Component Maker Bucks Trends, Announces Colorado Springs Facility Expansion
Colorado Springs, Colo. –U.S.A. – November 22, 2011 – Bucking current economic trends, Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. today announced plans to build a new $45 million, 137,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Colorado Springs.
With the expansion, the privately held U.S.-based provider of custom-engineered, high-performance electrical contacts and seals said it will add an estimated 210 jobs to the local economy, doubling its global workforce as well as its manufacturing capabilities.
“We’re pleased to hear it,” said Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, commenting on Bal Seal’s announcement. “The company’s expansion in Colorado Springs will create jobs and continue the momentum our state has as an innovative place where businesses can thrive. We look forward to supporting Bal Seal as it continues to produce key engineering solutions for Fortune 500 companies.”
Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach agreed, stating “Bal Seal Engineering’s expansion in Colorado Springs is a win-win situation for us all,” “Not only will it produce hundreds of stable, good paying jobs, but it will also bring hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy.”
The Colorado Springs Regional Economic Development Council (CSREDC), which provides primary employers with comprehensive relocation and expansion services, played a key role in assisting Bal Seal Engineering’s decision to build there. Doug Quimby, CSREDC’s Chairman and Acting CEO, echoed state and municipal officials, stating “Bal Seal Engineering is a tremendous company, and we are very glad to have them in Colorado Springs. Its expansion proves that manufacturing is alive and well here. The company fits perfectly within our medical device cluster, and the jobs that Bal Seal Engineering is creating are the best kind of jobs to improve our local economy.”
With more than 120 active U.S. and foreign patents, Bal Seal applies its canted coil spring technology and material science expertise to design, engineer and manufacture customized sealing, connecting, conducting and shielding solutions. The result is the production of critical components that enhance the performance and reliability of all kinds of equipment – from pacemakers to planetary rovers.
Since its founding, Bal Seal Engineering has produced more than 250 million units for Fortune 500-level manufacturers in medical, aerospace/defense, energy, automotive and other industries. Well-known in U.S. and global engineering circles, the company often develops solutions for highly-classified or patented products.
With the new Colorado Springs facility, Bal Seal Engineering said it is continuing its growth from a start-up founded in Santa Fe Springs, Calif. in 1958 by Peter Balsells, a young inventor and immigrant from Catalonia, Spain. Now an octogenarian, “Pete” remains actively involved as chairman of what is today a 460-plus employee entity with a 125,000-square-foot headquarters in Foothill Ranch, Calif., and offices in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Amsterdam and Prague.
Calling the planned expansion “a major milestone in our transition into a global technology and manufacturing powerhouse,” Bal Seal Engineering President and CEO Rick Dawson also stressed that it is motivated by more than just growth.
“It will also enable us to better serve our rapidly expanding markets,” said Dawson, “while staying true to the engineering and entrepreneurial spirit that Pete has imbued into the organization for more than a half century.”
Hiring for the new Colorado Springs facility is expected to begin after its completion in early 2013. Plans for the expansion will be formally announced on December 6. Media representatives seeking more information about the December 6 announcement are encouraged to contact Phiphi Tran at 213.925.7167 or ptran@westboundcommunications.com.
About Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. is a global provider of custom-engineered sealing, connecting, conducting and shielding solutions for industry worldwide. The company’s products employ unique Bal Seal Canted Coil® spring technology for enhanced performance and reliability. For the latest news and information about Bal Seal, visit http://mediaroom.balseal.com or call 800.366.1006.
