Innovation, redesigned

By Dani Sheehan. 

Learn about the brand-new, redesigned VARIMAT automatic heat welder. Every commercial roofing contractor will want one for every job. 

The new year brought with it new products and technology to the roofing industry. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Dave Nordentoft from Leister to talk about the top of the industry technology enabled equipment. Celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary this year, Dave shares some of the exciting advancements and how they are improving their products, bringing new products to the market and incorporating new technologies. 

First, Dave starts by telling us a little history of the VARIMAT machine, which was the first welding machine specific for roof applications and the first digitally managed technology. He says, “We looked at new emerging digital technologies to be able to gain more control over the welding process, and control over those key welding parameters. That was  one of the big parts of that VARIMAT platform. It was optimized and designed to try to specifically address the needs of that welding process for thermoplastic roof membranes.” 

When the VARIMAT machine came out it was really a game changer for contractors and put a lot more control in their hands over the welding process. It’s gone through several iterations over the years to make it more robust and more reliable on the job. However, Leister really stands behind their role as innovator and leader in the industry and they don’t want to be a complacent manufacturer.  

Dave introduces three new machines, explaining, “We are differentiating the line a little bit. It’s not going to be so much of a one-size-fits-all proposition as it’s been for a long time, because we feel like there are differentiated needs within the industry. We’re trying to meet more people’s needs, more contractor needs. We want to meet more of those needs with a broader offering in our portfolio than we have in the past.” 

Want to find out more about the improvements made to the VARIMAT machine? Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to get the inside scoop on Leister’s newest technologies.