Sullair Opens Virtual Reality and Hands-On Training Center

Compressed air manufacturer Sullair, has opened a new, state-of-the-art training center in Michigan City, Ind. The new facility will offer a larger, hands-on training area; a brand-new virtual reality compressor training room; and a more convenient location.

“We believe this new training facility will help us better support our worldwide distributor network and end users,” said Taylor Patz, training manager at Sullair. “We aim to better equip our distributors and end users to make them successful in their businesses and with Sullair products.”

In addition to the new VR compressor training room, the facility features two fully-loaded classrooms and a hands-on area heavily equipped with Sullair compressors and dryers. By the end of 2017, for the first time the facility will have oil free machines available for training.

“This facility will allow us to offer state-of-the-art training for all aspects of our business,” added Patz. “Students will be able to simulate events that they otherwise would not have been able to, and they can truly work on compressors in a whole new way.”

Using a VR headset and two handheld devices, students will be able to ‘walk’ 360 degrees around a virtual compressor. In addition, students will be able to participate in parts identification exercises to virtually ‘grab’ a compressor component, identify it, and install it on the machine. Cutaways will also allow students to see the insides of a machine while in motion.

The facility will offer two new courses for 2017. The “Advanced Microprocessor and VSD” course will get a new, second course added: “Master VSD.” In addition, a new Stationary Level II course, “Master Stationary,” has been restructured to a largely hands-on format versus lecture-based, a change driven by student feedback.

The Sullair training team will be stationed at the facility full-time, allowing distributors and end users greater accessibility.