Made in the Suburbs: Flender Corporation
An interview with William Galdo, CEO at Flender Corporation.
Q: Describe your company. What product(s) do you make and what are they used for?
A: We move the world; this is a statement that sums up all of Flender. We are a company that operates under two brands: Flender, the manufacturer of gear units and couplings for industrial applications; and Winergy, the manufacturer of Wind Turbine gearboxes, generators and services. This enables us to be a reliable and innovative partner in many applications such as wind, mining, power generation, oil and gas, rubbers and plastics, food and paper, pulp and paper, etc.
Q: Describe the process of making your products.
A: As an original equipment manufacturer of gearboxes, generators and couplings, our process begins with the machining and hardening of raw steel to produce quality gears and pinions. Once complete, these components are shipped around the world to our regional manufacturing facilities, like us here in Elgin, to be assembled in various industry application solutions.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: In 2023 Flender agreed to expand our manufacturing facility to increase scope and production capacity, while also creating an addition 50 new full-time jobs.
Q: Do you have enough space in your current facility or are you looking to expand/find a new facility?
A: Historically, we have successfully supported our local North American market with our current capacity of 170,000-square-foot facility and 60-ton overhead cranes. However, due to the growth in service markets across many of the industries we support, there was no other choice but to expand. The exact details of the expansion are not final, but they will be focused on ensuring we can support our larger products and increased volume.
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: Like most companies skilled labor shortages and supply chain continue to be a challenge. But by working closely with our local government, educational institutes and workforce development programs we are closing the gap of these challenges. In addition, our ability to procure locally is also showing positive change to minimize what was once our biggest challenge.
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: Innovative manufacturing techniques. Turbine OEM's are looking to their suppliers to increase efficiency, safety and sustainability. As a component supplier, it creates challenges that we welcome to find ways to produce lighter, stronger products while ensuring and maintaining improved performance. Going through the processes of developing these new techniques is what creates all the excitement.
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: Our vision is to be working together closely with all our stakeholders, in jointly shaping a sustainable future and in achieving optimum value for our customers. In short, we are the Partner of Choice for a Sustainable Future.
Q: What is one interesting fact about your company that most people may not know?
A: As an advocate company for CO² neutrality, We have already reduced our carbon footprint by 83%. Our current road map has Flender achieving our goal of 100% operation in a neutral way by 2030 across all Flender sites.
Q: What are the benefits to you of making your product(s) here in the Chicago suburbs?
A: Chicago is a major transportation hub, and with Flender being a global manufacturer across multiple industries it gives us the ability to import, export and domestically transport the products that weigh as much as 100,000 lbs. As much as the federal government has done to support our industries that we serve, it's the local (Elgin) and state (Illinois) governments that have awarded us the opportunity to be successful in a very competitive market.
Q: If you could make any product other than what you do make, what would it be?
A: We serve many industries and have a product for practically every sector. We are quite satisfied with our current product portfolio.
Q: If you could pick someone famous to promote your product, who would it be?
A: James Earl Jones. Everyone loves to hear his distinguished voice speak about anything.
• Do you have a business that manufactures its product in the suburbs? Tell us about it at sbnews@dailyherald.com.
Flender Corporation
1401 Madeline Lane, Elgin IL USA 60124
www.flender.com www.winergy-group.com
Industry: Manufacturing
Number of employees: 140 (Future 190)