Challenger Brass & Copper invests $1M to expand

Challenger Brass and Copper Inc., a Toa Baja company dedicated to the commercialization and distribution of copper, brass, bronze, stainless steels and aluminum, announced Monday plans to invest $1 million on equipment and machinery to establish a copper parts manufacturing line.
The manufacturing business is expected to begin operating in May, said Abimael Padilla, the company’s new general manager who took over the post in September.
“Through a business transformation strategy we’re expanding Challenger Brass & Copper’s offerings to meet a demand from the electronics industry, construction, public agencies, tool and die makers, hardware stores and blacksmiths, among other sectors” said Padilla.
During its 26 years on the island, CBC has focused its business on the sale and distribution of unfinished product such as rods, reel tapes, and wires, among others. The company is backed by its sister company in Mexico dedicated to the manufacture, sale and distribution of high quality nonferrous metals. Its customers include Eaton, General Electric and Hubbell Inc.
“Challenger Brass & Copper has been known for its focus on customer service and the quality of our materials that come from Mexico and the U.S. and are internationally recognized. Soon, we will bring copper from Peru, one of the largest copper producers in the world,” Padilla said.
CBC currently has a payroll of nine people, but the introduction of the manufacturing line and a distribution center in 2015, that total should increase by five people, he said. The company plans to expand its operations to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic in 2016.