HEAT EXCHANGE SHOP
Since 1948, R.W. Fernstrum and Company has provided the marine industry with advanced heat exchange systems. Being industry leaders of heat exchange, the company has maintained its reputation in the market as an innovative manufacturer. President Sean Fernstrum discussed the company’s current work scope and its exciting new partnership with Omega Thermo Products, in conversation with Imogen Ward.
R.W. Fernstrum and Company developed from the ingenious vision of Robert Fernstrum after he was tasked with the job of designing a cooling system for Navy landing craft. Taking this assignment in his stride, Mr Fernstrum designed and invented a successful prototype within six months. This innovative design is still used as a base for all Fernstrum products.
The company has a rich heritage with generation after generation taking the helm – leading the business into its next stage of life. This strong familial atmosphere spreads into every aspect of the company’s operation.
With employees from multiple generations, Fernstrum has created a welcoming and loving atmosphere for all involved. “We always want to ensure the work environment is safe and clean for our employees,” President Sean Fernstrum said, “and having that assurance pays off. Our people don’t leave, so we must be doing something right.”
When speaking on the topic of the company’s impressive turnover, Mr Fernstrum commented warmly: “People come to me and say, well, what kind of turnover do you have at your company? Well, I’ve got apple, I’ve got cherry, I’ve got blueberry!”
This convivial attitude is extended to the company’s customer base too. Fernstrum prides itself in maintaining long-lasting and profound client relationships. “We’ve got to be able to meet all our customers’ needs,” Mr Fernstrum said. “We want our company to expand, and the best way to do that is to keep doing the things that make us successful. We take care of our employees, our representatives, our customers; we make
sure we’re meeting all their needs and try to figure out what they may want – before they even realise what they need themselves.”
With 35 employees based in Menominee, Michigan and 18 international representatives, Fernstrum has covered all its bases. The company is proud to be a strong international contender. “The US Chamber of Commerce says that only 1% of businesses in the US operate internationally,” Mr Fernstrum said, “and that’s just in at least one international country. Only half of this 1% do business in more than one country.
“On average we do business in 50 different countries annually. We are this little place, tucked away in the upper
peninsula of Michigan, but we’ve got this global reach. We’re on every continent including Antarctica. You’ll find our products everywhere.”
The company’s products can be found in a huge range of products and places, including ferries, pumping stations and even autonomous buoys.
Omega Laser Plate
Fernstrum’s latest investment saw them partnering with Omega Thermo Products –a company whose family-centred philosophy aligns perfectly with Fernstrum’s ethos. The Omega Laser Plate is highly sophisticated in design and can be used in closed-circuit heating and cooling systems. The Laser Plates are always custom made to ensure the very best fit for clients – this includes adjustable welding patterns, plate cut-outs and plate shapes.
“The Laser Plate is such a refined product,” Mr Fernstrum said. “Not only does Omega make the heat exchangers, but they also build, design and engineer the CNC welding equipment that is used in the production of the laser plate exchanger. They really know how to dial in that laser technology to make the best use of it during production. They’ve got some highly skilled and knowledgeable metallurgists, in addition to their amazing engineers.”
Omega Laser Plates consist of two stainless steel sheets with a space between them; the edge of these plates is welded to a contour using Omega’s laser welder – the
hollow space is then used by a heating or cooling medium. The use of thinner materials and the implementation of Omega’s expert welding system makes this product highly adaptable to any space.
With a highly successful entrance to the market, the product has received huge interest. Despite global supply issues, Fernstrum has ample resources to continue creating these systems. “We’ve been around a long time,” Mr Fernstrum said; “these aren’t the first supply chain issues we have witnessed. We learned in the past to always ensure we had material in-house; that’s why we don’t have the kind of shortages other companies have suffered with. We invested heavily in inventory to ensure we could cover any customer needs.”
An ingenious range
The GRIDCOOLER® keel cooler is perhaps the company’s most well-known product. A first-class system, Fernstrum’s keel cooler is unmatched in design. Featuring rectangular tubes instead of the more conventional round tube, the Keel Cooler is
highly efficient – enabling the company to concentrate heat exchange effectively.
“We expect a minimum product operation time of 20 years,” Mr Fernstrum said. “Another positive aspect is our use of 90/10 copper nickel. By avoiding the 70/30 ratio of monel, we get a 30% boost in heat exchange. On top of that, our high copper content also provides a fantastic antifouling material, removing the need for coated heat exchangers. By incorporating 90% copper, we clear the 80% threshold that’s required for barnacles and other marine growth.”
The company also partnered with WEKA Marine to produce WEKA Boxcoolers. WEKA has the only 90/10 copper nickel boxcooler on the market. Similar in operation to a Fernstrum GRIDCOOLER® keel cooler with the added protection of a seachest, customers can have peace of mind that these systems will be secure and safe from any underwater obstacle.
Ever-flexible, Fernstrum is highly adaptive when it comes to customer needs. The company is always excited
to find the perfect solution to a customer’s problem. Whether it is a one-off product, or a solution that turns into a continuous product line, like their Z series flanges, Fernstrum will complete the request.
Exponential evolution
Fernstrum’s future is brimming with possibilities. With growth at the forefront, the company plans to expand into more countries whilst maintaining and finessing its current client relationships.
Renewable fuel sources are becoming more popular in the marine industry, because of this, the company has been looking into the best ways to further evolve its products; the move to renewable energy would require a different type of heat exchange. Fernstrum hopes to release systems for these vessels in the future. The company has also invested in a new CNC mill. This large machine is expected to arrive halfway through 2023 and will effectively ensure the continuous evolution of its products.
Whatever steps Fernstrum takes next, all decisions will be made with great care and attention, and with its clients in mind. Robert Fernstrum cared deeply about his customers and those around him – this legacy is still evident in the company’s ethos. “My grandfather started a scholarship fund in 1996,” Mr Fernstrum concluded, “giving out eight scholarships a year. Since then, we have given out over $1 million in multi-year scholarships and helped over 60 people get a degree. My grandfather really was quite a guy.” n
