Preferred Tool & Die Exceeds Customer
Expectations with Expanding Capabilities
From complex metal stamping to precision machining and everything in between, Preferred Tool and Die consistently exceeds customer expectations in delivering manufacturing solutions.
From its humble beginnings as a small tool and die shop, Preferred has grown into a valued source for quality stamped and machined components and subassemblies. The operation moved to its current Shelton, CT, location in 1991. In 2008, brothers Michael and Wayne Fortin assumed ownership of the business from their father.
To diversify its customer base and expand its manufacturing services, the Fortins purchased a machining division in 2001. This acquisition allowed Preferred to supply products beyond stampings and broaden its presence in additional markets.
Today, the Preferred Tool and Die campus includes a tool and die/stamping facility and a high-tech machining facility. The stamping division specializes in small, precision, high-volume parts for a wide range of industries.
Since 2013, Preferred Automotive Components (PAC), the brake component division of Preferred Tool and Die, has supplied the automotive industry with dependable shim insulators, wear sensors, and caliper hardware. Backed by Preferred’s decades of manufacturing expertise, PAC focuses on delivering cost-effective, precision-stamped components designed for efficiency and ease of installation. Features like FastTab for quick plastic liner removal, SnapRight for simplified staking, and StakeRight to prevent buckling ensure practical and reliable performance. With a strong commitment to quality, customer support, and on-time delivery, PAC continues to be a trusted partner for braking system manufacturers.
Operations Manager Mark Testani said the business model for the machining division mirrors that of the stamping business — keeping customers happy.
“We provide responsiveness, engineering support, and high-precision components to keep our customers satisfied,” he said. “The customers that we do best with understand that we’re not just a component supplier. We supply development, design-for-manufacturing support, prototyping, and quick turnaround to help them launch their projects.”
“We’re a job shop. We’re not about just one specific industry,” said Wayne Fortin, Vice President of Engineering. “We build and design for a variety of industries — electrical, medical, automotive, hardware, the gun industry, and more. I think that’s the uniqueness of Preferred; we’re not specific to one industry.”
With an extensive staff of engineers and tool builders, Preferred can take a project from concept to a finished part, offering an impressive suite of value-added services.
“We have a very talented staff of engineers, which enables us to sit with OEMs and customers to creatively develop solutions for manufacturability and functionality,” said President Michael Fortin.
A Strong Partnership with Nidec Minster
The relationship between Preferred Tool and Die and Nidec Minster spans generations.
“The relationship started with Denis, my father,” Michael said. “He was impressed with the capabilities the Minster presses offered and how the presses supported our operations.”
“As stampings become more complex, Preferred needs to be innovative, and Minster provides that level of advancement in the process,” Wayne said. “When Preferred faces unique applications, we turn to Minster for support.”
Preferred recently added two new Minster P2H-100 presses, enhancing production efficiency and broadening the range of stamped components available to customers.
As part of the global Nidec Press & Automation (NP&A) group, Minster offers a variety of integrated components, including the Nidec CHS feeds installed on the new P2H presses at Preferred. From the industry’s widest range of presses to coil lines, transfers, and complete automation solutions, NP&A provides single-source solutions for diverse metal forming applications.
“With the two P2H-100 presses, we saw more opportunities to produce unique parts while increasing capacity,” Michael said. “The flexibility that comes with the P2H-100 presses allows for more diverse applications.”
Expanding Capabilities with Stamp Tech
Preferred has historically relied on Nidec Minster’s customer service and has maintained a long and valued relationship with Eric Kubeck at Stamp Tech in nearby Southington, CT. Stamp Tech is now the exclusive distributor of Minster products and services along the East Coast.
Stamp Tech will also distribute its line of Titan gap presses to NP&A customers in North America.
Wayne was particularly impressed with the Titan press’s capabilities after visiting Eric at Stamp Tech.
“Preferred purchased its first Titan and quickly acquired another due to its high-end performance,” Wayne said.
To learn more about Preferred Tool and Die, its products, services, and solutions, visit the company online at www.preferredtool.com.