Columbia Tech created 50 new jobs with expansion
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Chris Coghlin, president and CEO of Coghlin Cos.
In late September, contract manufacturer Columbia Tech has expanded its manufacturing capabilities with a new 70,000-square-foot location in Westborough. This came after its sister company Cogmedix moved from Worcester into an 80,000-square-foot space in West Boylston. Chris Coghlin, president and CEO of their parent company Coghlin Cos., talked about the growth with WBJ.
Coghlin has been pretty active on the expansion front lately. Is that part of a larger strategy?
Yes, our sales and marketing efforts have remained keenly focused on the commercialization of innovative large-scale systems over the past several years. As a result, we have been successful in securing several contracts with a diverse group of world class innovation leaders and are working in a very partnered way to drive growth and success.
Is this attributable to a rise in new business?
Yes, the majority of the business driving our facilities expansion over the past 12 months is directly related to securing several contracts for new programs in the semiconductor, medical, life sciences, robotics, and industrial automation industries.
How much has Coghlin grown since the beginning of the year with both Cogmedix and Columbia Tech expanding?
We still have another quarter to go, however we expect to grow about 10% this year.
What is Columbia able to do at the new space that it couldn’t do before?
Our new space is wide open and uniquely supports large-scale system builds leveraging multiple loading docks, drive-in bays and high ceilings. This style structure allows us the flexibility to produce just about any size and complexity of capital equipment, including full-size containers, with great interior mobility and scalability.
The new site has already created 30 jobs. Is that number expected to grow?
We expect to add another 10-20 jobs to support the growth and opportunities in this facility over the next several months. It’s a very exciting time!
Many manufacturers say their search for pad-ready sites or available building space in Worcester usually comes up slim, and they are forced to relocate outside of the city. Was that the case for Coghlin?
No, this was not the case at all. We were fortunate. We simply had the opportunity to secure a facility suitable to our growth and general business needs located right across the street from our Westborough headquarters.
Are there any immediate plans for further expansion?
We currently have adequate space to support the growth of our business; however, we are always assessing the topic of space as a leadership team to ensure expansion options exist to accommodate the rapidly changing needs of our clients.
Some manufacturers have been hit hard by the trade war with China, and others are predicting an economic downturn. Is Coghlin immune to these factors, or are you betting on the economy and trade issues being resolved?
There will always be various obstacles and challenges in all businesses. Nobody is immune to them. We focus on the things we can control. We come to work each day focused on driving a positive and respectful culture and ensuring a positive client experience.
This interview was conducted and edited for length and clarity by WBJ Staff Writer Zachary Comeau.
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