(Blooming Prairie, MN April 2017) – The Blooming Prairie robotics team, known for its baseball-inspired uniforms and nickname – the Wrench Warmers – received a boost from Minimizer in 2017.
The aftermarket semi truck parts company donated components of “Shelby,” the Wrench Warmers robot, by utilizing a rare resource – Minimizer’s 3D printer.
“The parts manufactured on Minimizer’s 3D printer are always the envy of judges and other teams,” BP robotics coach Sarah Oelkers said.
The Wrench Warmers won the Imagery Award at the regional competition in Duluth, Minnesota, the first weekend in March. The award celebrates attractiveness in engineering and outstanding visual aesthetics.
“Minimizer has been a supporter of the program for both years it has been running,” Oelkers said. “We are forever grateful for the relationship our program has with our local businesses, especially Minimizer.”
In addition, Minimizer donated the time of two of its engineers – Martin Larsen and Jay Iverson – who assisted the BP robotics team with the design and construction of the robot.
“It is very rewarding to help so many students who have an interest in Science and Engineering,” Larsen said. “It is great to see first-hand how FIRST Robotics gives students the opportunity to use cutting edge technology and inspires them to develop and apply new skills.”
At the end of the competition season, the Wrench Warmers ranked 60th out of 208 Minnesota high school teams.
“For a second year team, we’re very excited about those numbers!” Oelkers said.
About Minimizer
Leveraging almost 40 years of manufacturing expertise at its state-of-the-art facility in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Minimizer is not only the leader in poly semi truck fenders – we invented the category. Minimizer poly fenders and integrated bracket kits are nearly indestructible and are guaranteed for life.
Our research and development team constantly “tests and tortures” each of our products to make sure what goes on, in or is used to fix the truck meets the rigors of our tough industry.
We also manufacture industry-leading light kits, mud flaps, Tool Boxes, tire masking kits, and other accessories. Our most recent innovations include the world’s ONLY custom molded floor mats for semi trucks, as well as the revolutionary “whole body” Minimizer Truck Seat System.
Minimizer has been family owned and operated for three generations. The company manufactures its products in the USA and makes everything tough enough to please tough people in a tough industry.
For more information or to contact a Minimizer distributor, call us at (800) 248-3855 or email us at info@highbarbrands.com.
