2020 CMA Preview: Industrial/Equipment Manufacturer
By Eric Peterson | Mar 01, 2020
There's one thing almost all Colorado manufacturers agree on in 2020: Good people are hard to find. And with a workforce stretched thinner than ever, that means companies are leaning on automation and cutting-edge machinery more than ever.
That's a common thread with the three finalists for the 2020 Industrial/Equipment Manufacturer of the Year. It's all about making life easier for their customers by way of a better machine, whether it's a rock drill, label maker, or automated packaging equipment.
Panther Industries
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Founded: 1999
Privately owned
Employees: 35
Industry: Industrial & Equipment
Products: Labeling machines
Panther Industries manufactures its automated print-and-apply systems in-house in Highlands Ranch with the help of a network of local vendors and suppliers. Customers include a wide range of manufacturers and distributors in food and beverage, medical devices, and other industries.
The company's nomination explains, "Our products are cutting-edge with maximum uptime and ensure our customers have the ability to grow."
It's paying off, as Panther Industries has seen "significant double-digit growth" every year since 2017.
CompanyWeek profile: https://companyweek.com/company-profile/panther-industries
Right Stuff Equipment
Denver
Founded: 2006
Privately owned
Employees: 22
Industry: Industrial & Equipment
Products: Packaging automation and integration
Right Stuff Equipment pivoted from value-added reseller of packaging automation to manufacturer five years ago and hasn't looked back.
CEO Kevin Weber says sales were up more than 50 percent in 2019. The drivers? The company installed new cannabis packaging lines for customers in Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, and Maryland while expanding its robotics capabilities.
Right Stuff Equipment also launched a new product in 2019, the Mariner, for filling CBD tincture bottles.
CompanyWeek profile: https://companyweek.com/company-profile/right-stuff-equipment
TEI Rock Drills
Montrose, Colorado
Founded: 1980
Privately owned
Employees: 44
Industry: Industrial & Equipment
Products: Rock drilling rigs, excavator attachments, safety equipment, and related components
TEI Rock Drills has made a name for itself as an innovator during its 40-year history.
The manufacturer of excavator drill attachments, rock drill components and limited access drill rigs are used in micropile foundations, mines, and tunnels worldwide. "TEI equipment is proudly made in the U.S. with American made parts to ensure quality, efficiency, and up-to-the-minute innovation," the company says in its CMA nomination. "In addition, our raw materials are domestically sourced."
TEI highlights "the capability to quickly move products from design concept to production" using 3D CAD modeling, CNC machining, and automated QA/QC processes. The company's commitments to innovation and quality regularly drive growth in notably mature industries.
CompanyWeek profile: https://companyweek.com/company-profile/tei-rock-drills
The Colorado Manufacturing Awards will take place virtually from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2020.
