Safety Innovation Summary:
To address the rising number of equipment fires—particularly in the EVOL slotter section—the Winston-Salem team developed and implemented a custom fire suppression solution. In FY23, this section accounted for 24% of all fire incidents in the North Atlantic Region. Recognizing that the OEM did not offer an integrated fire prevention system, the team installed a Fire Bottle System—similar to those used in aircraft and race cars—designed to rapidly extinguish fires and reduce equipment damage, production loss, and employee risk.

 

Implementation and Impact:
Led by the maintenance manager, the team developed an installation guide for broader rollout across facilities. Despite supply chain hurdles, they coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery and installation support. The system, costing just $1,500, offers a cost-effective way to protect multimillion-dollar equipment and has strengthened daily inspection and housekeeping practices across teams. This proactive safety enhancement demonstrates a strong commitment to employee safety and operational resilience.