By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
They burn weeds, thaw ice, and they're made in America. More specifically, Weed Dragon Torch Kits are manufactured by Flame Engineering, Inc. in La Crosse. The Weed Dragon Torch, an organic and chemical-free method to control grass and weeds, was recently named a semifinalist in the Kansas Manufacturing Council's Coolest Thing Made in Kansas contest.
"Basically, we make a handheld, weed-burning torch," said Flame Engineering Owner Jason Pivonka. "From there, we've adapted that into smaller versions that are geared more toward the homeowner in an urban setting where they can do weeds and grass along a driveway or sidewalk. We've adapted that into roofing equipment for application of torch-down roofing. We've adapted that into larger ag equipment for weed control in row crops."
The products are used across the agricultural industry, including poultry house sanitation, flaming alfalfa for weevils, ground control in orchards and vineyards, and on potato vines and blueberry plants to enhance produce.
Flame Engineering employs 30 full-time workers, as well as some part-time and independent sales rep agencies all over North America and into South America. Manufacturing the torches in La Crosse and using supply-chain vendors based in the U.S., the company proudly carries the Made in the U.S.A. sticker.
"Ours is one of the few that's made in the U.S.," Pivonka said. "Most of our competitors - and there aren't a lot of them but there are a few - they're made in China and that kind of thing. Ours are all made in the U.S. We get people who see that on our website and packaging and call us, and just think that's a far superior product, and they like to support their home country."
The company sells more than 100,000 handheld torches annually and has distributed to all seven continents at one time or another. All the while, the company operates safely, recently reaching 21 years without a lost-time accident. Flame Engineering was certified in Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program in 2000.
The manufacturing contest currently features many goods made in Kansas. The top 16 vote-getters will advance to a head-to-head contest before a winner is named. Vote in the contest by CLICKING HERE.