All good things must come to an end.

Long, feel free to skim this one! My day (Brian) started at my corporation global HQ in N. Milwaukee. I was meeting with a purchasing representative who was joining me at compressor component vendors in WI. He showed me his bldg, the HQ of Johnson Controls. Other than going to a nearby bldg, driving to the correct one, visitors' lot under construction, and small related drama that made me a little late, all was good.

Very nice bldg, and a flagship of future smart controls, efficient and human ergonomics friendly smart-bldg's. That is their business. HVAC/industrial compressor&chillers, lighting, fire suppression, ...etc. Even displaying beautiful outdoors while hiding solar panels across the street. It's very employee friendly in giving a walking path, ping-pong, various recreational activities, and a gym with showers. We even mfr'd cars and small trucks for a time (show pcs., "The Johnson" from 1910-ish). It all makes sense. Yes, it's a little nicer than our Wboro facility :-).

Mid AM to PM was at a local gear and transmission mfr./vendor, then fly direct, home. I'm sparing you the gear details, except 2 pics. Wonder how gears ⚙️ get their involute shape? See hobber tool (bronze color). The other, a big blank, as large as a skid! Gear teeth to be hobbed and finish ground (grinding after heat-treat hardness and thermal distortion). The manufacturing of gears is complex as their initial design and fatigue load capacity calculations.

Home sweet home, as Zach fought road construction and traffic to pick us up at Reagan National airport. Thank you, Zach. (Of course, Brian wrote this one!)Read more