Privately owned dietary supplement contract manufacturer Columbia Nutritional, Vancouver, WA, agreed to acquire Pacific Nutritional Inc. (PNI), also a custom contract manufacturer based in Vancouver, WA. By merging the services and capabilities of the two companies, Columbia said it will significantly expand capacity.

“Columbia’s acquisition of PNI represents a significant step forward in our long-term strategy to develop Columbia into the most respected, high quality, customer-responsive contract manufacturer in the industry,” said Kevin Unger, CEO of Columbia, which has more than 20 years of experience producing health solutions in capsule, tablet and powder form. “Our capabilities and services complement each other very well, and the acquisition will provide the significant capacity expansion we need to support the growth of our customers and new opportunities that surface, while keeping with the long-term vision of our owners.”

Columbia was acquired from its original founding team in 2013 by Mr. Unger, a 20-year veteran of the medical device and orthopedic implant markets, and a small group of private investors. His experience in these highly regulated industries gives him a unique understanding of FDA’s cGMP compliance requirements. Under his leadership, Columbia has more than doubled revenues, tripled manufacturing capacity, gained GMP certification from NSF, commercialized over 100 new customer products annually and achieved a strong audit track record with FDA. “My background in medical implants has taught me to pay close attention to quality,” he said. “We believe an uncompromised commitment to quality creates great competitive advantage for us and for our customers, and will allow Columbia to be a risk mitigator and growth catalyst for our customers.”

“Marketers seek to partner with a contract manufacturer that not only complies with FDA regulations, but can respond proactively and deliver results,” added Ned Becker, executive vice president for Columbia.  As an industry veteran and previous co-founder of a dietary supplement contract manufacturing company, Mr. Becker offers more than 30 years’ experience in the development and manufacturing of supplements, OTC drugs, foods and beverages.

“Columbia takes an aggressive partnership strategy with customers to support their brands and the quality of their products,” Mr. Becker said. “The PNI acquisition will allow Columbia to leverage the scale of the two operations to increase operational efficiencies and expand manufacturing capacities, resulting in a greater value for our customers. It is our commitment to customers to ensure Columbia performs at the highest level possible and goes the extra mile to deliver quality products on time.”