Cambridge International Consolidates and Opens New Facility

More than a century after opening its doors on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Cambridge International (Cambridge, MD), a world leading manufacturer of metal conveyor belts and a leading producer of architectural mesh, recently held a recognition event to celebrate the company’s most profitable year and the renovation and unification of its two plants on Goodwill Road in Cambridge.

Completed over six months, the company relocated all conveyor belt and wire mesh manufacturing into its 237,000 sq ft headquarters in a move that included 65 employees and 37 pieces of equipment and is expected to greatly improve operations, enhance productivity and increase capacity to meet growing product demand.

During the event, Tracy L. Tyler, a 24-year veteran who has overseen a strong period of global expansion since she was named company president and chief executive officer in 2010, announced that 2015 was the most successful year in company history. Speaking to more than 200 employees, she congratulated team members for their contributions and commitment to making them the world’s most dominant metal belt and mesh manufacturer.

“Our success is the direct result of the role each of you play every day to design, fabricate, install and sell our world-class products,” Tyler told them. “I’ve never been more proud to lead this company, and I know that our best years still lie ahead.” She announced that every employee will receive a 50 percent increase in discretionary profit-sharing as a result of the strong performance in 2015.

Tyler also declared completion of the One-Maryland plant unification. Following the 1998 merger of Cambridge Wire Cloth (Plant 1) and Maryland Wire Belts (Plant 2), Cambridge International operated two separate facilities near one another on Goodwill Road. The company has now consolidated all Maryland employees and business units under one roof. They optimized the footprint of their main building to unite the workforce, leverage synergies and strengthen operations.

Renovations included a new product development area, manufacturing and process improvements, and numerous facility upgrades. Recent interior and lobby improvements include exhibits that trace the company’s 105-year history and highlight their mission, vision, values and people. “Our upgrades and new Innovation Center inspire collaboration,” Tyler stated. “This improved environment facilitates teamwork and encourages continued development of products, practices and processes to better serve our customers and exceed their expectations.”

Chief operating officer Tom Ross and engineering director Bob Maine oversaw the renovation. The outcomes will help to grow their workforce, strengthen productivity and problem-solving capabilities and create better processes to meet market demands. “Consolidating manufacturing, shipping and receiving operations allows us to further grow the business and invest those savings in technologies, training and tools that help our team compete in a global market,” added Ross.

The new 7,000 sq ft Innovation Center is a dedicated product development and testing lab that includes an engineering department and test conveyors to showcase innovation and improvements to visiting clients. Engraved plaques showcasing the company’s 38 active patents and trademarks line the center’s walls. The company plans to sell the Plant 2 facility located at 105 Goodwill Road.

Human resource director Heather Hillaert closed the recognition event by announcing the company’s 2015 MVPs. Selected by their colleagues, employees are recognized in five categories, with recipients being Thomas Busch, (Excellent Engineering); Tessie Hernandez, (MVP Employee Choice); Nat Keene, (Magnificent Manufacturing); Melissa Lewis, (Outstanding Office); Irma Santos, (MVP Employee Choice); and Ivan Zorn, (Rookie of the Year). Each 2015 MVP received a $1,000 check.

www.cambridge-intl.com