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“We haven’t had to replace any treads during my time here,” shop. “We just ? nished the New York,” Crompton added, “and

Crompton adds. “They hold up well, just the usual wear and the one we have in now will be getting some Wooster treads in tear you’d expect.” September.” In an industry where time is money, every com- ®

Great Lakes Towing uses Wooster’s Stairmaster Type 182 ponent needs to be reliable, easy to install, and built to last. safety treads, which are ideal for extreme maritime condi- The pre-drilled countersunk holes on Wooster’s stair treads tions. Constructed with a heat-treated, corrosion-resistant makes installation quick and ef? cient. Sourcing reliable parts aluminum base and ? lled with an abrasive that has a high is also key to keeping operations running smoothly, and the aluminum oxide content, the treads provide superior traction, facility appreciates Wooster’s straightforward ordering pro- ensuring crew members always maintain sure footing. The cess. “Once a part is working well, we tend to stick with it,” noncombustible material meets rigorous federal guidelines, Crompton says, “and ordering is simple. I send a past quote, making it well-suited for demanding environments. The prod- and they get back very quickly. Delivery is within two to three uct comes in customizable lengths up to 12 feet in a range of weeks,” he adds. colors. Great Lakes purchases black treads, eight inches deep by 27” wide, with holes drilled and countersunk, and ? nished

Marine Safety and Environmental Commitments with square side ends. The surface provides enhanced traction Great Lakes Towing is committed to reducing greenhouse while the durable construction endures constant use, vibra- gas emissions through fuel-ef? cient tugboat designs, upgrad- tion, and exposure to the elements. ing propulsion systems to meet modern environmental stan- dards, and incorporating sustainability initiatives into shipyard

An Industry Dependent on Ef? ciency operations. Durable, long-lasting stair treads help the company

The marine construction and repair industries are vulner- reduce material waste and avoid frequent replacements, which able to downtime. Every day a vessel is out of service means contributes to more sustainable resource use. Dependable com- lost revenue and operational setbacks. Seasonal weather con- ponents also support ef? cient shipyard operations by minimiz- straints add to the urgency, particularly in the Great Lakes, ing downtime for maintenance and repairs. Investing in high- where missing a narrow operational window could mean los- quality, wear-resistant components ensures that every new ing an entire season of work. Supply interruptions for repairs tugboat is built to last, reducing overall environmental impact.

or installations also means waiting on approvals before return- Great Lakes Towing trusts Wooster Products to provide ing to service. Skilled workers are expensive, and delayed or proven, slip-resistant stair treads for their new tugboat builds. dif? cult to use parts can add to labor costs and increase over- With a longstanding reputation for quality and safety, Wooster head. helps to protect crews, extend the lifespan of vessels, and Great Lakes Shipyard is a full-service shop, providing ex- maintain the highest standards in the industry. “We know we pert service for customer vessels, including new vessel and can rely on them,” says Crompton. “It’s a small but critical part barge construction, fabrication, maintenance, and repairs. of our tugboats.” As the company continues to expand its ? eet,

They also build and maintain their own ? eet at the shipyard. Wooster’s non-slip solutions remain an essential part of every

From start to sea trial, the average tug spends one year in the vessel’s design.

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