The Pyromation Enterprise

Almost 45 percent of Pyromation’s sales are generated from custom-designed temperature sensor requests. In addition, an increasing number of sensor and assembly specifications include certification requirements related to North American and/or international standards. Customers usually need these sensors on a quick turnaround basis.

Pyromation’s operations are designed to be flexible and efficient enough to accommodate these and other needs. From the original service business it was to the current multi work-cell operation it is today, Pyromation has adapted to meet customer demand.

Customization and Flexibility

Pyromation is set up to adapt to standard and custom product requests, in any quantity, on an hourly basis.

A series of carefully constructed one-piece work-flow cells allows us to produce many different types of sensors as orders are received. We stock a variety of materials and have in-house metal cutting, shaping, machining, welding and finishing capabilities that support our ability to make standard and special parts as needed. These and other capabilities provide flexibility to quickly respond to customer requirements.

Vertical Integration

We design and manufacture a wide range of temperature sensors, including a complete line of RTD assemblies and MgO Thermocouples. Nearly 50 percent of the units we produce are temperature sensor assemblies that include components such as connection heads, thermowells, pipe wells and temperature transmitters. To support this business, we drill and machine a variety of materials to produce our thermowells and pipe wells, and produce, machine and assemble our patented line of connection heads. Manufacturing these components and performing these operations internally enables us to quickly respond to customer demands while maintaining competitive costs, managing inventory and controlling quality.

In addition, we have an onsite NVLAP-Accredited Metrology Laboratory (Lab Code 200502-0) performing calibrations to NIST standards, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) capabilities on location. These and other in-house operations allow us to deliver most orders within four business days, with same-day, 24-hour or 72-hour express shipments available on request.

Technical Competencies

We are a self-sufficient operation, investing in space, equipment and technical expertise, making it possible for us to efficiently drill and machine our thermowells, connection heads, pipe wells and other fittings on location. Our certified welders ensure quality construction for multi-piece and flanged thermowells, pipe well fittings, sensor junctions and specialty welding. We also perform some non-destructive tests for thermowells or pipe wells on site. This gives Pyromation time and cost advantages over suppliers that out-source these competencies.

Quality Assurance

As an ISO 9001-registered firm, Pyromation monitors quality throughout the organization. Each sensor is tested to ensure that it functions properly before leaving the production cell. Final inspections are also performed for each order prior to shipment. Our onsite NVLAP-Accredited Metrology Laboratory (Lab Code 200502-0) personnel inspect production equipment and incoming materials. FM, UL, ATEX, IEC and CSA audit Pyromation’s plant and processes on a periodic basis.

Lean Influence

After experiencing some struggles associated with the economic downturn that followed the attacks of 9/11/01, Pyromation researched methods to improve business operations and performance over the long term. The result was the implementation of Lean principles beginning in April of 2003.

A consulting firm was brought in to assist Pyromation in learning, and then teaching Lean tools to team members throughout the company. At first, the conversion process was difficult and slow, but progress was made. Lean practices were applied not only in manufacturing, but in office processes like order entry, material requisitioning & resupply, training, idea system creation, evaluation processes and others. Pyromation’s team members have been and continue to be passionate and emotionally engaged in the process.

Lean eventually became more than a group of improvement tools; it became a system for managing the business. Even business decisions, such as Pyromation's development of internal thermowell manufacturing capabilities and its recent plant expansion, were guided by Lean philosophies.