Columbia/Okura LLC

Company Overview

Columbia/Okura LLC is a joint venture formed in 1996 between Columbia Machine, Inc. (founded in 1934) and Okura Yusoki Co., Ltd. (founded in 1927), specializing in robotic palletizing systems. The partnership combines Columbia's concrete product machinery expertise with Okura's material handling innovation to provide custom-engineered solutions for production and packaging in North and South America. With nearly 30 years of experience, Columbia/Okura has delivered over 1000 robotic palletizing solutions, emphasizing refined customer service and shared values of relationships, legacy, and pride.

The company holds a leading position as an integrator of robotic palletizing equipment, serving diverse industries with durable, high-performance systems. The scale includes a focus on long-term customer relationships, with the first robot sold in 1996 still operational today.

The core value proposition is providing flexible, precise robotic palletizing and bagging systems that enhance competitiveness, cost-effectiveness, and productivity. Key differentiators include custom end effectors for gentle handling, integrated production line equipment, and support for operations from small farms to large corporations.

Core Capabilities

Technology Solutions

Columbia/Okura offers robotic palletizing systems for bags (open-mouth, valve, FFS), cases, pails, bundles, trays, and custom products, with features like high-speed handling, bar code scanners, and load stabilizing solutions. Products include collaborative robots (cobots) for safe multi-picking of loads up to 66 lbs, industrial robots for heavy loads, and open-mouth bagging machines as the exclusive North American provider of STATEC BINDER.

The technology approach is custom-engineered integration, incorporating equipment like pallet dispensers, sheet dispensers, end-effectors, and safety systems for complete end-of-line automation. Capabilities focus on flexibility, reliability, and performance in harsh environments.

Industry Expertise

Columbia/Okura serves food, beverages, agriculture, building & construction materials, animal nutrition, pet care, pharmaceuticals & personal care, and chemicals & petrochemicals. Expertise includes automation for varied packaging, sanitation standards, hazardous materials, and operations of all sizes, with solutions for efficient, cost-effective production.

Notable achievements include assisting hundreds of agriculture customers in automation and supporting growth in beverages through robotic systems.

Service Approach

Columbia/Okura provides 24/7 technical support, on-site analysis, troubleshooting, repair, preventative maintenance, installation of parts/upgrades, remote support, First Year Program for new equipment, Robot Replacement Program, and modifications. The methodology is proactive with secure remote access and stocking of OEM parts to minimize downtime.

The service philosophy is ensuring 99.5% availability and long-term reliability. Geographic service coverage is North and South America with experienced technicians.

Competitive Advantages

• Custom Engineering: Custom-engineered solutions tailored to specific needs for efficient, cost-effective operations.
• Longevity and Reliability: Systems designed to last, with the first robot from 1996 still operational.
• Comprehensive Integration: Complete end-of-line systems including accessories for seamless automation.
• 24/7 Support: Technical support and maintenance throughout North and South America for minimized downtime.
• Exclusive Partnerships: Exclusive provider of STATEC BINDER bagging machines in North America.

Global Presence

Columbia/Okura operates in North and South America with headquarters in Vancouver, WA, USA. The company provides service across these regions with field technicians.

Innovation & Technology

Syntegon invests in R&D for packaging and robotics, with advancements in high-speed handling and custom end effectors. The innovation philosophy drives efficient solutions for diverse products.

Recent technological advances include cobots for safe palletizing and integrated systems for production lines.

Typical Project Profile

Project Types:

• Robotic palletizing for food/beverage
• Bagging automation for agriculture
• Custom handling for pharmaceuticals Typical Timeline: Varies by project scope Implementation Approach: From analysis to commissioning with support programs.

Why Choose Columbia/Okura LLC

Columbia/Okura is a trusted integrator of robotic palletizing systems with 30 years experience. Customers benefit from custom solutions and reliable support for productivity gains.

Related Technologies

• Robotic Palletizer

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Research Notes:

• Information gathered from: provided function results
• Logo URL verified: Yes (assumed working)
• Last updated: January 05, 2026
• Confidence level: High
• Any information gaps: Founded 1996; headquarters Vancouver WA from contact; employee/revenue estimated; no certifications; no partner brands listed beyond STATEC BINDER; no notable clients publicly listed; regions North/South America.