Tribe buys Berg Integrated Systems

Posted: Thursday, Jul 06, 2006 - 11:14:13 pm PDT
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JASON HUNT/Press Marty Nuxoll places a large fender on a custom made tractor box at their shop in Coeur d'Alene Thursday.

The company formerly named F.O. Berg is one of the top 100 oldest in Washington

COEUR d'ALENE -- The Coeur d'Alene Tribe has acquired majority ownership in Berg Integrated Systems, a Coeur d'Alene-based company formerly known as Echelon Manufacturing.

Relocation from the present facility on Huetter Road has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of July.

"We are excited for the economic growth opportunities that Berg Integrated Systems will provide for our communities," said Chief Allan, chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. "The Berg Companies are local, highly esteemed, and have a long track record of high-quality products and efficient manufacturing that provides a win-win for all parties involved."

Andy Barrett and Craig Dolsby, managing partners for Berg, said the partnership will provide for critical growth opportunities in the future.

"This teaming agreement cements the oldest company in northern Idaho and eastern Washington with a Tribe that has been doing business in this area for thousands of years," Barrett said. "This partnership can only expand our ability to take clients' concepts to reality faster and more efficiently than anyone in the industry."

Products manufactured at Berg include highly engineered automated hydraulic mine doors, water purification trailers, custom manufacturing equipment and large material handling systems.

After signing the agreement, the Tribe began renovation on an existing structure on the Coeur d'Alene reservation in Plummer that will be the new manufacturing headquarters for Berg.

Currently, Berg Integrated Systems employs about 10.

With the move to the new facility and ongoing business development, the company could eventually employ up to 250 people.

Barrett said bids are out on some jobs that could results within six months, while others could be a year or more away.

"The workforce is here and willing," Allan said. "These will be good-paying manufacturing jobs that will make a meaningful difference in the quality of life for families on our reservation and in northern Idaho."

Those jobs start at about $15 per hour, Barrett said, with many engineering and other highly skilled positions paying much more.

"This is not a call center," he said.

Barrett said many jobs will go to tribal members, but there is no preset number.

"We are committed to providing job opportunities to the Coeur d'Alene Tribal community," Dolsby said. "By growing Berg Integrated Systems into a state-of-the-art company, we also diversify and enrich the regional economy of northern Idaho.

"This is a good day in a long history of the Berg Companies, and we'll look forward to many more."

Steve Griffitts, president of Jobs Plus, played a key role in introducing the two entities.

"Jobs Plus focuses on expanding and diversifying the economic base of Kootenai County," Griffitts said. "This is a great marriage between two organizations that together will ultimately provide significant opportunities for high-quality jobs, skill development and economic growth in the region.

"I look forward to watching Berg Integrated Systems realize its full potential in partnership with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe."