This Whatcom employer buys Spanish manufacturing company to expand its global reach
A well-known Whatcom County business has acquired a Spanish manufacturing company, expanding its business to reach new areas across the globe.
Samson Rope Technologies, a synthetic rope manufacturer in Ferndale, has been in business for 140 years and is now acquiring Folch Ropes to “combine strengths” of the two companies, according to a Monday, Jan. 23 news release from Samson.
Barcelona-based Folch Ropes began making braided ropes in 1942 for the steel industry and now serves a wider customer base for towing, commercial fishing, mining and more.
“We are enthusiastic about the impact of the combined strengths of Samson and Folch. The addition of Folch will not only grow our manufacturing footprint but also allows us to further leverage the success of a strong, established organization that the Folch family has built over the generations,” Christian Rheault, chief executive officer of Samson Rope Technologies, wrote in the news release.
The Whatcom County business is gaining “a footprint for future investment, an expanded global presence, a more diversified product and market presence, and a high-performing team in Spain as a result of this acquisition,” Amber Pitton, Samson marketing communications manager, wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald.
The business deal comes with plans to enable strategic growth for Samson through the combined United States and Spanish clientele, as well as increasing the business’ footprint in Europe.
“Samson has been looking for the right partner to help us achieve our European growth objectives. Samson and Folch have been in discussions for quite some time on how we might leverage each other’s strengths to serve the European market better,” Pitton wrote.
“Like Samson, Folch has a well-recognized name in the industry. In addition, having a manufacturing facility in Spain will allow Samson to serve our European customers better and grow share in Europe,” Pitton wrote.
Although the acquisition is bringing change to the Whatcom County business, there are no additional local hiring plans besides a few job openings currently listed by Samson.
“Samson’s anticipated longer-term realized growth could potentially result in additional jobs in the area due to this investment,” Pitton wrote.
