Interroll, Wilmington, N.C., upgraded its Cañon City, Colo., production facility to be a global Center of Excellence.

In July 2013, Interroll Group acquired Portec Inc. USA, which has been operating under Interroll Engineering West Inc. since 2014. This center integrates Portec’s belt curves with Interroll’s extensive production know-how.

“The decision was the logical next step after the successful integration of Portec,” says Dr. Ralf Garlichs, executive vice president products and technology for Interroll. “We will use the experience of our team in Cañon City for the coming innovations and the support of our production sites for belt curves in Asia and Europe.”

Interroll made significant investments, including new computer systems, a more modernized manufacturing plant, streamlined operations and applying Kaizen principles, all while maintaining the focus on quality and reliability and reducing response time of the service.

Interroll professionally trained a group of technicians across the world to help customers with their maintenance and service needs. The company also restructured the sales staff to become an integral part of Interroll´s existing sales network for better and faster service to the customers.

"The integration of Portec in Interroll Group was the best way to consistently take advantage of growth opportunities and continuing our long-term success in a global market," says Tim McGill, executive vice president Americas, Portec. "After the integration in Interroll, our customers continue to have access to our solution portfolio while benefiting from a strong business partner, offering complementary solutions, access to international markets, industry expertise and long-term stability."