PPL Montana Boosts Plant Reliability Through Timken Maintenance Training

At PPL Montana’s Colstrip Steam Electric Station, Hank Coffin recognized that optimal plant performance hinges on skilled maintenance.

Coffin, a maintenance manager, understood that sustaining the plant’s four generators required a deep appreciation for the value of proper upkeep. He partnered with Timken to assess and address the plant’s specific needs.

Timken developed an on‑site training program tailored to PPL Montana, equipping the maintenance crew with techniques to extend bearing life, cut costs, and boost equipment reliability.

"Providing our customers the opportunity to continue their education in best maintenance and repair practices is a value‑adding service that can deliver exceptional results," said Jeff Calvin, Timken section manager for service engineering – bearings. "The Timken Bearing Certification program helps us to make them better at their everyday practices, which improve operations and performance."

The program focuses on every facet of maintenance, from proper bearing storage and handling to inspection, installation and removal. It’s customized to each customer’s unique needs, ensuring practical, actionable skills.

Re‑educating his team, Coffin saw the training’s impact across the organization.

"I realized that all of our guys didn’t have the same level of training and knowledge, so the benefits of the program have reached a number of layers to improve our overall operations," said Coffin. "Our steam plant mechanics and operators, supervisors and PE‑licensed engineers have all learned from the program. And with everyone on the same page, we have a lot better success with bearings."

After the onsite training and auditing, PPL Montana earned the “Timken bearing certified” designation—a mark reserved for world‑class maintenance operations. Since beginning the program, the more than 1,100‑megawatt coal‑fired power plant has significantly improved uptime and reduced maintenance costs.

The enhanced education also gave the team a clearer understanding of when to repair versus replace bearings. By recognizing the right moment for scheduled repairs, they prevent costly breakdowns.

"Learning the benefits of bearing repair are reflected in both performance and the bottom line," Coffin explained. "We’ve noticed a definite improvement in equipment availability and are saving one‑third to one‑half the cost of buying new since we’ve started capitalizing on bearing repair."

"What’s more important is that Timken doesn’t care if it’s their bearing or that of a competitor,” he added. "Either way, they help us fix the problem; and because of that, I’ve gained a new respect for them."

For more information on Timken products and services, visit www.timken.com.