Since 2007, Crain Construction has had the opportunity to partner with Feintool, a global industrial company, on a series of strategic plant expansions and press installations at their Nashville facility. Over the years, our teams have worked side-by-side to help Feintool expand its industrial operations while maintaining 24/7 productivity and minimizing disruption to manufacturing.
This ongoing partnership highlights what Crain does best: building lasting relationships, understanding complex industrial needs, and delivering work that meets the highest standards of safety, precision, and performance.
A Team That Understands the Work and the Relationship
At the heart of this partnership are people who understand not just the technical side of industrial construction, but also the value of consistency, communication, and trust. Project Manager Chad Thomas and Superintendent David Malone have led every Feintool expansion project Crain has delivered, bringing deep institutional knowledge that strengthens every job.
“Our team doesn’t walk onto a Feintool job needing to learn the plant from scratch. We already know it, and we know exactly what matters to their team,” said Chad. “That’s what allows us to move faster, make better decisions, and keep our operations running.”
Milestone Projects That Made a Measurable Impact
Over the course of our partnership, Crain has helped Feintool expand its operations through a series of major construction efforts.
Our first project together in 2007 laid the groundwork for what would become a long-term relationship. We completed a 35,000-square-foot expansion that included a massive press pit measuring 200 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 18 feet deep to accommodate three 2,000-ton presses. It was a foundational project that demonstrated our ability to manage highly technical work without disrupting Feintool’s around-the-clock operations.
In 2011, we returned to lead another major expansion, adding 40,000 square feet to the facility and building out an upstairs mezzanine for new office space. This phase increased production capacity and created a more efficient and comfortable environment for the Feintool team.
Fast forward to 2020, and we were back on-site, this time removing an old press foundation and installing a new solid concrete press pit to accommodate updated equipment.
That project was followed by multiple press pit and foundation installations in 2023 that included two 880-ton presses and two 1,600-ton presses. These jobs required deep rock excavation down to 21 feet below subgrade and were completed without interrupting daily operations, thanks to our close coordination with Feintool’s team.
Most recently, we partnered with Feintool for a 47,000-square-foot expansion (a 25% increase in facility size) that was completed in 2025. Once again, our team helped make it possible for Feintool to expand their capabilities and take a significant step forward in their operational growth.
Expanding Operations Without Halting Production
One of the most unique aspects of our work with Feintool has been maintaining seamless operations during construction. From day one, our team was tasked with finding ways to execute heavy civil and structural work without interrupting the plant’s critical production and delivery schedule.
By coordinating concrete pours around tight truck routes and planning power shutdowns months in advance, Crain made proactive communication and careful phasing a top priority.
“We’re building in and around their operation, which means we have to know how the plant runs just as well as we know the project plans,” said David Malone, superintendent for every Feintool project to date. “That trust and familiarity makes all the difference.”
Problem-Solving That Drives Productivity
As Feintool’s needs evolved, Crain has played a key role in shaping how the facility grows. Early in the partnership, it became clear that simply adding space wouldn’t be enough. The plant’s production flow was being limited by infrastructure constraints. Without a long-term expansion plan in place, Feintool needed a partner who could help them think strategically.
That’s where our experience in industrial construction came into play.
Working closely with their team, we helped reconfigure key aspects of the facility to improve efficiency. This included excavating and extending underground scrap conveyor tunnels to align with new press installations, reworking storm drains, and expanding multiple bio-retention ponds to support increased stormwater runoff.
We also worked carefully around existing site limitations, such as a single large access door for all truck deliveries. Coordinating cement pours and scheduling around those tight logistics required clear communication and creative planning.
Today, Feintool operates with a smoother production flow, improved equipment layout, and additional space for future growth. We’re proud of the thoughtful problem-solving and proactive construction support we’ve provided to support that growth.
Looking Ahead
As Feintool continues to grow and innovate, Crain is proud to be a trusted partner in their journey. We’re committed to bringing the same level of care, quality, and forward-thinking solutions to every phase of their success.
If you’re planning a complex industrial project or future expansion, Crain is ready to help you build with confidence.
