Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.
By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HAVEN, Kan. — Haven Steel Products began construction of its production facility in 1968 and has been a privately-owned company producing spring steel components since 1969.
The company fabricates and heat treats tillage components for the agricultural industry, landscaping and mowing components for the construction industry, and leaf springs for the trailer industry.
The plant’s heat-treat processing capacity includes five continuous process quench and temper heat-treat lines. Part fabrication is accomplished using highly-accurate CNC machine technology, rapid-heat natural gas furnaces, and electric induction heating processes.
The original building started with 7,000 square feet of space and has now grown to 200,000 square feet. The plant heat treats various components, shapes them and then powder coats or paints them to order.
Nearly all of the steel used by Haven Steel comes from the U.S. The steel is shipped in by truck and the company usually takes in two truck loads per day. The work is non-stop at the facility as crews work six days a week. Three shifts are needed to keep up with demand. The company runs 24-7.
The company has been able to expand and bring more robotic equipment online to keep up with the busy schedule. The machine is computer controlled and heats shapes and cools the parts in one contained area.
The company ships to Canada, Mexico, England and South America, along with many areas of the United States. The company recently purchased a similar facility in McKenzie, Tennessee.
Over the past two years, the company has grown its footprint by expanding its capabilities to new levels and new industries.
Quality control is needed to make sure the parts fit a customer's needs. A set of jigs is used to measure parts. Backup Documentation is kept for at least three years on all steel and processes performed by Haven Steel. Third-party certified calibration companies also provide certification and calibration to ensure accurate quality evaluations.
Once the parts are made, they are brought into a special booth where they are powder coated. You can get any color you want as long as it's black. The powder coating is a two-step process where a part is blasted with tiny beads to remove dirt and loose particles before the powder coating is applied.
While some similar companies mill their tillage and cutting blades into shape, Haven Steel uses a process that presses the cutting edge into the part. The company feels that it makes the edge more durable.
The company's products are shipped to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) throughout the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, England, and South America. Customers include major OEMs and many short-line manufacturers of products and equipment.
A Day in the Life is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
Kincaid Manufacturing
JW Machine
Haven Steel
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