Colson Group Completes New State of The Art Manufacturing Facility in Jonesboro Arkansas

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JONESBORO, Ark. (December 6, 2022) – Colson Group, the world’s leading manufacturer of standard and custom application caster and wheel products, recently completed the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Jonesboro Arkansas. Through investments in the new facility, Colson has expanded its production and improved the working environment for its employees.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to reinvest and expand our operations; at the same time continuing our association with the great people and community of Jonesboro.  This expansion opportunity increases our USA manufacturing capabilities and enables us to better support our customers’ needs.” said Joe Bigelow, Vice President of Operations, Colson Group USA.

The new 146,640 square foot facility sits on a 25-acre site located in the Craighead Technology Park. Plating, welding, and stamping investments have exponentially increased production efficiency and output. It has also provided Colson Group with new delivery capabilities due to shorter delivery times for products manufactured and shipped directly from the U.S. rather than internationally.

“The decision to reinvest in Jonesboro and build a new state-of-the-art facility shows Colson’s continued commitment to our city,” said Mark Young, president of Jonesboro Unlimited.  “It demonstrates that we have the infrastructure and workforce that allows companies to have success for decades.”

 Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, provided design-build services for the project.

“Colson Group has made a significant investment with the construction of this new facility,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Vice President and Division Manager David Gordon. “By opting for the design-build process, Colson Group maximized the project’s value. This process allows us to work hand-in-hand with the designer, which helps keep the project on budget and on time.”

This new plant gives employees a more work suitable and up to date environment and has increased production capabilities. Popular casters can now be produced even faster, and the facility is now capable of assembling a wider range of low volume and special caster products.

About Colson Group

Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands, such as Colson Caster, provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and global value chain deliver unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

For more information, please visit https://colsongroupusa.com

About Brasfield & Gorrie

Founded in 1964, Brasfield & Gorrie is one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, providing general contracting, design-build, and construction management services for a wide variety of markets. We are skilled in construction best practices, including virtual design and construction, integrated project delivery, and Lean construction, but we are best known for our preconstruction and self-perform expertise and exceptional client service. Brasfield & Gorrie has 13 offices and more than 3,500 employees. Our 2021 revenues were $4.2 billion. Engineering News-Record ranks Brasfield & Gorrie 24th among the nation’s “Top 400 Contractors” for 2022.

Colson Group Launches New Line of Maintenance Free Casters

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., November 30, 2022— Colson Group, the leader in caster and wheel products, announces their Albion brand launch of a new line of Maintenance Free casters. The new 28 and 38 Series casters are designed for improved ergonomics, long life, and quiet mobility.

The new Maintenance Free casters are equipped with a sealed precision swivel bearing. This makes it so they never require a preventative maintenance schedule, which reduces downtime and increases efficiency. They also feature wheel options such as polyurethane, rubber, and nylon, to fit your specific hand push or towing requirements.

The 28 and 38 Series casters extended leads significantly reduces push / pull force. This increases the safety and effectiveness of equipment operators. Their ease of use helps to prevent employee injuries and provides the performance customers require to keep their business rolling safely and easily.

“With the newly designed 28 and 38 series, maintenance free also means worry-free and helps provide an injury free workplace,” said Scott Fisher, Director of Heavy Duty Vertical Sales.

As a world leader in design and production, Albion is proud to manufacture some of the highest quality made in the USA casters in the market. To stand by their quality and performance, Albion brand’s new line of Maintenance Free 28 and 38 Series casters are backed by a 5-year warranty guarantee.

Maintenance-free casters are designed for harsh industrial environments. The consistent performance of these casters makes a great choice for industries like automotive, warehousing, tow-lines, AGV’s, hospitals and more.

Reduce your replacement costs and injuries, while enhancing your manufacturing efficiency with Maintenance Free casters. Learn more about Maintenance Free casters and their ergonomic and economic benefits by getting in contact with Colson Group today.

About Colson Group: Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands, such as Albion, provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and global value chain deliver unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

About Albion: Since Albion’s founding in 1947, they have become The Caster Experts and are one of the most recognized names in the material handling industry. Albion does more than just sell wheels and casters; they deliver custom-engineered, reliable solutions for the most challenging material handling problems. As a brand of Colson Group, you can be sure Albion will have the resources to service and supply your needs.

Colson Group’s New Jonesboro Facility

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Colson Group’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Jonesboro is now completely operating at full capacity. While the old plant is being used for distribution, everything else has been transferred to the new building. Through investments made toward the new facility and its capabilities, Colson Group has expanded its production, standards, and improved the working environment for its employees.

More Products Made in the USA

The new 146,640-square-foot manufacturing facility now offers more production capabilities in the United States. Popular casters can now be produced even faster, and the new facility can assemble a wider range of low-volume and special caster products. This has given Colson Group new delivery capabilities with shorter delivery times for products manufactured and shipped directly from the U.S. rather than internationally.

Increased Internal Zinc Plating

There was a huge investment in a new line for zinc plating making it an expansion of the last plant. This investment allows Colson Group to have more product offerings, production lines, and an increase in the internal plating of main products in Jonesboro. It has even given them the capability to plate all Colson Group USA components at the new facility.

Advanced Robotics and Technology Advancements

Over the past year, there was an influx of investments in three new welding robots. Their technological advancements have helped to increase efficiency and product quality. With the addition of new robots and automation, the Jonesboro plant now has the capacity to weld over 2.3 million pieces annually with a 2-shift operation.

Expanded Stamping Production

Three additional manual presses and heavy-duty stamping press lines were added upon the new facility build. This, along with the latest technology in steel stamping lines, has expanded production capabilities. Additionally, the new facility now has a tool and die repair and maintenance area next to the stamping department which is capable of both tool maintenance and quick changeovers.

More Suitable Work Environment

The new plant has given employees a more work suitable and up-to-date environment. There was the addition of an environmentally controlled air system in the new facility. This was designed to maintain the air from various production lines such as capturing smoke and fume handling systems to ensure air quality. Aside from the air system, the lighting is more efficient for visibility purposes, there was a new temperature system installed which heats and cools the production area, and all other amenities are brand new.

In the future, they are looking into investing in enhancing assembly capabilities. Assembly was mainly transferred over from the old facility without much advancement. The goal is to expand and enhance it for efficiency. In terms of output, Colson Group hopes looking forward with investments in production capabilities, they will be able to drastically increase their product outputs in large amounts. This way they can continue to meet demands and exceed the standards expected by customers.

Facility photo by Nelson Films & Photography

Corrosion Prevention on Your Casters

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When you see rust, you’ve got a problem. Corrosion in casters can occur in a variety of elements and for many different reasons. Moisture in the air, swinging hot and cold temperatures, chemical exposure, and other harsh environmental factors can cause your caster or wheels to corrode. Caster corrosion can leave your caster useless or in need of repair, which can lead to downtime, loss of productivity, unnecessary strain, and sometimes injury. 

Given that most casters are made of metal, from the plate or stem to the wheel bearing or wheel, if any parts of the caster become corroded, it can have a significant impact on its function. Knowing how to prevent corrosion from the start can keep your casters functioning longer and your business productivity moving efficiently.

Various environmental factors can wear casters down quickly and it’s important you monitor the condition of your casters to act fast in the event of corrosion. When there is corrosion in a caster it can lead to failure faster, and failure can lead to injury. For this reason, there are specific casters and wheels designed and carefully tested to withstand severe conditions without wearing down or corroding.

Stainless steel casters are the best option to prevent caster corrosion. Regular steel or zinc-plated metal casters work in traditional applications, but these are far more vulnerable to corrosion in demanding environments. In applications, where there are wide temperature changes in the facility, stainless steel casters are best to withstand these intense temperatures. They are also great for marine environments that encounter salt water. In the medical field, stainless steel casters resist damage from sterilizing chemicals they may meet, and they resist bacteria due to their lack of oxidation.

We understand there may be hesitation with paying more upfront for stainless steel, but in the long run, it will pay off. There’s no sense in buying new casters that will need replacing in a short amount of time. Paying upfront for a caster that can withstand harsh environments will result in better productivity and less downtime in the end. Such as with the Colson D4 Defender Series, designed for customers requiring lasting performance and corrosion resistance.

If you need a replacement or are looking to purchase for the first time, you can trust the knowledge and expertise of Colson Group to provide you with the best casters and wheels for your business, no matter the application or environment. 

Learn more about our stainless steel casters or other options for your business to prevent corrosion by contacting us today.

POTENTIAL HIRES

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Colson has become aware of a fraudulent effort to defraud individuals with illegitimate offers of employment asking for personal information. For information regarding actual open positions at Colson Group, and to apply for employment with Colson, use the careers section of this website. Colson will never ask for banking information prior to accepted employment.

https://secure4.entertimeonline.com/ta/6142183.careers?CareersSearch

Colson Group Makes All Employees an Owner with New Employee Ownership Program

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., April 5th, 2022—Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, has unveiled a new equity participation program which grants employees shares in the company and encourages employees to “act like owners.” Chief Executive Officer Rich Kobor announced that the organization will provide this opportunity to all Colson employees worldwide at an employee appreciation event held at the construction site of the new Colson Group facility in Jonesboro, AR.

“We are working to create a culture of ownership and transparency,” said Kobor. “Our employees make our company what it is, and we want all of them to better share in our success. Our goal is to inspire our employees to act like owners, so that they have a stake in our company’s growth and a voice in our direction.”

The program, which is being structured and implemented in partnership with non-profit Ownership Works, aligns with Colson Group’s interest in creating and developing a strong culture of pride and engagement among its employees. The program aims to encourage employees to take greater responsibility for their work at the company by aligning the interests of both the company and the individual.

“Importantly, we believe this program could make a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and their families, while driving increased value for Colson,” said David Wells, Chief Human Resources Officer.

This approach is based on the conviction that employees are significantly more likely to personally identify with their company if they own a part of it. Employee co-owners are more motivated and committed, willing to assume responsibility, and contribute to their company’s long-term success.

Colson Group is a portfolio company of Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC, New York-based private equity firm that builds stronger businesses by combining financial and operational discipline with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

About Colson Group:
Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and proprietary global value chain delivery unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

Press Contact: Eric Gorte
Phone: 989-859-1864
Email: [email protected]

Introducing: Defender D4 Stainless Steel Casters

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INTRODUCING:
Defender D4 Stainless Steel Casters

Introducing the Defender D4 Series, our strongest and latest advancement in 2″ wide stainless steel kingpin casters. Featuring a robust 3/4″ kingpin construction, Defender D4 rigs outlasted traditional 5/8″ kingpin rigs by up to 2x in internal durability testing—making the Defender D4 your best protection in corrosive environments!

The D4 Series provides an array of solutions ideal for customers requiring lasting performance and corrosion resistance. Constructed from 1/4″ thick Type 304 stainless steel, this new caster series provides a critical defense to applications exposed to washdowns, cleaning agents, steam, caustic solutions, and other environmental conditions that eventually cause oxidation and failure in carbon steel casters.

Below you will find helpful resources to learn more about this new series and even grab CAD models or datasheets.

What makes the Defender D4 unique? 

  • Highly polished Type 304 stainless steel construction
  • 1/4” Thick top plate & legs; legs precision welded to yoke
  • 3/4” Diameter kingpin for durability and long life
  • Food grade performance grease (-40°F to 600°F; FDA approved)
  • Up to 1,250 lb. capacities; 4″-8″ sizes
  • 3-Year warranty
  • NSF listed

 

D4 LITERATURE

Part Numbers & Specifications:  View and download the Colson Defender D4 literature to see the complete product offering.

D4cover

 

WEBSITE + CAD

CAD Models & Datasheets:  Native Defender D4 CAD caster models and 3D interactive datasheets are readily available for download online or on our Caster CAD 3D app. Visit www.colsoncaster.com/D4 and simply change the wheel type to your desired wheel, update the CAD model preview, and download the CAD model/datasheet.

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​​ Will the Defender D4 replace any other legacy Colson Group series? 

The Defender D4 importantly allows Colson Group to optimize its 2″ wide premium stainless steel lines into one power-house offering that delivers best-in-class construction, performance, and competitiveness. Previously fragmented inventories across five brands will be consolidated and enhanced under the Defender D4 program to provide reliable, high levels of service for your stainless requirements. Legacy stainless caster series that will be retired and replaced by the new Defender D4 include: Colson 4 Series SS; Albion 05 Series; Jarvis S81/S82; MedCaster SS; and Bassick Prism SS Series. Please contact your Regional Sales Manager with any questions regarding these product transitions.

Colson Group Announces Strategic Acquisition by Blue Wolf Capital Partners

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLSON GROUP ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC ACQUISITION BY BLUE WOLF CAPITAL PARTNERS
Aligned philosophies and vision for increasing customer value and accelerating global growth

 

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., March 1, 2021 — Colson Group, a global leader in caster and wheel product solutions, today announced its acquisition by Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC (“Blue Wolf”).

“We are excited to partner with Blue Wolf, a firm that shares our philosophies and vision for Colson Group,” stated Tom Blashill, CEO of Colson Group. “While our strong global brands and experienced team attracted substantial investor attention, Blue Wolf differentiated themselves. Their expertise and deep understanding of industrial businesses and customer channels will be a tremendous asset in our plans for operational and service excellence. Blue Wolf appreciates the work completed so far in our global transformation and their skillset and strategy will help accelerate it with further investments in domestic manufacturing, service technologies, and product solutions that continue to separate us from the competition.”

Blue Wolf is a New York-based private equity firm that builds stronger businesses by combining financial and operational discipline with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The firm works closely with management to create value at companies in specialty sectors including niche manufacturing, industrial & engineering services, forest & building products and healthcare services.

“Our experience building best-in-class industrial manufacturing companies positions Blue Wolf well to support Colson Group in accelerating growth and enhancing its current market position and manufacturing strategy,” said Adam Blumenthal, Managing Partner of Blue Wolf Capital Partners. “We are excited to partner with Tom Blashill and the Colson Group management team to provide the necessary capital and resources to drive long-term growth opportunities for the company and its customers. We look forward to building on Colson Group’s rich legacy of product solutions and long-standing business relationships with our commitment to organizational and operational excellence.”

Former owner Sentinel Capital Partners sold Colson Group to Blue Wolf after acquiring the company in 2012. Prior to Sentinel, the company was held by Robert Pritzker who acquired the Colson caster brand in 1953 and built it into the worldwide caster leader that is now Colson Group.

About Colson Group (www.ColsonGroup.com): Colson Group, a global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and proprietary global value chain deliver unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 30 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

About Blue Wolf Capital Partners: Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC is a private equity firm that specializes in control investments in middle market companies. Leading by experience, and with a commitment to excellence, Blue Wolf transforms companies strategically, operationally and collaboratively. Blue Wolf manages challenging situations and complex relationships between business, customers, employees, unions, and regulators to build value for stakeholders. For additional information, please visit www.bluewolfcapital.com.

 

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COLSON GROUP INTRODUCES NEW ANTIMOCRIBIAL SOFT WHEEL FOR HIGH-TEMP STEAM STERILIZATION AND WASH DOWN APPLICATIONS

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL (January 19, 2021) — Colson Group, a global leader in manufacturing casters and wheels, has officially launched an advanced new series of wheels specially made for use on equipment that’s frequently exposed to high-temperature sterilization chambers and repeated cart wash applications. The new Sterilizer High-Temp Soft Wheels are antimicrobial, competitively priced, and feature desirable performance characteristics exceeding wheels typically used in these applications.

As explained by Jeffrey Bader, the company’s product manager for the medical segment, “Hospitals and labs often sterilize instruments and equipment utilizing wheeled carts that historically required hard wheels to handle the frequent exposure to high temperatures and vacuum pressure. This was due to traditional soft wheels flat spotting, melting or breaking down relatively quickly in these conditions—despite it being the preferred option for mobility performance, and noise and vibration reduction. With this launch, customers can now attain these mobility benefits with a soft wheel specifically designed to address these challenges—making the MedCaster Sterilizer Wheel a superior option for case carts, sterilizer carts, test cages, lab equipment and operating room equipment.”

Sterilizer High-Temp Soft Wheels were formulated and independently tested to withstand typical steam sterilization cycles of 280°F at -32 psi vacuum pressure, without developing flat spots or having the outer tread separate from the core. Even under these extreme conditions, the wheels provide excellent traction and quiet performance, absorbing shock and vibration much greater than the hard wheels traditionally required.

Available in both 5” and 6” wheel diameters, MedCaster Sterilizer wheels feature stainless steel thread guards to prevent the collection of entangling debris, dual-shielded precision ball bearings for smooth and quiet mobility, and debris-rejecting antimicrobial treads for durability and performance. Add the Sterilizer Wheel to MedCaster’s recently upgraded SX Series swivel, rigid, total lock, or direction lock caster solutions to gain all of the high-temp benefits for your carts or equipment. For additional information, please visit www.medcaster.com/Sterilizer or connect with caster experts at www.medcaster.com/contact to help solve any of your mobility needs.

About Colson Group: Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and proprietary global value chain delivery unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 25 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.

Colson Group Acquires Assets of Vulcan Industries, Inc.

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Expands global product solutions and service capabilities.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL., October 21, 2020 — Colson Group, a leading global caster and wheel company, announced today that it has completed the asset acquisition of Vulcan Industries, Inc..

“With complementing products and customer bases, this acquisition was a natural fit to broaden and enhance the product solutions and services available to our collective customers,” stated Tom Blashill, CEO of Colson Group. “United by common goals for quality products and responsive service, we are committed to advancing the high level of service Vulcan customers are familiar with through our established global infrastructure and investments in technology and people.”

For years, the Vulcan brand has provided customers throughout North America with high quality casters for various light and medium duty applications—specializing in solutions for food service, hospitality, and medical industries.

“This acquisition integrates the Vulcan brand and resources into Colson Group’s leading portfolio and US infrastructure, enabling it to leverage new channels for growth,” said Bjorn Haldorsen, President of Colson Group North America. “In addition, Vulcan customers now also have access to our global engineering, manufacturing, and service resources to help them solve any of their mobility or supply chain challenges. We are extremely pleased to welcome the Vulcan team to Colson Group.”

vulcan

About Colson Group (www.ColsonGroup.com): Colson Group, the global leader in caster and wheel products, creates and drives solutions that move lives forward. World renowned brands provide specialized mobility for every industry and market. A leading product portfolio and proprietary global value chain delivery unparalleled efficiencies and support. With over 1,600 employees across 30 global facilities, Colson Group is committed to its customers’ success, ensuring proper products are selected or designed from the start, and always keeping the end-users’ safety, efficiency, and happiness in mind.