PRESS RELEASE
Columbia Manufacturing Introduces New Large-Scale Electronic Measurement Capabilities
New leadership is remaking the Eastern Connecticut company into a modern world-class aerospace supplier serving a growing number of domestic and international customers.
COLUMBIA, Conn., November 20, 2019 – Columbia Manufacturing, Inc. a privately held manufacturer and supplier of precision metal components for turbine engines, today announced the completion of a capital investment to install a large-scale coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Located in Eastern Connecticut, Columbia Manufacturing is one of only a few specialty manufacturers in the country to offer large-scale CMM capabilities.
The aerospace industry demands exacting tolerances in the fabrication of turbine engine components. The new Mitutoyo machine will enable trained technicians to electronically inspect and verify large and bulky parts as big as five feet wide, nine feet long and five feet high with tolerances less than the width of a strand of hair.
This announcement caps a year-long resurgence at Columbia Manufacturing to position the company as a world-class supplier. Since being named President and CEO in November 2018, Robert Friedland has led efforts to modernize the 39-year-old company to be competitive in the 21st-century aerospace industry.
“Over the last year, we have strengthened our workforce, invested in facility improvements, and improved processes with a focus on operational excellence,” said Friedland. “We set ambitious goals and are on track to achieve our vision with 2019 projected to be a record year for new bookings and 30 percent year-over-year growth in our Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) segment.”
Bob Nieszczezewski, CFO and Vice President of MRO Operations, added, “By modernizing operations and incorporating new technologies like the large-scale CMM, we are positioned well for continued growth in both original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and MRO. We have the workforce, the facilities, and the machine capacity to take on new contracts and the underlying processes to deliver the highest quality work on time.”
The Company’s modern vision is reflected in its new logo, website, and marketing materials which have been transformed through a rebranding effort led by Friedland. The new identity gives lift to Columbia Manufacturing’s long history in the aerospace industry while positioning the Company as a high-tech partner committed to quality, reliability, and value.
“The outlook for the aerospace industry is growing worldwide and Columbia Manufacturing will grow with it,” said Friedland.
For more information, visit https://www.columbiamanufacturing.net.
About Columbia Manufacturing
Columbia Manufacturing, Inc. is a world-class supplier of precision fabricated metal hardware for turbine engines serving customers including General Electric Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, and the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency. As an FAA/EASA certified repair station, the Company also serving numerous customers in the overhaul and repair market for both military and commercial aviation and ground power industries. Columbia Manufacturing is AS9100D with ISO 9001:2015 and Nadcap certified with specialized capabilities in producing complex components and multi-component fabricated assemblies for critical processes. The Company operates two-shifts with nearly 100 employees at its facility in Eastern Connecticut.
early 100 employees at its facility in Eastern Connecticut.
