R&D Engineer at L&M Radiator Nick Takes finds pride and joy in designing heat transfer solutions that outsmart some of the toughest conditions on the planet.

When was the last time you created something entirely new? Whether it was a joke, a meal, a dinner table, or an industrial-grade radiator, it probably felt really good to know that something you – and only you – could have made is out there in the world to be enjoyed.

That’s the feeling that Nick Takes, R&D Engineer at L&M Radiator, chases every day he clocks into work. As an R&D Engineer at L&M, Takes develops entirely new models of the Mesabi® heat exchanger – models that have never existed before. He plucks fresh ideas from thin air and executes them.

And, he does it on a pretty darn big scale.

“Since I’m on the product development side of things, I get involved in some pretty interesting projects. Developing new prototypes for our customers is always fun,” said Takes.

For the past four years, Takes’ main focus has been developing the Mesabi Thermal Management System product line for cooling and heating battery powered mobile mining equipment – an industry-first endeavor.

“Engineering in general is all about problem-solving. At times it can be challenging, but when you find the solution, it’s extremely rewarding.”

Takes has worked at L&M Radiator for seven-and-a-half years. In 2017, he was seeking a job in Minnesota to move closer to his family (he previously lived and worked in Louisiana). His brother, who worked in Hibbing, recommended he check out L&M Radiator. After some research, Takes realized working at L&M meant working on solutions that he believed in. So, he applied and got the job.

“I was really interested in designing a durable product that lasts in the field, and doesn’t fail when the warranty’s up,” said Takes.

Seven years later, he still loves it. Not only is Takes developing a quality product that makes a tangible difference in the world, but his work is different every day. And if there’s one thing Takes loves, it’s a challenge.

“From an engineering angle, it’s really, really fun to have some new challenges to try and tackle. One thing that’s nice about R&D is you get your hands in many different areas of the company,” said Takes. “I get to develop the product, figure out how to make the product, then execute that plan in a real production setting. No two days are the same. There’s always a new challenge that needs tackling.”

One reason Takes is so good at his job is his attention to detail. When building cooling solutions for some of the toughest conditions on the planet, there’s not a lot of room for error. A truck with a Mesabi on it could be operating thousands of feet underground or it could be carrying hundreds of tons worth of ore far, far above sea level.

It’s Takes’ job to make sure the solutions he designs will work just as great in the real world as they do in the factory.

“In engineering, once you decide on a big picture idea, usually more goes into it than you originally thought,” said Takes. “If you don’t perfect the details upfront, the customer will pay the price in the field. My job is to make sure that our product lasts and is durable in the field.”

Many times, that means getting in the field himself. He’s traveled to places such as Australia and Russia to field test products or visit customers.

“The work is pretty exciting when we’re out testing our product in the field,” said Takes. “Getting to be hands-on with the equipment and seeing the final result of our hard work is awesome.”

When he’s not designing first-of-their-kind radiators, Takes is still very hands-on at home. He’s a woodworking talent, and puts those skills to use by building furniture for his family’s home. His latest and greatest project was crafting a bed frame for his son after he got old enough to graduate from his crib. If you ever play (lose) a game of cribbage with Takes, ask him if he made the board. (He probably did.)

L&M Radiator: Work With Purpose

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