Heinz Wernecke
Synopsis
Heinz Wernecke was recognized for his exceptional contributions to creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities by providing invaluable engineering expertise and support to SANCO Industries and helping establish a die-casting shop and training staff. He did this while refusing any reimbursement for his efforts, positively impacting the lives of over 100 people with disabilities.
The Full Story
The Voluntary Award is presented by NISH (now SourceAmerica) in recognition of an individual’s personal contribution to the creation of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It is a tribute in honor of extraordinary merit. The award is not presented annually. In fact, it has only been given three times in the past ten years. Many volunteers in the Work Center community give unselfishly of their time and talent. To be chosen to receive the Voluntary Award, an individual must be very special. Heinz Wernecke is very special indeed!
SANCO Industries first contacted Heinz Wernecke in the fall of 1978, soliciting his assistance in engineering to help set up a die-casting shop. Initially, Mr. Wernecke offered ideas on organizational considerations, product search, and orientation in the important technical aspects of die casting. Between 1978 and 1981 Mr. Wernecke met with SANCO personnel frequently.
In 1982, SANCO began a feasibility study on a lead seal. Mr. Wernecke offered his technical expertise during each phase of the preparation. He reviewed Work Center costing and production methods. He met with SANCO’s Board of Directors and the local County Commissioners to help explain technical aspects of the lead seal project. He was instrumental in the Work Centers receiving an interest-free loan from the County which financed SANCO’s startup costs. He made trips to Chicago in search of die casting equipment and assisted the Work Center in negotiating the purchase of equipment. After the purchase, the equipment was transported to his shop where he rebuilt and modified, adding a safety feature he had invented. In addition, he spent considerable time drawing blueprints of dies for submittal to die makers. He arranged for SANCO to have access to the General Motors Technical Laboratory computer for analysis of the die design.
As the machine neared completion Mr. Wernecke provided the SANCO staff with training on the operation of the machine. He drew up a description of the many controls and demonstrated their functions. After the die cast machine was installed at the SANCO plant, Mr. Wernecke recruited another engineer to help with the project. Together they assisted the Work Center to establish proper control settings.
Throughout the project, Mr. Wernecke was available for consultation. SANCO personnel made seven emergency trips to his shop for repairs and modifications. He taught them how to handle the equipment so that they are able to take care of most problems locally now.
Mr. Wernecke is currently designing a die for another NISH item. During all of this time, he has refused to accept reimbursement for his assistance. He considered it his privilege to have impacted the lives of over 100 people with disabilities.
NISH is very happy to present its 1983 Voluntary Award to Heinz Wernecke. His engineering expertise and generosity of spirit have been invaluable to SANCO and the people with disabilities the organization serves.
