BRYAN- Going green has long been a social fad, spreading from top name musicians to your favorite fast food joints. But some of the most effective and rewarding changes can come when you are personally invested. That’s what Bob Volk found out when he began developing his first hydrogen convertor. In an effort to increase the gas mileage in his own vehicle, Volk pieced together his first convertor and experienced immediate eco-savings. His gas guzzling vehicle went from 10 mpg to 14 mpg. Although the change seemed small, the money he saved when gas hit $4.50 a gallon was just the opposite. With savings of $250 a month, Volk knew going green was good for more than just the environment.

After publishing his award winning best seller which detailed his adventure and gave others instructions for making the same improvements to their vehicles, readers began asking Volk to build the convertors for them. “I resisted for months,” said Volk. However, “[s]o many requests came in, I relented.”

After months of research and design, Volk founded Transitional Technologies, LLC, and developed three Hybrid Cells for customers to choose from. Not wanting to be overly optimistic, Volk only ordered enough parts for 100 convertors. “[We] crossed our fingers, hoping to sell at least 20-30 units to offset the initial manufacturing costs. In 3 days we had sold out completely, actually oversold,” said Volk. “I scrambled to get our manufacturers to increase our order before sending. Airmate came through and even rushed the order so we could get things built and on their way to our customers.”

Not long after sending out the convertors, Volk began receiving success stories from around the world. While the average improvement was around a 20-40% increase in gas mileage, some achievements were even more astounding. One such example is George from Australia whose 1994 Ford Falcon went from 16 mpg to 50 mpg—a full 212% increase.

In a continued effort to increase gas mileage and lower emissions, Volk is in the midst of developing his line of Ultra Slim convertors as well as larger units for higher powered engines, like those used in the trucking and marine industries.

Airmate Company parts, which include Delrin inner cells and acrylic end plates, are used on all Transitional Technologies convertors.

To find out more about Volk and his hydrogen convertors, visit his website. And while you’re there, check out his blog featuring people from around the world who have experienced amazing gas-saving results.

BRYAN- Flying was always his dream, and he made it his reality. For his contributions to flight, Richard E. Schreder was honored with an Ohio Historical Marker from the Ohio Historical Society and the Williams County Historical Society. The marker was placed in front of the Pilot’s Lounge at Williams County Airport during a dedication ceremony on Sunday, July 4, 2010. Schreder’s family, including his wife, children and grandchildren, were present at the dedication.
While serving as a Navy pilot during World War II, Schreder made the first confirmed submarine kill when he successfully dropped a missile directly on the deck of a German sub. He was recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross.
As an engineer and pilot, Schreder made vast contributions to flight through his own glider designs. In January 1960, he set a world record for distance by flying 399 miles in his glider. He also set three more world records for soaring speed.
In 1962, Schreder founded Airmate Company for the purpose of producing plastic drafting tools for engineers. He also founded Bryan Aircraft where he manufactured sailplane kits of his own design for private pilots. In 1964, he dedicated land to create the Williams County Airport, where he volunteered as airport manager for over 30 years.
For more information about Ohio Historical Markers, visit Remarkable Ohio.

TORONTO- Researchers announced the development of a new ABS and wood fiber plastic compound at a recent bioplastic conference. According to Rakesh Gupta, a researcher with West Virginia University in Morgantown, W. Va., recycled ABS from scrap electronics can be used to make wood plastic composites. Wood plastic composites made with ABS have twice the stiffness of polyolefins as well as good impact strength. This composite is best suited for indoor use.
Read the full article here.

BRYAN- Airmate Company was recently recognized for achievements in workplace safety by the Black Swamp Safety Council. Airmate received an award for “outstanding safety performance in earning…100% Achievement” in 2009. Airmate was also given a special award for operating without a lost-time accident from August 11, 2008, through December 31, 2009, with a total of 621,651 hours worked. These awards were co-sponsored by Northwest State Community College. Airmate Company is greatly honored by this recognition and continues to provide a safe, healthy work environment.

BRYAN-  Airmate Company now offers a better way to manufacture foam dunnage.  Typically, foam dunnage components are die cut or waterjet cut.  However, neither method can produce dunnage with pockets.  Instead, two foam pieces must be bonded together, significantly increasing production and labor costs.  Now there is a more economical option.  Airmate Company has simplified packaging through the use of CNC milling, which enables pockets to be cut from a single sheet of material.  Dunnage has never been easier.

For more information on Airmate’s dunnage capabilities, visit our Capabilities page.

BRYAN- Members of Airmate’s sales team recently returned from the ASI Dallas Tradeshow in Dallas, Texas.  As a thank you, attendees who visited the Airmate booth were given coupons for next column pricing to use on their next Airmate plastic template purchase.  Missed the show?  No worries!  Now everyone can enjoy this limited-time offer.  Contact our sales team to receive next column pricing on your next plastic order.  Offer valid through April 30, 2010.

BRYAN – The newly redesigned Web site of the Airmate Company, Inc. went live on July 23^rd, 2009.  Airmatecompany.com was designed with dramatic improvements in navigation, appearance and accessibility.  Worth book-marking for regular visits, the site showcases our products and capabilities as well as provides further education.

“I’m very excited about the possibilities that our new Web site design opens up,” said Carol Schreder, owner and President of The Airmate Company, Inc. “Our family has operated this company in Bryan, Ohio since 1964, and our new Web site design reflects our commitment to our existing, new, and future customers.”

BRYAN – The Airmate Company, Inc. is offering some spooktacular deals during the month of October; call us to see what they may be!

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