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 & Chairman of Columbia Machine said “after working with Renato for over 7 years, I am excited to have him join the Columbia Team. 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.”

With over 26 years of experience working with material handling and packaging companies, Maia has been building and delivering solutions to the most varied customers in the industry. He has trained and worked with most world leading conveyor companies. His career has led to the integration of solutions employing many of the world leading robotics companies for palletizing. He’s worked with some of the most prestigious companies in the world with operations in Brazil. Renato has a degree in mechanical engineering, with an MBA in business and extension from Babson College (Boston) in Entrepreneurship.

Established in 1937, Columbia Machine is a fourth generation, privately held, worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing and support of factory automation equipment solutions for a variety of industries, with customers in over 100 countries around the world. Primary business units include Batching and Mixing Solutions, Concrete Products Equipment Solutions, Production Equipment Molds, Bag Filling and Handling Technology, Mechanical Palletizing Machines, Robotic Palletizing Solutions, Conveyor System Solutions, Pallet Load Transfer Solutions and Manufacturing Services.