Bonfiglioli & Big Ass Fans® 

Industrial Fan Success Story

In the realm of industrial cooling, two powerhouses, Bonfiglioli and Big Ass Fans® , have forged a remarkable partnership.

For over a decade, their collaboration has yielded groundbreaking results, most notably in their flagship product, the Powerfoil fan. This blog post delves into the shared vision of sustainable design and the extraordinary benefits it brings to the industrial market.


The client

Whether by stifling heat, numbing cold, or choking humidity, discomfort can strike anywhere. Its effects cripple workers’ morale and productivity and act as kryptonite for customers, so in 1999, a fledgling fan company set out to do something about it.

It started with a big idea in engineering: that the combination of size and quality design could fundamentally change what ceiling fans could accomplish. That high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) airflow—an entirely new concept—was the key to making spaces more comfortable and efficient. Because the once named “HVLS Fan Company” thought big, it didn’t take long for people to notice the impact their products had on facilities or for them to rebrand the company the way customers saw them: as upstart innovator Big Ass Fans®.


The Challenge

When it came to their INDUSTRIAL-GRADE MOTOR AND GEARBOX, Big Ass Fans® had a clear vision of what they needed. Their requirements included inline gears with a helical-cut design, ensuring efficient and reliable operation with long-lasting durability. Additionally, they needed specific bearing configurations to be implemented on the gearboxes to accomodate for hanging and thrust loads, guaranteeing smooth performance under demanding conditions. To prevent any potential oil leakage, double lip seals were implemented, providing an extra layer of protection. Furthermore, the motor and gearbox were vented and lubricated for a lifetime, utilizing synthetic oil to ensure optimal functioning throughout the product's lifespan. Big Ass Fans left no stone unturned in their quest for a motor and gearbox that met their rigorous standards.


Our Solution

C Series

To meet all these requirements, the Bonfiglioli C32 was used with the following advantages.

  • Minimized mounting space
  • Robustness
  • Reduced standard backlash
  • High dynamic and energy saving solution
  • Wide output speed selection range


The partnership

The Powerfoil® fan stands as a testament to the ingenuity and shared commitment of Bonfiglioli and Big Ass Fans. This cutting-edge product combines the best components from both companies, resulting in unparalleled performance and energy efficiency. Its sleek design and advanced technology make it an industry benchmark.

Their joint efforts have produced fans that surpass industry standards, providing optimal cooling, increased energy savings, and enhanced comfort. Customers can rely on the combined expertise of both companies to deliver excellence in every aspect.

Bonfiglioli and Big Ass Fans exemplify the power of collaboration and sustainable design. Our partnership has reshaped the industrial cooling market, with the Powerfoil fan leading the way. By integrating the best components and embodying a shared commitment to sustainability, they continue to set new benchmarks for excellence in industrial cooling. Together, we are transforming the way we think about cooling solutions, one innovative fan at a time.