FAN-TASTIC


CASTINGS: Putting a Spin on Supply Chain Management


Commercial fan manufacturer Big Ass Fans is handling its rapid growth through open relationships with its suppliers.


L SHANNON WETZEL, MANAGING EDITOR


arge industrial fans spin silently above the open-air offi ce environment at Big Ass Fans (BAF) in Lexington, Ken- tucky. T ey are the ever-present symbol of the company’s mission and foundation. Started in 1999 as the HVLS Fan Co. by Carey Smith, the company looked to reinvent the market with massive ceiling fans that moved a high volume of air at a low speed. When customers kept refer- ring to these fans as “big ass fans,” a new company name and image was born.


T e company model that relies


heavily on engineering, research and development, and cutting edge mar- keting has created tremendous growth. From 2009 to 2015, BAF grew from about 150 employees to more than 800, working in facilities worldwide to provide huge ceiling fans to manu- facturing facilities, gyms, stadiums,


The Essence line of fans features the Big Ass Fans-designed motor that features several diecast components. Jan/Feb 2016 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | 19


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