Columbia Machine Announces Capability For Building Robotic, Conventional Palletizers in Brazil

Vancouver, WA — Columbia Machine, Inc. has retained the services of industry veteran Renato Maia to assist Columbia with business development and market expansion of its palletizing and robotics business in Brazil.

Columbia Machine, and their JV, Columbia/Okura LLC, have been working with Maia since 2014.

The acquisition of Maia’s professional services is a first phase of a plan that will assist Columbia Machine’s and Columbia/Okura’s ongoing sales and manufacturing presence in Brazil, adding capacity to Columbia’s already existing Brazilian manufacturing business, Columbia Machine do Brasil Ltda.

Rick Goode, CEO and chairman of Columbia Machine, Inc. said “after working with Renato for over 7 years, I am excited to have him join the Columbia Team.

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"Renato’s experience and drive are a key piece to our growth strategy in Brazil, as we expand the range of factory automation solutions we offer in the market.

"I look forward to our continued growth in robotic and conventional Palletizing solutions driven by Renato’s leadership.”

Maia, a recognized professional with decades of experience in the Brazilian materials handling and packaging industry said “Columbia Machine & Columbia/Okura believe in the transformative power of automation.

"Their passion is to provide the best value solutions tailored to the unique needs of each project. With Columbia´s capabilities, spanning almost 60 years of palletizing experience, with thousands of applications and installations, including all types of conventional and robotic solutions, I am confident that I am offering the very best.

"As Brazilian producers are increasingly investing in end-of-line automation to become more and more competitive, I have no doubt that Columbia will soon become one of the largest palletizing integrators in Brazil, replicating their success in North America.”