About Us: Columbia Manufacturing
Columbia Manufacturing, Inc., was founded on a tradition of American craftsmanship by Colonel Albert Pope back in 1877. The privately owned company, based in Westfield, Massachusetts, established itself as a premier bicycle manufacturer and became known as “America’s First Bicycle.” In 1952, as a way to diversify its product line and keep the factory busy in the slow periods, Columbia started manufacturing durable school furniture. School furniture is now the primary product manufactured in our Westfield facility. Learn more about us below.
Our Mission
Our mission is to produce and continually develop quality products at a competitive price while fostering a climate where environmental technologies can thrive. We will always strive to service our customers with the utmost integrity and to their complete satisfaction. It is our goal to ensure our mission by continuous self-improvement, growth in our operations and employees; while maintaining profitability to the benefit of our customers, employees and community. All employees will work together in combining their efforts and skills to ensure our mission and goals are fulfilled in a courteous manner.
Our Vision
The vision of Columbia Manufacturing is to continue the heritage of our company and be a premier American manufacturer of top-quality products. We dedicate ourselves to be the supplier of choice when our type of products is sought. This vision will be accomplished by sharing the responsibilities of planning and decision making with all our employees. Columbia will strive to maintain the image it has developed over the many years with its suppliers, employees and community as a company of excellence.
Our Facility
Sitting on 36 acres, our 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility still has the original factory at its core. It is equipped with the latest technology, including a zero-discharge nickel/chrome plating facility, which has won numerous environmental awards for its recycling abilities and extreme reduction of water usage.
We use computer-assisted design to develop and improve our classroom furniture. Our process incorporates the latest ergonomic and anthropometric research to ensure our school furniture is not only well made but also supports students with comfort and safety. We want every student to feel empowered to focus, learn and achieve their dreams.
We have also invested in new technologies to assist in producing top-quality and durable school furniture. Our automated bender, hard plastic facility and new cutting saw all helped alleviate supplier delays and now allow us to control our own production.
Our People
Our nearly 75-year history of crafting America’s Finest School Furniture would not have happened without the commitment of our people. Columbia employees comprise a dedicated, talented and a diverse group of individuals who work as a team to create the highest possible quality American-made school furniture. We pride ourselves on that and are thankful to all those who helped make Columbia so successful over the years.
Our History
Prior to manufacturing scholastic furniture beginning in 1952, Columbia Manufacturing was known worldwide for its bicycles. We share a few highlights from the Columbia Manufacturing history below.
Columbia History Highlights
- In 1877, Colonel Albert Pope founded the bicycle industry in the United States. One of the products he manufactured was the Columbia Bicycle.
- Pope pioneered improvements in drop forging, metal turning, steel hardening and metal plating.
- By 1897, the Pope Manufacturing Co. held over 50 patents. That same year, The Columbia Manufacturing facility opened in Westfield, Massachusetts, producing bicycles and motorbikes.
- By 1900, Columbia was the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world.
- Columbia boasted many firsts in its industry, including the first: American-made bicycle, cushion tires, pneumatic tires on a bicycle, diamond and twinbar frames, coaster brake, chainless bicycle, spring fork, tandem bicycle and middleweight sport bicycle.
- In 1952, Columbia began manufacturing school furniture, which is now our primary product and is manufactured in our Westfield facility.
Programs
Need it fast? Some of our most popular products are available to ship within five business days through our QuickShip Program. And with Build & Hold, you can order now to lock in pricing, and we’ll store your volume order and ship when you’re ready.
