We all learned at an early age that electricity powers the world. The team behind Penn-Union learned how to harness that power, creating electrical connection solutions that perform even in some of the most challenging applications across industries such as commercial construction, utilities, data storage, telecom and aerospace.
Founded in 1928, Penn-Union operates a fully integrated production facility and office in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. These headquarters feature a non-ferrous green sand foundry, a diverse machine shop, a design and engineering department and an in-house UL Certified test laboratory. The company has been privately owned since 1994, and during this time, it has systematically strengthened design and manufacturing capabilities through sustained capital investment, strategically aligned acquisitions and key strategic partner alliances.
“We take pride in our longevity and the excellent reputation we have built for nearly a century in this business,” said Brian Cullen, Group President. “At Penn-Union, our highly skilled, U.S. – based team designs, manufactures and sells more than 30,000 connector variations. If a solution isn’t in our catalog, we can engineer and make it.”
That level of flexibility makes it easy for customers to do business with Penn-Union. Combined with a strong customer focus, the company continues to expand its product offering while driving gains in manufacturing efficiency, productivity and quality assurance.
Precision with Every Pour
“Our in-house foundry is one of the key advantages of our manufacturing processes,” Cullen said. “It’s one of the main reasons we can efficiently produce such a wide variety of high-quality electrical connectors and components without sacrificing precision or reliability.”
The Penn-Union foundry uses advanced induction melting technology to heat copper, bringing it to a molten state ideal for casting. Once molten, the copper is carefully poured into precision-engineered molds.
Continued investment in the foundry ensures full control over production and quality. “At a time when many manufacturers rely solely on overseas casting sources, our U.S.-based foundry delivers clear advantages in responsiveness, reliability, and consistency,” Cullen said.
By leveraging specialized equipment, Penn-Union can combine multiple manufacturing operations. Examples include:
- Computer-controlled automated molding equipment allows quick pattern changes for both short and long production runs of cast copper and aluminum components
- Cold-forming technologies such as extruding, upsetting, coining and piercing ensure dimensionally consistent, high-strength products like copper split bolts, press-ons and silicon bronze hardware, among others.
In-house Testing and Quality Control
Penn-Union manufactures a wide range of compression and mechanical electrical connectors constructed from high-grade aluminum and copper for maximum conductivity. Products are designed to meet a variety of industry standards and test criteria, including UL, CSA, ANSI, NEMA and IEC, along with individual customer specifications. Color-coded compression connectors are certified for installation using industry-standard tools. The in-house UL Certified test laboratory enables more efficient certification, listing and recognition processes.
“Quality is central to every operation, and every one of our products undergoes thorough electrical and mechanical evaluation,” said Jim McWilliams, Quality Systems Manager.
Penn-Union’s ISO 9001:2015 registration reflects this commitment to rigorous quality management.
Penn-Union at AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect offers a complete portfolio of Penn-Union power connection and distribution solutions. Supporting copper and aluminum conductors in multiple configurations, the UL-listed lineup includes modular power distribution blocks (APDB and ASRB series), mechanical lugs, neutral bars, compression lugs and more.
The most recent additions to the product catalog include split bolt connectors, power bars and service post connectors for a wide range of power distribution applications.
- Split bolts deliver a secure, long-lasting connection for two conductors and are engineered to handle multiple wire gauges and material combinations, including CU and AL.
- Aluminum, pre-insulated power bars and in line splicers/reducers are engineered to handle two to four conductors in AL or CU configurations, providing broad compatibility, rugged construction and dependable insulation.
- Bronze service post connectors deliver outstanding conductivity thanks to their premium high copper wrought alloy construction. They create a solid, dependable link between copper cables and steel structures, bus bars, transformers or electrical enclosures.
- Oxide inhibitors, used in mechanical and compression connectors, are specially formulated to prevent oxidation and corrosion before they begin, ensuring long-term electrical reliability and performance.
Connecting to Tomorrow
Customers rely on Penn-Union products to perform consistently in the most demanding applications. To earn that trust and reliance, the company looks at what customers need now and what they may need as industries and technology evolve.
“For nearly a century, Penn-Union has been a trusted provider of electrical power and grounding connectors, continuously expanding our product portfolio and capabilities to meet evolving customer needs,” Cullen said. “Whatever the electrical connection demands, we provide the performance and reliability our customers depend on today and tomorrow.”