Annually, our service department hosts a service technician training course. This year, it will be held October 22^nd through 24^th in Van Wert, Ohio. The first two days will be classroom sessions, and the third day will be held in the factory at Braun’s headquarters. There, technicians will receive an in-depth tour of the manufacturing plant and spend time observing in a production area of their choice to enhance their knowledge on our products and build process.

This educational opportunity is made available with the help of various vendors. Currently, the following companies have committed to teaching at this year’s course:

• Kelderman Manufacturing, Inc.
• Hoseline, Inc.
• Weldon – A Division of Akron Brass
• Progressive Dynamics, Inc.
• PPG Industries
• Whelen Engineering
• Vanner Inc.
• Kussmaul Electronics
• Federal Signal

Each vendor will be represented by a member from their Service Department, not their Sales Department. These individuals possess the hands-on experience and knowledge to properly inform class participants on how to maintain their products.

Vendor presentations have been extremely well received in the past. This year, we are integrating customized troubleshooting clinics from the component manufacturers into the course. “The Techs will learn how the module is manufactured and how components are installed to further aid their abilities to perform efficient, effective repairs,” says Jeff Holtzclaw, Service Manager at Braun Industries.

Members of Braun’s Service Department will also be presenting. We are most looking forward to a session from our Electrical Engineer, Brian Holbrooks. Brain is responsible for creating the unit programming and troubleshooting on the production floor prior to delivery. His involvement with service in the factory should provide for an enlightening discussion with attendees. Combined with the Real-time Diagnostics Training (RDT) on new and used ambulances to closely similar real life situations in the field, course participants are sure to learn many new skills to take home with them.

Service technicians from around the country are planning to join us this year. We are anticipating 50 technicians in attendance. For those that can’t join us this year, the dates have already been set for our 2014 course. Mark your calendars now for October 21-23, 2014!