Happy May Day! Also known as Labor Day in some countries, May 1 marks the Chicago Haymarket protests that took place on that date in 1886, when 35,000 workers walked away from their jobs and demanded standardized eight-hour work days. Riots broke out and hundreds were arrested, but countries around the world were inspired and created the holiday to celebrate workers. While other countries have retained the May 1 date, the U.S. in 1955 changed the national holiday to Labor Day and moved it to September.

Hopefully your May Day hasn’t turned into a Mayday! emergency situation due to aging or inappropriately selected/installed thermal processing equipment. As Harper International’s Jason Ladd writes, “Months or even years of planning have gone into buying your company’s new thermal processing equipment. The executives have cut ribbons and pictures have been taken. Now the countdown begins; degradation starts as soon as the installation is complete and the equipment is turned on. The equipment is heading toward its first failure.”

It’s inevitable that your equipment will need maintenance and even repair at some point, but how can you ensure that the parts you select and install will operate properly? Parts from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can help ease your mind and keep your equipment running smoothly. “Planning your purchase strategy before the need arises improves cost efficiency and long-term reliability,” Ladd writes. “Your manufacturer can provide technical support, updated parts, history and a partnership of investment to decrease overall costs.” Read the full article in this issue.

Of course, May Day is also known as a celebration of spring. Here’s hoping your May Day is filled not with problematic equipment headaches, but with the bright, sunny optimism that spring always brings.