HELICOPTERS PUT AIR UNITS ON PLANT ROOF

A helicopter was used to install 14 air-conditioning units on the roof of the Dana Corp. plant Wednesday afternoon.

The $4.2 million project, which involves installation of 400 tons of air conditioning, is expected to be completed within two to three months. Spicer axle components are manufactured in the 140,000-square-foot plant.

"A new powerhouse has already been installed at the plant," said Kevin Schwab, Dana project engineer. "The powerhouse includes two giant chiller units. One is gas powered and the other electricity powered."

Morgan Mechanical Services of Maumee, Ohio, is the general contractor for the project. Three local companies involved are MSI Electric Inc. and Associated Sheet Metal, both of Jackson; and FGR Mechanical of Cape Girardeau.

"This project has been in the planning more than two years," said Dave Blanchard, plant manager.

Blanchard said air conditioning will relieve worker fatigue and reduce downtime on some equipment because of heat and humidity.

"All this will add up to better productivity," said Blanchard.