Matt Fyffe
Vice President /General Manager
Meech Static Eliminators USA
25 years with the company
(330) 564 2000
www.meech.com

What’s new with your company in static control? Did you release anything new at PACK EXPO or Labelexpo?

Fyffe: Meech International debuted the new Hyperion SmartControl at Labelexpo Americas and also displayed it at PACK EXPO. The SmartControl is a new innovation from Meech, providing simplified monitoring and control to the customer. It allows for remote monitoring and performance adjustment of Meech’s innovative Hyperion static control range, giving the user ability to track, adjust and control connected ionizers remotely. A single SmartControl has the capacity for up to six devices to be connected – with expansion units available to allow connection of a greater number of devices – and monitored through either a smart phone, tablet or PC.

We hear all about technology becoming smarter and more automated. Are these also trends in the static control arena?

Fyffe: With our new SmartControl, a smarter and simpler communication between connected Meech Ionizers through either a LAN or WAN network is created. This allows Meech Hyperion equipment to be able to be adjusted quickly and remotely through a single online platform, reducing the need to monitor static control issues on site. 

Our SmartControl is an example of how static control has become smarter in order to keep up with the technology trends. The smarter, more automated aspect of this system is beneficial for the user to maintain production and quality remotely. Being able to control static while in a different part of the facility is revolutionary to improving production.

What are some other trends that you think will shape static control technology in the next decade or so?

Fyffe: Gone are the days of the simple AC style systems, which were a “plug and play” type of static control. Customers are requiring greater control of their systems so they can monitor and adjust the equipment depending on their needs. This includes the need for the static control system to self-adjust when required depending on the problem. The newer DC technologies allow for this to happen.

As static control systems become more advanced, they will need more regular feedback and maintenance. We are not too far off from the time when we, as suppliers, will be able to remotely monitor and/or adjust the static control systems at a customer’s facility without ever leaving our offices! This will greatly improve service and the troubleshooting of equipment.

Can you discuss the importance of a static control evaluation?

Fyffe: Having a static control specialist available to visit on site is critical to a successful installation. The specialist can measure the static charges in the areas that need to be neutralized and make a recommendation on the proper equipment to solve the problem.  

There are a lot of styles and technologies of static control available out there. A “one-size-fits-all” static control system does not exist. Putting eyes on the problem, in person, will make all the difference when positioning the equipment to solve the customer’s issues. Regular follow up is also important to verify positioning of the equipment and that proper maintenance is being performed.

Beyond serving as a supplier of static control equipment, can you talk about some of the ways that your company provides value to your customers?

Fyffe: At Meech International, our mission is to design and manufacture innovative solutions to optimize our customers’ productivity. We strive to supply our customers with expert knowledge and quality products to enable them to achieve their own business goals. This will often involve the customization of our products when required to fit our customer’s needs.

We recognize our responsibility to operate ethically and with integrity in all aspects of our operation, and we appreciate our customers’ needs and understand that as a company we need to be responsive in everything we do. Most of our products have been developed based on the needs and feedback provided by our customers, so our product line is always changing and evolving.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about static control?

Fyffe: Static control is not always an exact science. Application knowledge and experience is paramount when trying to solve static control issues. The customer will be much better off using a supplier that works exclusively in static control. The use of a static control specialist will save the end user a great deal of time, money and energy.