As engineering technician for Equilibar, Holly Ledwell works closely with design engineers and performs valuable testing and modifications for new and custom regulators.
“I’ve always loved working with my hands in a production-focused environment,” she said. “My previous work included job-shop machining, custom art framing, and custom printing and engraving.”
Holly earned a BA in Fine Arts from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, as well as a certification in computer-integrated machining from AB Tech in Asheville, NC.
She joined Equilibar at the beginning of 2020 and quickly learned the ropes for her job before COVID-19 hit. Since then, she has played an instrumental role in Equilibar’s multi-pronged efforts, including the development of a specialty air control valve for an alternative ventilator design that earned FDA Emergency Use Authorization.
Jeff Jennings, Equilibar president and founder, noted that Holly’s background in machining has proven to be an especially useful skillset to have on the team this year. “When we are designing prototypes, it is incredibly helpful to have strong lathe and machining capabilities in house,” he said. “Interestingly, that is something we didn’t especially know that we would need when we hired Holly, so her joining the team seems really serendipitous in hindsight.”
When she’s not at Equilibar, Holly enjoys spending time exploring the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, especially camping, hiking, biking and boating. She is a member of the Asheville Sailing Club and enjoys applying concepts of pressure and flow to the sport of sailing.
Like many Equilibar team members, Holly takes a Renaissance approach to life, uniting both artistic and practical hands-on interests. “I love Equilibar because every day has a unique challenge and a creative solution,” she said. “I’d love to study every trade to have a well-rounded skill-set for every facet of life.”
