Thomas Fehring, PE
SMC is a 40-year-old engineering company that creates high-performance clutches with cutting-edge computer simulations and manufactures them in the USA using modern CNC machine tools.
SMC was created in 1983 when Thomas Fehring left a Senior Mechanical Engineer position at the Emerson Electric Company and opened an engineering consulting business. “I had six years of experience using computers to solve complex mathematical problems. A new technology called finite element analysis (FEA) helped engineers understand machinery’s vibration, stress, and thermal problems.
“Other companies wanted to utilize FEA but did not know where to start, so they offered lucrative short-term contracts for engineers with the appropriate experience.
“Word-of-mouth was my only advertising, yet business grew very rapidly. I hired five more engineers. We worked on various projects – spy satellites, surgical instruments, baby diaper machines, automotive brakes, Army tank transmissions, dynamometers, jet engine accessories, and more.
“Along the way, I learned other modern technologies applicable to kart racing clutches.”
In 1989, SMC transitioned from a research company to a design and manufacturing company.
SMC has produced 4,000 axle clutches, tens of thousands of engine clutches, and hundreds of thousands of clutch sprockets. SMC clutches have been sold on five continents. They have won numerous competitions with enduro karts, sprint karts, dirt karts, snowmobiles, mini-bikes, and high-mileage vehicles.
Technology, experience, six utility patents and a “Go Faster & Spend less” philosophy made SMC dominant in small-engine racing clutches.