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Fedco Electronics One of the nation’s largest value-added battery distributors, Fedco Electronics Inc. specializes in the production of ENERGY+ and also distributes 13 highly respected brands.
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ENERGY LEADERS TODAY
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corporate profile | electric
Battery Power+++
Fedco Electronics recharges the energy industry one battery at a time by Johanna Gretschel
As one of the nation’s largest valueadded battery distributor serving the information technology industry, Fedco Electronics Inc. specializes in the production of its own replacement power line, ENERGY+ as well as the distribution of 13 highly respected brands, including including Panasonic, Saft and Sanyo. Replacement power products include
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batteries, battery packs, AC adapters and DC power adapters. “Our mission is to achieve customer satisfaction through the quality of our products and the service provided,” said Fedco Electronics President Andy Victor. Established in 1975 in Fond du Lac, Wis., Fedco Electronics is a widely
electric | corporate profile
respected battery entity throughout the United States as it is deeply involved with replacement power product groups. The company is a charter member of the Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA) and its president is a member of the PRBA Board of Directors. Fedco Electronics is also a licensee of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), which established and continues to run a national program for recycling small rechargeable batteries. One of Fedco Electronics’ specialties is its custom battery pack assembly. Fedco Electronics has a wide variety of products, allowing the company to support all battery chemistries, including lithium ion, lithium primary, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride and sealed lead acid. An in-house engineering department is staffed by four graduate electrical engineers, two of whom are Registered Professional Engineers in Wisconsin. “Our capabilities include the implementation of charge electronics, injection molded plastic cases, custom stamped contacts, smart battery electronics and fuel gauge circuits,” said Victor. All of Fedco Electronics’ home-grown ENERGY+ brand batteries include a full 12-month warranty. Fedco first began producing their own battery packs for laptops in 1987 and the ENERGY+ brand was introduced in 1994. Since then, Fedco has continued to tweak and develop the design to produce the best battery possible. “It is always a challenge when developing new products, entering new markets and working with new battery cell chemistries,” Victor said about Fedco’s development of the ENERGY+ brand battery line. “However, our management, engineering, quality control and production teams have over 20 years of experience which increasingly helps drive the learning curve down.” 1. Fedco production operators work on battery assemblies.
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2. Fedco Inventory specialist doing audit of retail packaged ENERGY+ retail packaged battery packs. Summer 2010 5
corporate profile | electric
Their website outlines the production cycle of these high-quality batteries. The process begins by tabbing together battery cells and using computer controlled resistance welders to form core packs. Next, safety fuses, thermal breakers, circuit breakers and thermistors are added to core packs. This addition insures the safety and reliability of the battery. The core packs are then placed into injection molded plastic cases fitted with the same mating connector in the OEM battery. Fuel gauge circuits are then added to the battery; charge electronics are added to smart battery packs. Battery packs are then inspected and pack assemblies are made ready for closure by placing case covers on them. A process of sonic welding then permanently seals the battery packs. The next stop for the batteries is the quality control department. During this final stage, batteries are tested for form, fit, function and electricity. After testing, the results are documented and the battery packs are labeled. All items are then packaged for resale. Fedco Electronics has an online store, but only does business online with other businesses in the battery industry, like dealers, resellers, service centers and other qualified, authorized direct customers. The general public can purchase ENERGY+ brand batteries and accessories from local computer stores, service centers, mail order, select national retailers and websites. Due to non-disclosure agreements with clients,
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electric | corporate profile
Victor cannot go into detail about the company’s current project developments. However, he was able to say that the projects involve “working on several new Lithium Polymer and Lithium Ion battery pack designs for several portable equipment manufacturers.” In other exciting news, Fedco Electronics has recently won several awards from Panasonic, Sanyo and Varta, all of which are cell suppliers to Fedco. ELT 3. Fedco production operator using computer controlled sonic welder used for sealing plastic encased battery assemblies. 4. Fedco ENERGY+ laptop and notebook battery packs with retail packaging. 5. Fedco production operator uses computer controlled high frequency welder to assemble battery cell packs. 6. Chart shows make up of typical advanced battery pack for notebook computer. All photos courtesy of Fedco Electronics, Inc.
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