Congressman Lamborn, Mayor Bach Help Kick Off New Bal Seal Construction
Colorado Springs, Colo. – U.S.A. – June 20, 2012 – U.S. Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-CO) and Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach topped the speakers list at a groundbreaking ceremony held June 14 on the future site of Bal Seal Engineering’s new manufacturing facility. The event, organized by Bal Seal to kick off construction at 1350 Bellprat View in Colorado Springs, also featured speeches from El Paso County Commissioner Amy Lathen, Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council President and CEO Joe Raso and other local business leaders.
Before a 120-plus crowd at the ceremony, Congressman Lamborn, who also serves as a member of the Armed Services Committee, applauded Bal Seal’s decision to build in the area. He acknowledged the company’s role in providing critical sealing, connecting, conducting and EMI shielding components for defense equipment, and cited a direct connection between continued defense program funding and job creation.
First-term Colorado Springs Mayor Steve Bach also welcomed Bal Seal, and spoke about his efforts to create a more “business friendly” environment in the city. He stressed the importance of reducing the influence of government and eliminating the “red tape” that might inhibit business activity and prevent more companies from moving to the Springs.
Bal Seal, a privately-held company with headquarters in Foothill Ranch, Calif. and offices in Europe and Asia, announced its intent to build a new facility in Colorado Springs last December. The manufacturer of Bal Seal Canted Coil Springs® and Bal Seal® Spring-energized Seals already leases a smaller building in the city, where it employs 48 people. But a projected doubling of sales and significant increase in demand for its products drove its decision to expand.
Plans originally called for construction totaling 66,000 square feet, but Bal Seal President and CEO Rick Dawson told attendees at the groundbreaking that the number has climbed to 155,220. Dawson added that the expansion represents an investment of $45M, and that it is expected to result in a total of about 200 jobs.
“We’re investing in our future,” Dawson explained. “This project is about anticipating what we’ll need in the next five years, and putting those resources in place.”
Against a backdrop of earth moving equipment on the 18-acre site, Lamborn, Bach and other local officials donned hard hats at the event, and dug into the soil to signal the official start of construction. According to Bal Seal, the new building is slated for completion in 2013.
About Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. is a global provider of custom-engineered sealing, connecting, conducting and EMI shielding solutions for industry worldwide. The company’s products employ unique Bal Seal Canted Coil Spring® technology for enhanced performance and reliability. For information about Bal Seal products and services, visit www.balseal.com, e-mail sales@balseal.com, or call 800-366-1006.
