Published in the May 2008 Coal USA Magazine

Long known for its safety, monitoring and communication products – which include atmospheric monitoring, fire suppression and wireless communications – officials said the interest for the patent-pending suppression system forced an expansion to meet production requirements.

“[It] warranted a move to a larger manufacturing facility,” according to company product manager Chris Yoder, who said Pillar purchased the building about 7 miles from its headquarters in Garrett County and expanded it to a spacious 20,000 square feet. The additional space will be shared between the company’s Fire Station manufacturing and the assembly of safety chambers.

Yoder noted that Pillar will continue to provide complete systems as well as offer turn-key installation for those with specific needs. The move also allows the company to offer fire extinguisher service, repairs and sales as well as surface sprinkler systems.

Company officials said Pillar has in excess of 75 Fire Station system installations at more than 12 operations throughout the Appalachia and Midwest coal regions on belt drives, take-ups, storage units and belt heads. Current turnaround time for a system is about 1-2 weeks, improved by the recent addition of seven employees in sales, engineering and fabrication.

Pillar has ambitious plans for the near future as well. “We are continuing ongoing research and development in all our product lines to help meet customer needs, MSHA guidelines and future demands,” Yoder said.