Brokk Star: Advocating For The Brokk Revolution

It was a chance encounter when Mike Peschka came across a Brokk demolition machine in 1992. It wasn’t even on his radar, but hand, back and other serious injuries were. When he drove past a jobsite in El Paso, Texas and saw a Brokk machine in use, he knew it was a piece of equipment he had to have.

Peschka owns POEM Service Corp. in Anthony, N.M., a 22-year-old company that demolishes refractory linings in large furnaces. POEM does most of its work in industrial plants that manufacture products such as cement, paper and copper. The furnaces can reach up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit and require many days to cool down before crews can enter. Even then, it’s still very warm and uncomfortable for workers, and the dust raised during demolition can be hazardous.

Prior to 1992, POEM used the tools common to the industry at the time – handheld jackhammers. They are notorious for causing injuries like hand, arm and back strain, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve damage. And in furnaces, where operators need to hold the jackhammers horizontally and above their heads, the risk of injury is even greater. All the while, workers are exposed to high heat and noise levels, dust and overhead hazards.

Following that pivotal 1992 drive, Peschka purchased his first Brokk machine, a 250, and began using it to demolish refractory materials in copper furnaces. Because the Brokk machine could reach into the furnaces from the outside, crews often could start projects before the furnaces were completely cooled, which allowed them to finish work faster. And while operators get tired when using jackhammers for several hours or at awkward angles, the Brokk machine didn’t fatigue; it worked just as hard at midnight as it did at 8 in the morning, and that meant POEM could complete projects faster still. Peschka also saw a substantial decrease in injuries as the Brokk machine replaced the large amount of labor required to perform the work by hand. “The customers were very pleased with the faster turnaround times and I was happy we could minimize employee exposure to those harsh environments,” he said.

It was enough to convince Peschka to purchase another Brokk unit, the 100, and over the years he has added several other models, including a 90 and a few 150s, 180s and 250s. “The Brokk machines have had a significant impact on our business,” he said. “There was a time when accidents were just considered part of the job. With the Brokk machines, we’ve changed that attitude and dramatically reduced injuries, and our workers’ compensation premiums have gone down 75 percent.”

Using Brokk demolition machines has become a way of life for POEM. It has retired its handheld jackhammers, and crews exclusively use the Brokk equipment. POEM also supports others who are making the same changes in their businesses by offering operator training for Brokk machines. Owners also can take their machines to POEM for repairs or maintenance.

Change requires guts, passion, drive and a strong advocate to lead the way, and Peschka has become that advocate. His dedication to revolutionizing his business into a company that uses Brokk machines exclusively, and to supporting others doing the same, are what make him a Brokk Star.