Bull pen building a big hit with firm

A small manufacturing firm took advantage of a slumping real estate market to buy a building that allowed the company to return to Colorado Springs after a four-year absence.

Diversified Machine Systems Inc. returned to the Springs this year from Lindsay, Texas, after buying a former indoor baseball facility near Interstate 25 and Circle Drive. The company renovated the building to house its headquarters and manufacturing operations.

"When they left four years ago, they were expanding and couldn't find anything affordable in Colorado Springs. They needed to expand again, and the former Bull Pen building was the right price," said Howard Stableford, the company's vice president of sales and marketing.

Diversified employs 38 people at 2310 Executive Circle to produce sophisticated cutting and shaping machines used to make electric guitars, airline tray tables and other items. The company could employ 90 within five years if it continues growing at its current rate, Stableford said. Company workers earn as much as $80,000 a year, he said.

A partnership headed by Diversified owner Patrick Bollar paid $1.5 million in July for the 30,000-square-foot building, which had a dirt floor. Bollar spent more than $300,000 to renovate the building before Diversified moved in four months ago.

"DMS is an ideal company from our perspective. A manufacturing headquarters with above-average wages is right at the top of our wish list," said Mike Kazmierski, president of the Colorado Springs Economic Development Corp., which helped bring Diversified back to the city.

The company plans a news conference Thursday at its offices and manufacturing plant to formally announce its return.

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