An Ergonomic and Scalable Solution

The Challenge

Handling Long Lengths of Fabric – by Hand

Before partnering with Novo Precision, Eljen Corporation, an innovator in onsite wastewater treatment, was manually unrolling geotextile fabric to length for its Geotextile Sand Filter (GSF) System.

The GSF system is engineered to provide a compact, lightweight alternative to conventional septic leach fields. Its treatment zone combines geotextile fabric and a plastic core to foster aerobic bacterial activity, separating effluent from solids for improved filtration and system longevity.

However, the fabric preparation process presented challenges. Employees spent at least 30 minutes daily manually rolling and staging fabric for production. This hands-on process consumed valuable floor space and raised ergonomic risks.

Having previously partnered with Novo Precision on a cut-to-length metal hoop application, Eljen turned to Novo once again - this time seeking a safer, scalable, and automated solution for fabric rolling and handling.

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The Solution

Ergonomics is a Priority

Novo Precision’s engineering team designed a custom automated payoff system that transformed Eljen’s manual process into a streamlined operation.

The new system automatically unrolls and feeds geotextile fabric, eliminating the need for operators to lift, bend, or manually reposition the heavy rolls. This process improved ergonomics, reduced injury risk, and increased production efficiency.

The automated payoff machine was engineered for scalability, allowing Eljen to expand to multiple production lines as demand grows. This solution cut setup time by 95%, enabling operators to simply “load and go.”

The Result

An ergonomic, scalable system built for quality, consistency, and safety

Through this collaboration, Eljen gained more than a supplier - they gained a precision manufacturing partner offering:

·     Precision-Engineered Solutions
Decades of custom machine design expertise eliminated manual cutting and handling, improving both safety and productivity.

• Scalable Production Capacity
  The Automated Payoff System grows alongside Eljen’s business, supporting future expansion.
• Labor Optimization
  Setup times dropped from 30 minutes to just 1 minute—a 95% reduction.
• Operator Ergo & Safety
  By keeping material handling at waist level and eliminating repetitive motions, Eljen improved operator safety and comfort.

From Problem to Partnership

Novo Precision’s deep expertise in handling linear materials extends beyond wire to include fabric, film, and other reel-based products. This collaboration showcases how innovative engineering and local partnerships can transform traditional workflows into efficient, high-performance operations.

 “Novo Precision’s payoff machine has made a tremendous difference in our production process. Their attention to detail and quality engineering have exceeded our expectations, and we plan to expand this setup across all our lines.”  – Melissa Sanchez, Eljen Corporation          

Novo Precision: Where manufacturing meets innovation.