THE HISTORY OF PRINCIPAL MANUFACTURING

Principal Manufacturing was established in 1939 as a metal stamping plant located within the Chicago city limits. In 1966, Principal purchased the necessary equipment to enter the Fineblanking business. The company was relocated to Downers Grove, a west suburban town in 1970. The owner was deceased in 1977, which left the company under the control of a bank trust department and management level employees.
 
In 1980 Paul Barnett, the current President and owner, purchased the company. At the time of the purchase employee count was 6 people. Parts manufacturing in 1980 consisted primarily of service parts for its dwindling customer base. Today, Principal has grown in volume and size with over 200 employees in its current location in Broadview.
 
The Company has continued in its original base of metal stamping. Fineblanking has grown to overtake metal stampings as the primary source of sales. Capabilities have increased to include CNC turning, CNC machining, Injection Molding, assembly and numerous secondary operations. Principal is committed to add those capabilities needed by its core customer base. Principal Manufacturing works with several different types of industries including but not limited to: marine engine, fuel systems including automotive, small engine, electrical, electronics, computers, automotive, sub-fractional h.p. motors, hvac and many others.
 
Principal has committed to meeting both TS 16949 standards of the automotive industries and its other major customers. To accomplish this, Principal will continue to educate and to train all of its personnel to support our on-going growth to meet customer needs.