FIC Manufacturing Co. - Div. Foundation Industries
Reels
Company Overview and History
FIC Manufacturing Company, established in 1991 by Rick Huscroft in Munroe Falls, Ohio, has evolved into a diversified manufacturing and distribution entity specializing in full-service wire and cable reels and spools. Over its 25+ years in operation, the company has expanded significantly, moving from its initial location to Stow, then to a 108,000 square foot facility in Akron, Ohio, and subsequently adding facilities in the Chicago and Philadelphia areas. This growth reflects its commitment to meeting increasing customer demand and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, including a substantial injection molding facility added in 1999 to ensure product quality.
Products and Services
FIC offers a comprehensive range of packaging solutions, including nail wood reels, plastic spools and parts, and plywood reels. Their nail wood reels, ideal for bulkier winds, are manufactured from KDHT Southern Yellow Pine and range from 16' to 60' in diameter with thicknesses of 1.5'-3'. These reels are heat-treated per ISPM15 standards for international shipments and undergo monthly audits for certification. Plastic offerings include spools with flange diameters from 2' to 14', made from materials such as HIPS, PP, and HDPE. FIC utilizes leading spin weld technology for a strong barrel-to-flange bond, tested on every spool, and also produces end caps and custom molded parts. Plywood reels, an economical non-returnable option, are available from 8.5' to 48' in diameter with 3/8'-1' thicknesses. Additionally, FIC provides various core requirements, from cardboard to wooden stave barrel and bendable plywood.
Engineering and Quality Assurance
A core aspect of FIC's service is its dedicated engineering department, which collaborates with clients to design custom reels and spools that precisely match specific winding requirements. This process involves producing a detailed spec sheet for customer approval, ensuring the final product aligns with their operational needs. The company maintains rigorous quality control by purchasing pre-qualified materials and conducting extensive testing on its reels and spools to ensure durability and performance in the field. This commitment extends to their plastic products, where every welded spool is tested to verify the integrity of the bond.
Customer Focus and Sustainability
FIC Manufacturing Company operates with a strong customer-centric philosophy, providing undivided attention and a focus on knowledge, speed, versatility, and reliability. They aim to exceed customer expectations through a collaborative team approach, working in conjunction with clients to achieve mutually beneficial goals. Beyond customer satisfaction, FIC is dedicated to environmental responsibility. The company actively reinvests in reducing manufacturing byproducts, reprocessing unused wood into animal bedding, and ensuring all plastic materials are recyclable. These values, combined with a commitment to timely shipments and cost savings, underpin FIC's position as a lean, diversified, and responsible manufacturer.
