Fast Way Cover Repairs Keep Eaton Hydraulics Production Running Smoothly

In manufacturing, the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. At Eaton Hydraulics in Shawnee, OK, Bruckner Supply—Eaton’s integrated supplier—keeps a vigilant eye on every detail to ensure that production never stalls. The plant relies on dozens of Okuma and Mazak machining centers that operate 24/7, as maintenance coordinator Larry Parris explains.

“Downtime is a costly luxury we can’t afford, so we must keep the machines running continuously except for planned maintenance,” Parris says. “When a seemingly minor issue—like a damaged way cover—shuts a machine down, the cost spirals quickly. That’s why we need a nearby, trusted partner for repair and refurbishment.”

Enter Hennig Inc., a specialist in telescopic steel way covers headquartered in Machesney Park, IL. Their service center in Chandler, OK—just about 30 miles from Eaton—offers a streamlined process: Eaton ships the cover to Hennig, where it is inspected, quoted, repaired, and returned, usually to be reinstalled by Eaton’s own maintenance crew.

Under the oversight of supervisor Clay Blank, the team evaluates each cover for damage or maintenance needs. Three certified welders perform straightening, cleaning, polishing, and component replacement, both in the shop and onsite when required. The covers are then reassembled, refurbished, and shipped back to Eaton.

“We can repair or replace the majority of components on any CNC machine in a very short time,” Blank notes. “Our fast turnaround is a key factor in attracting—and retaining—customers across the region.”

Way covers suffer wear from constant exposure to oil and coolant. According to Hennig’s service and repair manager Dave Menke, elements such as wiper lips, rollers, scissor assemblies, casings, sidebrass, and guides can degrade—even under normal use—and are also vulnerable to impact from lift trucks or falling parts.

When servicing non‑Hennig brands, the Hennig team often reverse‑engineers the design, sourcing components from their inventory or local suppliers to meet or exceed OEM specifications. This engineering flexibility is essential for keeping customers’ shops operational.

“When a problem arises, the Hennig team arrives promptly, understands the urgency of our production schedule, and often resolves the issue the same day,” says Tammy Dolan, site manager at Bruckner Supply. “Their responsiveness—especially Clay’s willingness to return a faulty cover within an hour—has earned our trust.”

Eaton relies on Hennig for routine maintenance and emergency repairs of its way covers. New covers are typically sourced through Hennig or the machine tool manufacturer, though Hennig’s covers and bellows are often pre‑installed by the builders before the machines are shipped.

Hennig’s Chandler service center is one of eight facilities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, serving a growing client base with expert way cover repair and maintenance. The other locations include Machesney Park, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Detroit, MI; Charlotte, NC; Kitchener, Ontario; Mexico City; and Saltillo.

Photo 1. A typically damaged way cover.

Photo 2. A way cover after repair and refurbishing by Hennig Inc.

Photo 3. A repaired way cover reinstalled on a machining center.