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Custom Solution for Complex Welding Exhaust Project

Kemper Custom Welding Smoke Exhaust System | Welding Fume ExtractionMettler Toledo, an international OEM for metal detection and x-ray conveyor systems, recently expanded their welding department at their Florida Product Inspection Division by 150%. They also took the opportunity to revamp the former small and isolated welding area into a “Nascar Shop ready” picture perfect working environment.

The biggest challenge for Mettler Toledo was to get a ventilation system into place that not only kept the welders and surrounding departments safe, but also kept the floor space open to move completed weldments efficiently throughout the facility. The only metal they utilize is stainless steel, and the obvious concern was Hexavalent Chromium, also known as Chromium 6 or Cr(VI).

Mettler Toledo Logo


Carl L. Melecci, Product Manager at the Mettler Toledo Florida Product Inspection Division, made it a personal commitment to take all precautions for the new exhaust system: “It’s critical that a ventilation system be employed for the safety of the welders and surrounding departments. I sadly experienced the effects of toxic inhalation myself, throat cancer. It was a very difficult time in my life that still carries fears and effects today. And I was adament in finding a company that would put the safety concerns of co-workers at ease. KEMPER’s new VarioHood, a modular extraction hood that can be adapted to any required size, was the ideal solution for this difficult installation.”

As any other business in the same position, Mettler Toledo was challenged by the cost versus productivity, but with OSHA standards tightening each year on Cr(VI), they decided it would be foolish to settle for a system that only meets the current requirements. “KEMPER with their reputation as the industry leader in welding ventilation kept rising to the top as we were interviewing many vendors”, so Melecci. “Many vendors were suppliers, recommending a product and then falling on the application. Welding ventilation was KEMPER’s only business and not an accessory or a side line, and their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is second to none.”

KEMPER installed 8 VarioHoods suspended from the ceiling, surrounding each welder with personal ventilation. A protective curtain ring around the entire welding area keeps harmful welding rays from reaching co-workers. And confirming KEMPER’s special customer commitment, each of the units was wired with individual controls for easy operation.

Mettler Toledo’s external focus is to ensure their customers have control of their product safety, and this is an internal commitment also. With KEMPER’s ability to work with them on unique design parameters and ensuring the highest level of safety, they not only set new quality standards within their welding department, but also improved their productivity: By eliminating the use of floor fans who would interfere with the argon gas in certain situations producing welding defects, they were able to reduce the number of re-works from 2-3 a month down to 0.

Carl L Mellecci puts it in a nutshell: “With Mettler Toledo’s capital investment in their welder’s life and safety by providing superior working conditions, we ultimatively invested in raising our standard for quality. With KEMPER’s VarioHood system in place and maintained as directed, all of our safety concerns are kept to a minimum. Our welders now feel good about their conditions and positions and in return, they keep their work area spotless during the day and shift changes.”



Unique Project Considerations:

  • Their welding department recently expanded by 150%
  • Welding area would no longer be isolated
  • Floor space needed to stay open to move completed weldments through


VarioHood suspended from ceiling

Mechanical Filter Units, wall-mounted and custom wire-mounted

Welding Curtain System


“Three key factors lead us to KEMPER America:

First, their reputation as an industry leader in welding ventilation. Welding ventilation was KEMPER’s only business and not an accessory or side line.

Second, most vendors were suppliers, recommending a product and then falling on the application.

And Third, KEMPER America’s ability to work with us on unique design parameters, while ensuring the highest level of safety. KEMPER’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is second to none!”