Training operators on emissions technology remains a challenge

Responses from Andrew Suda, Senior Manager Construction and Ag Engine Sales, MTU America Inc.

GOVERNMENT

What government regulations, standards or bills were passed in the past year that most affected the way you do business and go to market?

The biggest news was about government, regulations, standards or bills that weren’t passed this past year. The industry is in need of a long term federal highway bill. This will give companies the security to make major equipment purchases instead of getting by with repairing the equipment they currently have.

DIVERSIFICATION MARKETS

Has your company recently diversified into any new markets with its existing product portfolio?

MTU has been a major player in the O&G, Mining, Construction & Industrial and Ag sectors for a number of yours. We continue to develop cutting edge engine technology to serve these markets better than in the past.

Any new products on the horizon for new markets to broaden your market reach?

MTU continues to tout our industry-leading Tier 4 Final engine technology. Our engines over 750 hp require no aftertreatment and our engines below 750 hp require only SCR aftertreatment. This combination provides our customers the best solutions in the market.

EDUCATION

What education programs do you offer or participate in to help cultivate the next generation of engineers? 

We offer internships for quite a few fields of study including engineering, logistics and finance. For current employees we offer a mentorship program as well as offer a vast number of different training opportunities to keep our employees up to speed on the industries’ latest and greatest concepts.

CHALLENGES & HURDLES

What new challenges have arisen that effect the way you design or manufacture your product? How you do business? How you go to market?

Training operators on the new emissions technology and how to react properly when a fault code or lamp appear. This is an industry wide problem for engines with aftertreatment. There is a major gap between the older and brand new equipment. The new emission technology requires expanded fault codes or lamps which can be misunderstood or ignored by operator.