Established in 1942, PennEngineering® is a global leader of fastening, installation, and engineered component technologies worldwide. The global footprint enables them to manufacture products in the regions where they’re consumed with a network of in-house technical engineering experts at every location. PennEngineering’s global presence and support enables them to deliver highly technical solutions wherever and whenever they are needed in various industries, including automotive, electronics, datacom, electric vehicle, solar, metal fabrication, and industrial markets.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
PennEngineering: the company engages in a diverse range of activities that solidify its position as a global leader in the fastening industry. Their main areas of activity encompass several key aspects. First and foremost, they are known for providing cutting-edge PEM® fasteners designed to meet the unique needs of various industries. Additionally, the company focuses on the development and manufacturing of advanced Haeger® installation equipment tailored specifically for their fasteners. Ensuring safety and reliability, PennEngineering® also offers wire protection solutions and stamped electrical components to address the growing demands of modern technology. They actively cater to a wide spectrum of sectors, including automotive electronics, electric vehicle charging, datacom, and industrial applications. Finally, PennEngineering®’s expertise lies in producing precision fastening solutions that cater to the specific requirements of different industries, establishing themselves as a trusted partner for engineering solutions across various sectors.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
PennEngineering: PennEngineering® has recently introduced two new product ranges:
PEM® eConnect™ Pin Fastening Technology, offering repeatable, consistent electrical joints and superior installation. It provides secure, efficient, and cost-saving electrical connection solutions. Through close partnerships with the top industry brands, we developed PEM®® eConnect™ – the world’s first current carrying fastening technology. This first-to-market innovation helps customers develop fastening solutions that solve their most challenging electrical applications.
PEM® GHOST™ Magnetic Fastening Technology, utilizes a fully concealed, pinch-lock mechanism to create a secure lock – with zero visible evidence of disassembly once engaged. It’s ideal for achieving tight security and sleek aesthetics and is adaptable for a wide range of applications, for everything from automotive interiors to access control systems.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
PennEngineering: PennEngineering® boasts a comprehensive array of Brands and products, each designed to cater to specific industry needs. Among their offerings are PEM® self-clinching nuts and mechanically attached fasteners, which provide reliable and efficient solutions for thin sheet metal applications. Haeger® insertion machines offer seamless installation of mechanically attached fasteners, streamlining the assembly process. For the automotive sector, PROFIL® delivers mechanically attached fasteners and in-die installation systems, trusted by leading OEMs for their safety-critical applications. With this diverse range of products, PennEngineering® continues to be a reliable and innovative leader in the fastening industry.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
PennEngineering: As a global leader with a long history and extensive expertise, PennEngineering® operates in mature markets across various industries, including automotive, electronics, datacom, and industrial sectors. Their products serve diverse applications in these industries, making them an established player in the market.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
PennEngineering: PennEngineering®’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, and invests in research and development to stay at the forefront of fastening technology.
Supply Chain Issues: Supply chains need to remain agile as industries attempt to overcome continuing complications. Production processes, product availability and lead times are all impacted, and it’s crucial for those involved at each stage of the supply chain to remain aware and adaptable in light of these challenges.
In addition to the challenges posed globally, some of the most common causes of supply chain disruption include:
- Production being unable to keep up with demand
- Buyers purchasing the wrong type of fasteners for their applications
- Low-quality fasteners flooding the market
- Shipping delays and logistical issues
PEM® experts are acutely aware of the complications that can arise when 1% of your build materials become 100% of the problem, which is why we’re channelling investment into solutions to mitigate many supply chain issues, such as:
- Modernised Manufacturing Processes
- Making production more efficient to reduce lead times.
- Increased Production Capability
- By investing in additional and upgraded production facilities to help us keep up with demand.
- Dedicated Field and Technical Support
So, our customers can feel confident in their design decisions and receive advice from our technical experts whenever they need it.
Easy Engineering: What are the most innovative products marketed?
PennEngineering: PEM® eConnect™ Pin Fastening Technology, offering repeatable, consistent electrical joints and superior installation. It provides secure, efficient, and cost-saving electrical connection solutions.
– PEM® GHOST™ Magnetic Fastening Technology, featuring a fully concealed, pinch-lock mechanism for secure and sleek fastening with customization options.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
PennEngineering: The Electrical Revolution – Electrification in the Fastener Industry: One of the biggest trends impacting the fastener industry is electrification — specifically, the large-scale manufacture and use of electric vehicles.
The electrification trend encompasses more than the move from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to Electric Vehicles (EV) — it also includes the hybrid movement and the electrification of ICE components. It spans all areas of the automotive industry, with a resulting impact on how design and mechanical engineers work, as well as the work that we do here.
E.E: Where Is the Automotive Industry Headed?
PennEngineering: The future of the automotive industry is headed toward the widescale adoption of electric vehicles. While there are many steps along the way, contrary to popular belief, this shift is not a slow development. We’re seeing big changes happening quickly in the industry, particularly in developing hybrid vehicles.
“From a fastener industry perspective, the key challenge we now face is educating the mechanical engineers who lack the necessary understanding of the electrical requirements of these EV and hybrid systems — engineers who probably never expected to be working with fasteners at some point in their career. In this respect, engineers in this position might not even be aware of their knowledge gap — they might not know what they don’t know.
“The great thing about our service offering is that we can provide the support, training, education, and insights engineers in this sector need, and we can deliver this knowledge practically on demand. Equally, we can highlight potential solutions to their challenges while educating them on what those solutions do — sometimes, fixing problems they’re unaware may crop up.
With the FastenerClassTM program, engineers gain a better understanding of how fasteners work while receiving expert guidance on what they should look out for from an electrical contact perspective, and suggestions on fasteners suitable for electrical connectivity.
Opportunities:
Automotive & Electrification
The modern world is changing rapidly and the fastener industry is taking strides to keep up with it. With targets for lower emissions rolled out globally, transport and mobility will look very different in the next ten years, and the fastener industry will play a key role in helping OEMs deliver electric and hybrid vehicles to the masses.
Consumer Electronics
With movements like Right to Repair now gaining momentum globally, design engineers must uncover new ways of putting consumer electronics devices together.
Implementing these new designs requires new and unique components and technologies. As a result, there are opportunities for people in this role to get ahead of the curve and start their research to expand their knowledge.
Existing in tandem with this movement is the ongoing quest of consumer electronics manufacturers to make things thinner, smaller and lighter — an ambition which, as we have seen, presents its own challenges.
