. Contact our industry experts to find the best tailored solution for your needs.
