SEGEPO-FSM in Cold Spring, Kentucky, celebrates 120 years
It takes years to establish a reputation for manufacturing quality and excellence. It’s even harder to grow that reputation for more than 120 years.
Now try evolving and adapting to meet the challenges of an ever-changing global marketplace.
It might sound difficult, almost impossible—but that’s exactly what a company called SEGEPO-FSM in Cold Spring, Kentucky, has done. Founded in Cincinnati in 1905 by the Fischer Brothers under the name Fischer Special Manufacturing (FSM), SEGEPO-FSM is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. The company’s name is the direct result of an acquisition in 2018 by SEGEPO Group, a world leader in precision turned and machined parts.
While its ownership has changed, the culture has stayed the same, says Aurelien Petit, director of Sales and Marketing for the company.
“There is a family-type of environment, flexible and with good people,” he says.
Today, SEGEPO-FSM in Cold Spring employs more than 50 associates specializing in producing precision machined components such as threaded and knurled inserts, nuts, compression limiters, shafts, specialty fasteners and fittings for a wide range of industries.
“The majority of our production serves Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive markets but both the industry and our business is evolving rapidly,” explains Paul Jackson, business unit director.
“The rest of our customers’ products serve a variety of applications, including heavy trucking, electrical, fluid dynamics, air systems, climate and distribution,” adds Petit. “Many of these sectors are experiencing rapid growth. You might be surprised to learn that many everyday objects contain a metal component from SEGEPO-FSM.”
Globally, SEGEPO-FSM has seven manufacturing sites. The Cold Spring location gives the company access to international markets and expertise, while maintaining a domestic manufacturing presence—which is becoming increasingly important for global manufacturers today.
But make no mistake, this company has firm roots in the Cincinnati area.
Originally starting in the marine sector by manufacturing spark coils in the 1900s, the company soon expanded its expertise to produce oil lamps parts for the first automobiles. By the 1930s, SEGEPO-FSM had diversified into producing fasteners for the burgeoning broadcast/radio industry.
During the mid-1970s, the company ramped up its production, manufacturing up to 3 million parts per day across two shifts. However, as competition for simple parts intensified with the influx of products from Asia, SEGEPO-FSM pivoted to focus on producing more complex components. This shift in strategy laid the foundation for future growth and innovation.
In the early 1990s, SEGEPO-FSM introduced its first CNC machines, continuously expanding its equipment to meet the increasing demand for precision screw machine and turned parts. The company was among the pioneers in America to implement electronic inspection machines, enabling 100% inspection of critical characteristics— a significant advancement in quality assurance.
SEGEPO’s acquisition of the ISO-certified business in 2018 from the third-generation owners marked a new chapter in the company’s history. All employees were retained, and SEGEPO-FSM continued to expand its capacity.
Recent years have seen significant capital investments, including the upgrade to a zero-emission vacuum degreaser, the addition of seven multi-axis CNC machines, automatic bar feeders on multi-spindle machines and cutting-edge rotary and tilt optical metrology equipment capable of scanning and measuring parts in seconds.
Indeed, the scope of the industries served by SEGEPO-FSM today is almost limitless.
“We know different applications demand unique fastening solutions,” says Jackson. “Our team of experts works closely with clients to develop customized fasteners that precisely match their specifications. Whether standard or specialized fasteners, we have the expertise to deliver reliable and efficient solutions.”
