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Firewing Systems
Founded in 1987 by Andy Banyots. The company began as a part time venture to augment the Siemens PLC sales in the Ohio area. Customers needed a programming service not offered by the Anderson-Bolds, the product distributor. For seven years, Firewings was used to assist Siemens hardware customers with their programming issues. In 1994, the company became a full time occupation. Siemens PLC training for several distributors along the east coast of the United States provided for the rapid growth and influence in the early years. Engineering services at several OEM clients allowed further expansion to projects in Canada, Mexico, and Germany. Siemens Industrial Service (SIS) division began using the company’s services in 2000. Knowledge of the obsolete S5 control platform is rare. The customer base of several manufacturing plants led to the support of both S5 and S7 platforms. Peerless mixers used the company for its European and Asian projects. Adventures in Italy, Spain, and China brought the company to the peak of the service industry. This fulfilled a major goal beginning a new era.
Distributor Growth
The reputation of German precision was well earned but came at a price. Phillip Morris making 12,000 cigarettes per minute and Husky’s injection molding crown were supported by sophisticated technical staffs. Complex S5 development software and cultural issues hindered broad acceptance. Orlando Bakery saw the advantages as automation connected the whole plant. Firewings was born from the 24/7 support commitment. We programmed, installed, and modified bakery equipment until the program graduated a self-sufficient maintenance staff.
Technical Support
Siemens purchase of Texas Instruments in 1992 launched a national training need. Firewings took the opportunity to go full time in 1994. We focused on the German S5 products while the TI-505 family led the expansion effort. We have worked with 20+ distributor offices providing mostly training and service tasks.
S7 launch
Electronic advances changed the manufacturing landscape in the late 1990s. The S7 family obsoleted both the S5 and TI platforms 5 years after introduction. Siemens gained market share during this transition period because they make their own components. The reliability of the S5 components has been a blessing and curse. Many manufacturers are reluctant to upgrade as long as parts are available.
Field Upgrades
We have completed a 5 press upgrade program at one manufacturer. Mechanically sound, the machines were converted in place saving both time and money. Several emergency procedures have been performed because the failed component was not available.
Adoptions
Our focus on the brain of the machines has taken us into numerous industries. We have repaired several production lines where the equipment manufacturer is no longer in business. Documentation is the key to supporting that which you have not built.
President Firewing Systems
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