The FB one as a competitive advantage.
“The FB one keeps us competitive,” says Ben Barnett, President and Chief Operating Officer of Principal Manufacturing Corporation (PMC). The decision to invest in Feintool’s newest generation of presses came easily after having experienced the economic benefits of the servomechanical Feintool XFT 2500 press. Thanks to its improved cost-effective production capabilities and the new possibilities provided by the FB one, PMC has already won new orders.
Feintool’s FB one press differs from previous versions in that it offers increased productivity and improved energy efficiency with a lower environmental impact. In these times when energy costs are an increasingly critical factor, the FB one, with its energy-optimized functionality, makes an important contribution to reducing operating expenses. The direct drive greatly reduces energy consumption. Compared to other presses, however, it can do one thing above all: achieve top performance.
The latest press generation now also in the USA
PMC is the first company in the USA to take advantage of the benefits of the FB one. As a supplier of ready-to-use parts for the automotive industry, PMC is seeking to increase production for the electromobility sector. To meet this objective, they needed fineblanking presses with more power. In spring 2022, Ben Barnett, President and COO of PMC, visited Jona (Switzerland) where he could experience the FB one in action and discuss all aspects of the press in detail with its chief developer, Markus Schaltegger. According to Barnett, it pays to invest in state-of-the-art machinery, which is why he decided to buy an FB one. “Working with a press that has the latest technology makes us more competitive.” His calculations seem to be working out for the company. With the argument in hand that the new FB one offered greater capacity and capabilities, PMC was able to stand out from the competition and win a tender – securing an order for next autumn. “We would have needed the press anyway, but the fact that we were able to win an order because of it is perfect,” says Barnett.
Use of the fineblanking press
The XFT 2500 press is already in operation in PMC’s machine park and together with the FB one will be replacing the older presses. Ben Barnett, himself an electric car driver, is impressed by Feintool’s technological development and fineblanking presses, “Feintool makes the most fineblanking presses in the world. But only because they are the best presses – honestly, I don’t see any better alternatives.” He is particularly enthusiastic about the FB one because of its hydraulic drive, practical modular design, and high speed. It will be used for the production of parts for the drive train of combustion engines and electric motors. Barnett adds, “It will also be ideal for orders from the industrial sector.”
FB one as a marketing tool
Investments in the machine park are being noticed –internally and externally by existing and potential employees and customers. Barnett believes that the impact of investments should not be underestimated. “The FB one is also a marketing tool. Employees, as well as customers, should know that we are investing in the future.”
PMC is a fineblanking company that Ben Barnett runs with his brother, Rick Barnett. For 24 years he has been working in the family business, which mainly supplies the automotive industry with ready-to-use parts and is known for its many downstream processes.