VANCOUVER, WA (USA) – July 30, 2021 – Rick Goode, Chairman and CEO of Columbia Machine Inc., announced the acquisition of Packaging Systems International, Inc. (PSI)’s assets today. Located in Denver, CO, PSI is a recognized leader in factory automation solutions, designing, manufacturing and supporting bag fillers, bulk bag packaging systems, conveying systems and robotic and mechanical palletizing systems. The new entity, Columbia PSI, LLC, hired PSI employees, allowing the business to carry on without missing a day of operation or sacrificing customer commitment.
Columbia Machine will combine its current bagging product lines, which provide reliable solutions to diverse customers, with PSI’s extensive line of equipment solutions. The addition of the PSI auger valve bag fillers, a full range of conventional bag palletizers, and bulk bag systems will make PSI, A Columbia Machine, Inc. Company an industry leader.
“Expanding our bagging product line is something we have focused on for several years,” said Tim Goode, General Manager of PSI, A Columbia Machine, Inc. Company. “PSI has a strong reputation that we can build on, and we are excited for the opportunity to supply customers with complete bagging solutions. Our highest priorities moving forward are to take care of our customers with increased parts availability, knowledgeable sales and service support, and to provide new and innovative solutions.”
“This is a great opportunity for PSI to continue serving our customers,” said Michael Lott, President of Packaging Systems International, Inc. “PSI has been in business for over 60 years, and knowing that it will continue for another 60 years is reassuring. I am confident the company is in good hands with Columbia and look forward to helping with the transition as I work towards retirement.”
“After partnering with PSI off and on for over 20 years, I am excited to formally add them to the Columbia Group,” said Rick Goode, Chairman and CEO of Columbia. “Michael has been talking to us about how important it is for him to keep his Team together and continue the high level of support PSI customers are accustomed to, preferably based in Denver, as he retires after over 40 years. The combination of our existing Bagging Team, the PSI Team and Tim’s leadership going forward, positions us well for continued growth.”
The acquisition of PSI continues Columbia’s strategic vision to grow its bagging product line and offer industry-leading factory automation solutions. PSI, A Columbia Machine, Inc. Company will operate out of PSI’s existing location, 4900 Acoma St., Suite 1, Denver, CO 80216, under a new long-term lease. In addition to entering a new long-term lease, Columbia will be making significant investments in PSI to upgrade the current facilities, advancing design and manufacturing capabilities, improving efficiencies, increasing capacity, and increasing parts inventories. The Denver, CO location gives Columbia increased manufacturing capabilities and additional space dedicated to bagging and packaging equipment. This new Denver facility complements Columbia’s other North American manufacturing, service and parts centers in Vancouver, WA, Ontario, CA, Orlando, FL, Smithsburg, MA and Mississauga, Canada.
ABOUT COLUMBIA MACHINE
Established in 1937, Columbia Machine is a fourth-generation, privately held, worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing, and support of factory automation equipment solutions for a variety of industries, with customers in over 100 countries around the world. Primary business units include: Batching and Mixing Solutions, Concrete Products Equipment Solutions, Production Equipment Molds, Bag Filling and
Handling Technology, Mechanical Palletizing Machines, Robotic Palletizing Solutions, Conveyor System Solutions, Pallet Load Transfer Solutions, and Manufacturing Services. The Columbia Group of companies has seven manufacturing facilities on four continents, with over 1,000 team members worldwide, focused on world-class engineered solutions and customer service.