May 20, 2019

Colorado Springs Merges Manufacturing & Innovation

welder

Thanks to factors like low utility costs and the city’s skilled workforce, the Colorado Springs manufacturing sector is thriving. Home to no less than 402 manufacturing companies and 11,600 employees, not to mention one of the largest Foreign Trade Zones in the country, there’s no better place to locate manufacturing operations, regardless of industry sector.

Part of the sector’s growing success can be attributed to innovative manufacturing training programs offered at Colorado Springs’ top-tier higher education institutions, which contribute to the city’s highly skilled workforce. At local institutions, University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and Pike’s Peak Community College, there’s no shortage of educational opportunities available to those interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing. For example, Pike’s Peak Community College offers a two-year Manufacturing Technology degree program. Upon enrollment, students choose between a Machining Technology or Advanced Manufacturing emphasis, both of which are designed to prepare students for entry-level machining and technology manufacturing jobs or advance their existing skill sets. Meanwhile, UCCS offers several engineering degree programs which are supported by manufacturing capabilities at the Center for Advanced Technologies and Optical Materials Core Facilities.

Colorado Springs also benefits from several community organizations that support the city’s manufacturing industry, including CAMA South and Manufacturer’s Edge. We’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention Pikes Peak Makerspace, a donation-based workshop facility that marries conventional manufacturing and artisan creativity. Members of the facility enjoy access to a plethora of technologically advanced tools, including 3D Printers, laser engravers, and professional saws. Additionally, the facility offers workshops and training that promote creativity and help members to advance their knowledge of crucial manufacturing processes.

Colorado Springs is host to the operations of hundreds of manufacturing companies of all sizes and types. Here are a few of the innovative leaders putting Colorado Springs on the global manufacturing map:

Advantage Manufacturing

With over 100 years of aerospace and military projects under its belt, Advantage Manufacturing is well-versed in precision machining, welding, finishing, assembly, and fulfillment. Advantage Manufacturing’s impressive 70,000 square foot facility also serves the medical, communications, food-processing, transportation industries, among others, with its top-of-the-line equipment.

Woodford Manufacturing Company

Specializing in residential, commercial, and agricultural hydrants, freezeless wall faucets, and vacuum breakers, Woodford Manufacturing has been a staple in Colorado Springs for over 80 years.

Diversified Machine Systems

An industry-leading designer and manufacturer of CNC routers and machining centers, Diversified Machine Systems services everything from recreational vehicles to woodworking. The company’s technologically advanced facilities include a fully equipped machine shop, large scale CNC machining center, and in-house mechanical and electrical engineering.

Keysight Technologies

With over 80 years of experience, Keysight Technologies provides industry-specific manufacturing in a diverse set of industries, including aerospace and defense, automotive and energy, communications, and government.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin, a global giant with worldwide interests in aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies, is also a leader in advanced manufacturing. The firm has a strong presence in Colorado, including a location near the Colorado Springs Airport.

Qualtek Manufacturing 

Qualtek is renowned for both its metal manufacturing services and sustainability efforts. They’re reducing their carbon footprint through a combination of wind power, solar energy, and water conservation.

Springs Fabrication

Springs Fabrication manufactures high-end engineered metal products for numerous industries, including energy, government, and military. In fact, the company impressively led the assembly for a system that filtered radiation out of Fukushima’s waters following the 2011 nuclear disaster.

Learn more about the city’s diverse manufacturing sector, or get in touch with our team today.