PEM® has a long-standing reputation for delivering value through innovative, reliable fastening solutions and that legacy is providing a powerful foundation as the business looks to the future.
Gerard Quaid (Ger), new managing director PEM® Europe, states that this vision played a key part in PEM® focusing on becoming the leader in self-clinch and insertion technologies, supported by a strategy that emphasises sustainable growth, digital transformation and operational agility. With ongoing investments in people, systems and regional expansion – including new offices and warehouses in the UK and Poland – PEM® is reinforcing its commitment to being a dependable partner in a dynamic global market.
PEM® expands European manufacturing footprint
The ongoing expansion of the existing Galway facility marks a strategic milestone for PEM®, underlining its commitment to serving automotive and industrial customers across Europe and beyond. The additional 80,000 square foot (7,400m2) site, located on Ireland’s west coast, now includes the production of blind rivet nuts, further enhancing an already comprehensive product line. Once fully operational, the facility will serve as a Centre of Excellence, focused on delivering innovative fastening solutions tailored specifically for the European market.
“Opening in Q3 of 2025, the Galway site will feature state of the art manufacturing capabilities, a new product development centre, and a customer experience hub – all under one roof,” highlights Ger. “This investment will accelerate speed to market, foster closer collaboration with European customers, further embed PEM®’s reputation for quality, innovation and customer focus, as well as continuing to redefine what it means to be ‘Made in Europe, Made for Europe’.”
Driving the future of eMobility
As the automotive industry continues its transformative shift toward electrification, PEM® Europe is also firmly establishing itself at the forefront of innovation in connection and fastening technology. Under the leadership of Ger, PEM® is doubling down on its legacy of engineering excellence and customer-centric innovation – delivering advanced solutions tailored for the challenges of eMobility.
In the wake of slowing Electric Vehicle (EV) sales and increased pressure on OEMs and suppliers to reduce costs and improve efficiency, PEM® has emerged as a thought leader in eMobility fastening solutions. The latest addition to the portfolio is the PEM eConnect® Busbar Connector System, which is a breakthrough that addresses one of the most critical bottlenecks in EV production – reliable, lowresistance electrical connections, without the need for costly electroplating.
Why every µΩ counts
In modern EV architectures, especially with increasing power demands from ADAS, infotainment, and high voltage systems, every micro-ohm matters. Resistance at the point of connection can lead to energy loss, thermal inefficiency and reliability issues. PEM’s ECCB™ Contact Bushing has been engineered to eliminate these concerns with a press-fit solution that pierces oxidation layers and delivers superior conductivity – without the need for plating.
For instance, in copper-to-copper joints, resistance is reduced by 80%, approaching uninterrupted busbar levels, and in aluminium-to-aluminium joints there is a resistance improvement of 91%, enabling aluminium to be used in high current applications.
“The bushing’s unique knurled design ensures a consistent low resistance contact, enabling efficiency gains that translate directly into better battery performance, extended range and enhanced system longevity,” outlines Ger.
Simpler, smarter assembly
The newly launched PEM eConnect® Busbar Connector System combines the ECCB™ Contact Bushing with two mechanically installed components – the ECKN™ Nut and ECKS™ Stud. Together, these components enable single step installation while delivering exceptional mechanical strength and electrical reliability.
By eliminating the need for plating, multiple suppliers, and complex assembly steps, this system is built for Lean manufacturing – a critical need in today’s cost-sensitive EV landscape.
Built for ‘real world’ demands
Beyond vehicles, the PEM eConnect® system supports a wide range of applications including EV charging infrastructure, power distribution and energy storage systems, as well as industrial switchgear.
PEM®’s fastener lineup for eMobility includes the ECCB™ Contact Bushing, EPCRB™ Pin, ReelFast® SMT fasteners, and other IP-rated solutions such as the IFH™ Stud – designed to ensure seamless, efficient and robust connections. This new flush-head, self-clinching stud is redesigned for maximum material flow into the stud undercut – plus tighter tolerances and process controls that ensure consistent, reliable ingress protection is maintained.
In a market where performance, sustainability and efficiency are non-negotiable, PEM® is delivering the next generation of fastening solutions to meet the evolving demands of the eMobility sector. Backed by rigorous testing, ‘real world’ data, and a legacy of innovation, PEM eConnect® is a platform for powering the future of electrified transport.
www.pemnet.com
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 15 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector - interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe.
Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the Magazine is renowned.
Don't have an account? Sign Up
Signing up to Fastener + Fixing Magazine enables you to manage your account details.
