Feintool

Keeping the Plant Operational through Expansions and Press Installations

From plant expansions to new press installations, Feintool Inc. has put its trust in Crain Construction since 2007 to get the job done right, and not disrupt manufacturing activity during construction.

Feintool is an international company that offers fineblanking and precision products for clients in the auto industry and others. Throughout our relationship with the manufacturing plant in Nashville, we have expanded the existing plant, built pits for new presses and extended tunnels.

Project Details

35,000-square-foot addition

40,000-square-foot expansion

Multiple press pits and foundations

Project Team

Owner: Feintool

Developer: Buckingham Properties

Architect: STG Design

Contractor: Crain Construction

Engineers: EMC Structural Engineers P.C.

feintool-pit-press

Challenges

The plant maintains a 24/7 operation with deliveries. Our construction work can’t disrupt the internal or external flow of the business. Feintool’s expansion is limited due to the size of its property and production flow had been hampered by lack of an expansion plan.

Solutions

We know Feintool’s operation and machinery, and we get their projects done correctly, on time and with great communication.

Our first project in 2007, was a 35,000-square-foot addition that expanded the plant and included building a press pit measuring 200 feet long, 30 feet wide and 18 feet deep to accommodate three 2,000-ton presses.

In 2011, we built a 40,000-square-foot expansion and built out the upstairs mezzanine with new office space. In 2020, we removed an old press foundation and put in a new solid concrete press pit and foundation to accommodate an updated press. In between these jobs, we have completed press pits and foundations for two 880-ton presses and two 1600-ton presses. The new, updated equipment allows Feintool more flexibility and efficient manufacturing.

Since the company didn’t have a plan for expansion, the manufacturing flow wasn’t correct. We have helped shift that flow to make it more productive and maximize space by excavating and extending underground scrap conveyer tunnels and connecting them to the first expansion.
Crain crews have reworked storm drains, put in two new bio-retention ponds and expanded an existing one.

All projects have been carefully phased and power shutdowns have been well-planned and communicated to ensure safety and minimize disruption to workflow. With only one large access door available for deliveries and trucks, coordinating with Feintool for cement pours has also been important.

Our team has worked hard to be responsive and earn and keep the trust of Feintool so our relationship continues into the future.

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