Machine Guarding Improves Pedestrian Safety at Victoriaville Co.
Project Overview:
Victoriaville Co., a long-standing manufacturer based in Cleveland, Ohio, recently partnered with Handling Concepts to improve safety and pedestrian flow around a high-activity production line. With employees and automated equipment operating in close proximity, the facility needed a clear physical barrier that would separate foot traffic from moving machinery without slowing production. Handling Concepts turned to WireCrafters to provide a RapidGuard® II safety partition system designed to meet OSHA safety requirements while maintaining visibility across the production floor. The modular steel panels created a durable, clearly defined safety perimeter around the automated equipment, helping guide pedestrian traffic while allowing operators and supervisors to easily monitor activity inside the guarded area. The completed installation provides Victoriaville with a long-lasting safety solution that supports efficient operations while improving protection for employees working nearby.
Customer Description
One of Victoriaville’s production lines had an open perimeter that allowed employees to walk close to moving equipment, creating potential safety concerns in a busy manufacturing environment. Photos taken before the project showed exposed rollers, conveyors, and automated components with only painted floor lines guiding pedestrian traffic around the area. While the floor striping helped define safe zones, Victoriaville wanted a more secure and reliable solution that would provide a physical barrier between employees and the machinery. The company needed a system that would protect pedestrians from entering hazardous areas, strengthen OSHA compliance and internal safety standards, and still maintain clear visibility for operators and supervisors monitoring the line. The solution also needed to install quickly and cleanly around existing equipment without disrupting production, while remaining flexible enough to accommodate future layout changes if the production line expanded or shifted. With these requirements in mind, installing a physical machine guarding system became the clear next step for improving safety around the operation.
Why Choose WireCrafters?
After evaluating the production line and discussing safety priorities with the plant team, Handling Concepts recommended the WireCrafters RapidGuard® II machine guarding system. Designed specifically for industrial safety applications, RapidGuard® II provided the durability, visibility, and flexibility needed to improve pedestrian protection around the conveyor line without disrupting production.
RapidGuard® II proved to be an ideal fit for the project. The welded wire mesh panels offer excellent visibility so operators and supervisors can easily monitor equipment, while the heavy-duty steel construction stands up to demanding manufacturing environments. The modular system installs quickly with minimal hardware and can be expanded or reconfigured if the facility layout changes. Just as important, the system provides OSHA-compliant guarding that clearly separates pedestrian traffic from automated machinery.
The installation surrounded the conveyor line, creating a clearly defined pedestrian walkway. Bright yellow posts and baseplates align neatly with the existing floor striping, reinforcing safe travel paths and giving the area a clean, organized appearance.
Handling Concepts coordinated the layout and delivery of the system, and Victoriaville’s maintenance team completed the installation without disrupting production.
“This was by far the easiest thing I have ever installed. It was great to work with,” said Zack, Maintenance Manager.
Plant leadership also noted the quality of the product upon arrival.
“The packaging is amazing. They obviously take great care and pride in what they produce,” said David Harkleroad, Plant Manager.
Since installing the RapidGuard® II system, Victoriaville has seen several immediate benefits. Employees now follow a dedicated, protected pedestrian walkway, significantly reducing the risk of entering hazardous areas. The physical barrier strengthens OSHA compliance beyond floor markings alone while improving the organization and visual flow of the space. With its modular design, the system can also be easily expanded as the facility continues to evolve.
The WireCrafters Difference
Since 1967, when WireCrafters was established as a wire job shop, It has become the nation’s leading producer of wire partition products. Made in the USA, our woven and welded wire partitions are based on the simple idea that panels stack one on top of the other between tubular posts to reach the finished partition height. Our ability to create customizable-sized panels sets us apart from all other competitors.
Our mission is to provide our customers with creative solutions for their safety, security, and storage needs while meeting commitments with exceptional quality by people who care.
To learn more about WireCrafters, visit www.wirecrafters.com or follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
