When most people think of Spray Equipment & Service Center, they think of paint finishing, powder coating, and industrial automation.
And while those applications remain a core part of what we do, they are only part of the story.
At its core, our business is about helping customers move, meter, mix, and manage materials more effectively. Those challenges exist in virtually every industry, whether the material is paint, powder, adhesives, chemicals, or something entirely unexpected.
One recent project reminded us just how diverse fluid handling applications can be.
An Unconventional Challenge
Koppert Biological Systems specializes in biological crop protection and pollination solutions, including the breeding of beneficial insects such as bumble bees.
As production expanded to nearly 200,000 commercially reared bumblebee colonies annually, Koppert's existing pump and tank process could no longer keep pace. The company needed a reliable, repeatable method for delivering a consistent nectar source while reducing the amount of operator involvement required throughout the process.
While the application was unique, the challenge itself was familiar.
Like many manufacturing processes, success depended on accurately dosing ingredients, maintaining consistency, and creating a repeatable workflow that operators could rely on day after day.
Applying Fluid Handling Expertise
Working closely with the Koppert team, Spray Equipment & Service Center developed a custom fluid handling solution designed to automatically dose and blend ingredients used in the bee food production process.
The resulting system automated a critical step in production while improving process control and allowing operators to focus on other responsibilities throughout the facility.
Although this project had nothing to do with paint or powder coating, the engineering principles behind the solution were the same ones used every day in industrial finishing applications. Understanding material characteristics, controlling flow rates, automating repetitive processes, and designing reliable systems are challenges that cross-industry boundaries.
The close collaboration between the two teams was a key part of the project's success. According to Brad Kaniski, Material Planning & Logistics Manager at Koppert Biological Systems Inc., the experience exceeded expectations: "Spray Equipment worked closely alongside our fill team throughout the project, embracing the uniqueness of the application and refining every detail to ensure success. This has been one of the best equipment installation experiences I've had. The system transformed our process, and the Spray team was outstanding from start to finish."
The Bigger Picture
Projects like this highlight an important reality: many companies face fluid handling challenges without realizing that solutions already exist.
A process that relies heavily on manual mixing, inconsistent material delivery, or repetitive operator involvement may benefit from automation, regardless of the industry.
Whether the application involves coatings, chemicals, adhesives, agricultural products, or specialized manufacturing processes, the right combination of engineering and automation can often improve efficiency, consistency, and control.
Looking Beyond Traditional Applications
One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing how engineering expertise can be applied in new and unexpected ways.
From paint booths to biological production facilities, the goal remains the same: helping customers solve process challenges and improve operational performance.
The next time someone asks what Spray Equipment & Service Center does, we might tell them about the project where we helped automate a highly specialized biological production process. After all, fluid handling challenges can show up almost anywhere.
Have a unique application?
Our engineering team specializes in developing custom solutions for complex material handling and process automation challenges. If you're looking to improve efficiency, consistency, or process control, we'd love to learn more about your application.