Rick Goode, CEO of Columbia Machine Inc., announced the acquisition of the assets of Bikle Manufacturing, Inc. Located in Smithsburg, MD, Bikle Manufacturing is a recognized leader in big board mold repair and manufacturing services provider to many customers in the Northeast. Bikle employees have been hired by Columbia Machine allowing the business to carry on without missing a day of operation or a customer commitment. Columbia Machine intends to grow the business as a regional support center for mold repair, East Coast manufacturing services and as a parts depot for Columbia customers in the region.

“Our customers have been asking us to provide mold repair capabilities and regional parts support on the East Coast. We have been searching for the ideal location, capabilities, and people to bring this to fruition for a couple years,” said Goode. “Moving into the Bikle facility, acquiring the assets and hiring the employees ensures our ability to meet customer demand quickly and efficiently.”

“Our markets require us to be diverse, efficient, and available,” said Kevin Gilchrist, Director of Mold Sales and Engineering. “Bikle’s location, mold repair expertise, and nearly fifty years of manufacturing experience gives us an optimum position in supporting our East Coast customers and expanding our North America coverage.”

“This is a great opportunity for the Bikle family,” said Joanie Gerber, President of Bikle Manufacturing. “Our business was established in 1971 by my grandfather to be a quality supplier of equipment and manufacturing services. My grandmother and I are very happy to see the business carry on under Columbia. We all see the growth potential, and it allows us to continue to grow our skilled workforce and capabilities.”

The acquisition of Bikle Manufacturing continues Columbia’s strategic vision to grow the business and better support customers regionally. The Maryland location gives Columbia full service mold and parts capabilities. With mold repair capabilities in Vancouver, WA and now Smithsburg, MD, Columbia will be able to stock standard molds, carry out mold repairs and be a regional hub to offer new molds from our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities around the world. This new Northeast facility complements Columbia’s other North America service centers in Vancouver, WA, Ontario, CA, Orlando, FL, and Mississauga, Canada.