Taylor Forge Engineered Systems in Paola is getting ready to expand. They are investing $7 million to expand their shop, office and construction learning center, as well as purchase new equipment and allow for utility upgrades. The main focus of the operation are two new plate rolls that are replacing ones that are almost 100 years old that make slug catchers. A slug catcher is a piece of static equipment that separates build up of gas or liquid that flows through the pipeline.
The new rolls will allow the company to shift from a hot to cold rolling process that will be more efficient and improve the product. Before, plates thicker than 3 inches had to be heated to 1,800 degrees before they could be properly rolled, but the new piece of equipment can handle the rolling process without heating the steel. The company plans an Open House early next year for the community to see the new additions.
