Learn How Netbell Industrial PA System Improved Emergency Response and Communication
Company Background
Wico Metal Products is a global leader in precision sheet metal stamping, delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions for various OEM’s within the automotive industry. With cutting-edge technology, a commitment to innovation, and decades of expertise, Wico provides superior sheet metal stamping services to meet the most demanding specifications.
The Challenge
As part of its ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and employee safety, Wico Metal Products recognized the need to modernize its emergency notification system. Previously, the company relied on handheld air horns to alert staff during fire or severe weather events—a manual and inconsistent method that varied across facilities.
The facility manager started searching for a reliable, automated solution that could handle multiple functions: notifying employees for lunch breaks, shift changes, and fire drills to ensure proper emergency training. Critically, they needed the same system to serve as their primary emergency notification platform, with simple push-button activation for facility-wide alerts such as severe weather warnings and fire alarm evacuations. The bottom-line requirement was clear, immediate alerts capable of cutting through noisy industrial environments.
The Solution
Through online research, Keith Paul, Facilities Maintenance Manager at Wico Metal Products, discovered Linortek’s Netbell Industrial PA System. After a discovery process and online demonstration with Linortek’s sales team, Keith selected the Netbell-NTG-H20 PA system for its user-friendly interface, straightforward installation, and extensive customization options.
The Netbell-NTG-H20 industrial PA system includes a network-enabled Netbell-NTG tone generator with web-based bell scheduling software. This allows for scheduled notifications (such as breaks and lunches) while also supporting triggered events like emergency alerts through digital inputs. This flexibility made it the ideal fit for Wico’s multi-facility setup, enabling seamless integration of fire and weather alerts without complex rewiring or additional infrastructure.
Implementation
During implementation, Keith worked closely with Linortek’s technical support team to configure the system to meet Wico’s specific needs—including custom emergency sound creation, emergency push-button activation across multiple buildings, and remote device setup. When an emergency button is activated, all speakers in every building broadcast the same alert message, while maintaining the flexibility to set individual bell schedules for each department based on their unique work schedules.
Key Implementation Steps:
Custom Sound Creation: Keith requested distinct voice messages for fire and severe weather alerts. Linortek’s team assisted in creating multiple audio files, experimenting with male and female voices, various pitches, and background tones to ensure maximum clarity in noisy environments.
Button and Relay Configuration: Wico installed emergency push buttons throughout the facility. For longer alerts, sound files were configured to repeat three times, with playback automatically stopping once the button is released.
Selective Zone Control: Since office area speakers only needed to broadcast emergency sounds (not routine shift bells), the team implemented a relay control solution using Netbell-NTG Output 1. This configuration ensures emergency alerts reach all areas while excluding routine shift notifications from office zones.
Testing and Wiring Guidance: Linortek provided detailed wiring diagrams for various speaker configurations, including office-zone control. Keith tested the system across multiple sites, confirming proper operation (via red/green status indicators) and optimizing volume levels for clarity without distortion.
No External Expertise Needed: Installation was completed entirely in-house. Linortek’s remote support team assisted with software configuration—including digital input settings, task programming, and overall system verification—ensuring smooth deployment without the need for outside contractors.
Results and Benefits
Since implementing the Netbell system, Wico Metal Products has established a robust, automated notification framework across all facilities. The system now delivers both scheduled and emergency alerts, providing instant, reliable communication even in high-noise environments.
This upgrade not only improved workplace safety but also positioned Wico for future scalability, demonstrating how Linortek’s customizable, network-based solutions can transform safety communications in industrial environments.
Highlights
- Improved emergency response and communication
- Automated, multi-zone sound notification system
- Fully customizable with digital input triggers
- Completed in-house without external contractors
- Enhanced reliability and scalability for future growth
Keith rated Linortek’s product and technical support 5 out of 5, commenting:
“We have sound notifications for breaks and lunches in all our facilities and will incorporate push-button notifications for emergency alerts through the bell system. The system is very user-friendly and easy to install, easy to customize with lots of options. Products and customer service are all good.”
About Linortek
Founded in 2012, Linortek designs, develops, and manufactures network-enabled controllers for industrial automation. We serve customers around the global from government agencies, Fortune 500 corporations, to schools and small businesses with simple, reliable, and secure remote control and data acquisition solutions. As a newly certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Linortek is positioned to expand its government contracting presence and strengthen partnerships with Fortune 500 companies implementing supplier diversity programs.
For more information, visit www.linortek.com or contact Linortek Sales.
Perfect for Industrial Employee Alarm Applications
This case study demonstrates how the Linortek’s Netbell industrial PA system delivers what others can’t: easy to install, simple web-based control, there’s no unnecessary complexity – just easy-to-use, reliable systems and a team here to support customers whenever needed.
Ready to upgrade your facility communication systems? The Netbell offers different mass communication solutions that can help you enhance your facility communications.
Contact us today to see how Linortek solutions enhance your operation.
Download the case study:
Wico Metal Products Enhances Facility Safety with Linortek’s Netbell Emergency Notification System
