Why WHP Trainingtowers™?
In the early days of fire training, firefighters utilized repurposed shipping containers as fire training buildings, but these containers were easily damaged, posed potential risks due to unknown chemicals in the paint, and required frequent maintenance. Recognizing the need for a safer and more durable alternative, WHP Trainingtowers™ entered the scene. WHP was founded in 1980 by Bernie Padgett, a co-founder of Werner-Herbison-Padgett, a prominent Chicago construction company. Padgett saw the need for a fire training building that could withstand repetitive use in harsh environments. The result was the first-ever metal fire training tower. Since then, WHP has been designing the best fire training towers on the market.
One Purpose, One Passion
Our training towers are designed by firefighters and engineers specifically for fire training.
No other company in the world has built as many metal training towers as WHP. We’re not just a supplier of fire training towers. We’re fire training tower experts. Designing, fabricating, and installing fire training towers is what we do.
Request a ConsultExpertise, Innovation & Quality
These are the three things that set WHP apart from the competition.
EXPERTISE:
Everything we do is backed by construction expertise and firefighter experience. All of our towers are built by firefighters and engineers specifically for the firefighting industry. When retired firefighter, Chief Bill Jahnke, purchased WHP Trainingtowers™ in 1997, his 28 years of firefighting experience and 45 years in construction management made him uniquely qualified to not just build fire training towers but to build fire training towers that met the specific needs and applications of the fire service industry.
INNOVATION:
Many innovative products have been added to our product line over the years making them safer, stronger, and more durable. Our engineers are always looking to improve upon the existing products.
Padgenite™ Thermal Lining System
Our patented Padgenite™ thermal panels have undergone several upgrades. From the original to the Padgenite Super™ in 2002, to today’s Padgenite Interlock™ system. This calcium-silicate-based thermal lining system provides the best balance of durability and thermal protection.
MODx™ Modular Training Structure
Our MODx™ modular training structure relies on our fully galvanized structural steel frame that allows for open floor plans without any interior structural walls. The walls are independent of the unit which allows all walls, doors, and windows to be easily moved, removed, or reconfigured allowing for a wider variety of training exercises.
Hazmat Training Props
We offer over a dozen hazmat props designed to create realistic scenarios using air compressors to simulate smoke, liquid spills, gas leaks, falling cylinders, exploding drums, and more. Our grant-eligible Hazmat Instructor Series™ package includes five portable hazmat training props and a hand-held control panel. We also offer our Hazmat Instructor Series™ training trailer, making hazmat training mobile and more accessible.
QUALITY:
Our towers are constructed to be low-maintenance and durable. Our first structure was built in 1980 in Kotzebue, Alaska. It has been in service for over 40 years and is still going strong! Here are several unique ways our towers are built to stand the test of time:
Corrugated Cladding
Our cladding is comprised of structural panels with 4.5” deep corrugations embedded with a series of smaller corrugations. Making them much thicker than most commercially available metal buildings (at least 18 gauge) and greatly increasing the strength of the panel. The added strength creates open spaces and increases the design flexibility.
Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel
Rather than just being sprayed with a galvanizing material, our panels are hot-dipped into a vat of galvanizing material at a high temperature. This assures complete bonding and a long-lasting superior coating that resists rust and corrosion. Our galvanized structures adhere to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A123 which exceeds the 50-year mark on the “time to first maintenance” (TFM) chart.
Secondary Framing System
We further strengthened the building by adding a secondary framing system of 12-gauge steel columns. Without structural modification, our building system is capable of meeting the most stringent wind load and seismic requirements in the country.
Turnkey Solution - One-Source for All of Your Fire Training Needs
We make it easy to purchase a fire training tower by being a turnkey provider.
We serve as a single source covering everything from budget to design to construction. We can help with funding and grant acquisition. We even provide ongoing support after the sale. When you consider the expertise, innovation, and quality that WHP Trainingtowers™ brings to the table, there’s simply no better place to go for a fire training tower.
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