WHP Trainingtowers^TM

Maggie Scaletty, COO

A year earlier, this fire department was in need of a training structure with search and rescue and live burn capability. But there were many constraints in moving forward with a full-blown construction project, including rough terrain and a limited budget.

The quest for a resilient training structure resulted in what would be a fruitful journey with WHP TrainingtowersTM, a company committed to providing the highest quality metal training buildings tailored to meet all the requirements of a fire service. With its more than 40 years of experience, WHP was able to deliver an exceptional, modular fire training system—MODxTM—uniquely engineered and customized for the fire department.

“We provide a comprehensive solutions portfolio that includes structural steel fire training towers and grant-eligible modular fire training systems that come in a variety of different models and custom configurations,” says Maggie Scaletty, COO of WHP TrainingtowersTM.

The Swiss Army Knife of Firefighting

WHP’s patented modular fire-training simulator, MODxTM, can handle both Class A and Class B fires. The pre-engineered modular building system comes with a fully galvanized structural steel frame that is central to the integrity of the unit, allowing for open floor plans without interior columns or beams.

The remarkably architected MODxTM has moveable, factory-painted wall systems and exterior panels, and interchangeable doors and windows that enable fire training instructors to easily reconfigure the interior and exterior spaces and carry out a wider variety of training exercises. They can also add burn rooms capable of withstanding repeated firefighting simulations throughout the structure and create unique and flexible training environments that meet modern-day fire training needs.

As cities, municipalities, and governments push for more utilitarian type of training structures with multi-jurisdictional adaptability, MODxTM wins, hands-down, by providing flexibility attuned to training evolutions. To illustrate, the firefighters can conduct search and rescue training, while the police can utilize the same building to run a scenario where there is a perpetrator on the roof.

Yet another distinguishing factor of MODxTM is that it drastically reduces construction and installation time and addresses supply chain and labor challenges. WHP has forged strategic partnerships with raw material suppliers that allow them to overcome material shortages and maintain delivery schedules and quality of pre-built modules.

WHP’s modular systems do not need the foundation required by conventional structures. The modules can be installed on pile foundations or helical piers instead of poured concrete, which drastically cuts back on the expenses in terms of site and concrete work and engineering.

Engineered to Perfection

WHP’s clients can custom-design a training tower that fits their requirements through the Build-A-MODxTM application on the company’s website. The 3D rendering program allows them to mix and match building types, add burn rooms, windows, doors, stairs, and choose their own colors. Customers can also utilize virtual reality to walk through WHP’s fixed or modular towers, view how the building is configured inside, where the props are placed, and get a realistic feel of the product before purchase. The WHP team then custom-designs a solution and proposes a budget for the project.

The team draws on deep experience and the expertise gained from successfully completing more than 900 domestic and international projects that provide custom solutions for the fire service, police, military and power companies.

“We offer a full turnkey solution, from sales, design, bidding, manufacturing and construction of the building to the final acceptance of the customer,” states Scaletty.

“We look at ourselves not just as a metal building manufacturer or installer but as a partner in the design and training process.”

At the crux of providing a modular training system that outlasts any comparable product on the market is a distinctive culture that sets WHP a notch higher. Its culture has been shaped by founder Bernie Padgett’s dedication to creating fire training towers as per the requirements of the fire service, even when they are difficult to manufacture. When Fire Chief William Jahnke (Ret.) purchased the company, he continued the same legacy of incorporating the precise requirements of the fire service into their structures, an ethos carried forward by an equally passionate team. He drew upon his decades-long experience in firefighting and construction management and in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of construction materials to design training towers for modern-day firefighting.

Today, with Scaletty at the helm, WHP leaves no stone unturned to deliver high-quality, purpose-built products for the fire service. As most of WHP’s experienced team of professionals have a rich background in fire service, it enables them to have a deep understanding of client requirements, project timeframes, and the funding challenges that are part of long-term, capital projects.

For the WHP team, it is not just about a one-off sales cycle but a continuous relationship that is nurtured throughout the lifespan of the building. The team carries out inspections and maintenance and ensures that the clients receive the best quality and value for their investment.

“What really sets us apart is that our fire towers are designed and built by fire professionals for fire professionals,” says Scaletty.

Setting The Stage for Training Excellence

As a forward-thinking company, WHP has a keen focus on R&D projects to deliver more value to the end user. Given that the fire industry is a fluid environment, WHP’s industry experience and comprehensive know-how in construction and engineering enables them to respond quickly to changes.

In its illustrious journey, the company has continued to push the envelope of innovation with each client. Deeply engaging with each customer on their individual design, the company continually makes design improvements, setting the stage for leading-edge solutions for future fire departments.

Given that modular construction is in its nascent phase in the fire service industry, WHP’s plans in the next 18 to 24 months include helping potential customers realize the magnitude of the flexibility and customization they can gain from using the modular building solution.

As the fire training industry shifts toward smarter and safer training, WHP is at the vanguard of engineering more effective solutions that tackle today’s demands of tomorrow’s firefighters.