Garrard Jones Engineering specialises in the repair of wind turbines and mining equipment. Over time, we noticed that many of the components we were maintaining for various wind turbine operators were being returned with significant physical damage — damage unrelated to their electrical faults.
This secondary damage was occurring in two main ways:
- Improper stacking of faulty equipment at the site
- Rough handling during transit from the wind farm back to our workshop
As a result, electrically repairable items were incurring avoidable mechanical damage, significantly increasing repair times and costs.
To address this, we began by focusing on one high-value, frequently damaged component: the IGBT module. We designed and trialled a strong, reusable, lightweight yet robust wooden industrial box that provided a precise, close-fitting interior to securely hold the IGBT.
After implementing these boxes, the results were clear:
- IGBTs returned for repair with far less physical damage
- Items were noticeably easier and safer to stack securely on pallets
- Service engineers reported improved manual handling when loading and transporting the equipment in vans
The boxes proved to be both protective during transit and practical on site, delivering measurable improvements in component condition, handling safety, and overall repair efficiency. Since this event, Garrard Jones has acquired boxes for various pieces of equipment.
