MGC makes a variety of plastic machine guards and bearing covers and was founded in 1994 by Bill La Barge in Holland, Michigan along with his father Jet La Barge, who has since retired. Machine guard now is proud to own its own building and to still be located in Holland, MI. We have over 30 years of experience matching people with the right guard off the shelf. Engineering custom safety solutions is our specialty. Let us help you find the right guarding solution for you.
We use Thermoforming
Machine Guard and Cover uses a process called thermoforming to make all of our parts. Thermoforming is a process that involves heating a plastic sheet enough so that it is pliable then it is stretched over a mold and a vacuum is applied to suction it down in the right places. The hot plastic then cools around the mold to make the part. Excess plastic is cut off and additional holes may be added if the customer desires.
Why choose us?
Our guards fulfill OSHA and ANSI B-11 safety-standards when installed properly.
In comparison with injection molded parts our thermoforming process has a faster turnaround and custom adjustments are easier to make. Injection molding requires large high precision steel molds which can take months to years to make and the cost of tooling is very high. Folded steel sheet guards are also expensive and time consuming to manufacture and may be overkill for everyday applications, and hard to install in overhead locations. In contrast our guards are durable and easy to install.
Because we thermoform our catalog has expanded over the years to include covers for chain, belt, gear, and other power transmission systems. We make coupling and conveyor covers, drip trays as well as custom parts. Thousands of parts are available, so you can get the right guard for your facility.
Some of the larger companies we have guarded include:
- Coca cola
- General Electric (GE)
- Kellogg
- Kimberly Clark
- Moline bearing,
- SpaceX
- U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
- U.S. Dept. of Energy
- U.S. Mint
Engineering custom safety solutions for you is our specialty. We have over 30 years of experience matching people with the off the shelf solutions. Our guards have protected workers from moving parts in many different situations. Let us help you find the right point guarding solution for you.
Machine Guard & Cover Co. Memberships
American Society of Safety Engineers
Machine Guard & Cover Co. is a member of this organization of safety engineers. ASSE represents more than 34,000 safety, health and environmental professionals who work across all industries around the world protecting people, improving business, and safeguarding the environment.
Society of Plastic Engineers
Machine Guard & Cover Co. is a member of the Society for Plastic Engineers. They are dedicated to providing the means to explore the science and technology of plastics and polymers.
National Safety Council
Machine Guard & Cover Co. is a member of the National Safety Council, a leader in workplace safety.