Portland Bolt Expands National Footprint and Technical Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition of Vermont-Based Applied Bolting Technology
In a move that underscores its commitment to innovation, domestic manufacturing, and global growth, Portland Bolt & Manufacturing Co., LLC (“Portland Bolt”), a century-old leader in the fastener industry, has acquired Applied Bolting Technology, a Vermont-based manufacturer of proprietary bolting solutions. The transaction brings together two high-performance companies known for engineering excellence and bolstering structural reliability across construction and industrial sectors.
Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Portland Bolt is one of the most respected domestic producers of nonstandard anchor bolts and construction fasteners. The acquisition of Applied Bolting Technology, based in Bellows Falls, Vermont, significantly expands Portland Bolt’s product portfolio and engineering capacity. It also enhances the company’s ability to serve customers with precision-engineered fastening solutions that meet the demanding specifications of infrastructure, energy, transportation, and heavy construction projects across North America and around the world.
Applied Bolting Technology is best known for its patented Direct Tension Indicating (DTI) washers, including the widely adopted Squirter® DTI. These devices provide visual, real-time confirmation that structural bolts have been properly tensioned—a critical factor in the safety and long-term performance of bolted connections in bridges, skyscrapers, wind turbines, and countless other applications. By integrating Applied Bolting’s unique product line into its operations, Portland Bolt reinforces its ability to deliver solutions that combine mechanical strength with installation efficiency and inspection accuracy.
We are excited to welcome the Applied Bolting team to the Portland Bolt family,” said Blake Ray, Chief Executive Officer of Portland Bolt. “Applied Bolting’s innovative products, strong customer relationships, and passion to educate the industry complement our existing businesses and will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients across the world.”
Strengthening a Legacy of Innovation
This acquisition is not merely a corporate expansion; it represents a strategic alignment of two engineering-driven organizations that share deep-rooted values in quality, education, and service. Applied Bolting, founded in 1994, has earned a reputation as a thought leader in the bolting industry, regularly contributing to technical forums, research, and industry training. Its products are known not only for their reliability but also for their ability to simplify compliance with bolting standards like ASTM F959 and AISC specifications.
By bringing Applied Bolting into its operational umbrella, Portland Bolt signals a broader ambition: to play an even more central role in the development and implementation of next-generation fastening systems. This includes continuing to advance methods that ensure proper bolt tensioning, improve field inspection protocols, and reduce the risk of joint failure in mission-critical applications.
John Cummings, President of Applied Bolting Technology, emphasized the cultural and strategic fit between the two companies:
We’re excited to partner with Portland Bolt and take the next step in Applied Bolting’s journey,” Cummings said. “Our combined capabilities will allow us to grow our footprint, expand our offerings, and continue delivering high-performance solutions to our customers.”
Enhancing Manufacturing Synergies and Geographic Reach
Portland Bolt’s acquisition strategy reflects a broader trend within the U.S. manufacturing sector: the reshoring and vertical integration of industrial supply chains. With ongoing global uncertainty and persistent disruptions in freight and logistics, customers are increasingly looking for domestic manufacturers who can offer short lead times, high quality, and technical collaboration. Portland Bolt has built its business on precisely these pillars.
The company currently operates over 165,000 square feet of manufacturing space across two locations—its longstanding Portland, Oregon facility in the Pacific Northwest and a newer site in North Augusta, South Carolina, strategically positioned to serve the Southeast. Both facilities include hot-dip galvanizing operations, a rare capability among fastener manufacturers that allows Portland Bolt to maintain tighter quality control and accelerate delivery schedules.
Applied Bolting will continue operating independently from its Bellows Falls location, ensuring continuity for its customers and preserving the unique expertise of its leadership and technical teams. Rather than folding operations into an existing Portland Bolt facility, the decision to retain Applied Bolting’s Vermont-based presence also expands the parent company’s national manufacturing footprint—bridging the gap between East and West Coast operations.
This coast-to-coast coverage is expected to strengthen customer support, reduce transit times, and offer greater flexibility for projects requiring custom or expedited orders. It also positions Portland Bolt to meet growing demand in Eastern and Midwestern U.S. markets, including infrastructure rehabilitation efforts driven by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which has unlocked significant investments in bridges, ports, rail, and highways.
A Strategic Acquisition for Long-Term Growth
Portland Bolt’s acquisition of Applied Bolting is a clear signal of the company’s long-term growth strategy: expand into adjacent product categories while remaining focused on customer-centric service, engineering leadership, and fast, reliable delivery. This disciplined yet ambitious strategy has allowed Portland Bolt to stand out in a competitive marketplace where many manufacturers have either outsourced or downsized their operations in recent decades.
In contrast, Portland Bolt has doubled down on domestic production, adding capabilities like CNC machining, threading, hot forging, and galvanizing under one roof. The addition of Applied Bolting’s proprietary washer technology marks an expansion into a complementary niche of the fastening ecosystem—one that is directly tied to structural integrity and safety compliance.
Direct Tension Indicators, especially Squirter® DTIs, have become indispensable in a wide range of sectors:
- Bridge and highway construction: DTIs ensure that high-strength bolted connections meet Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications.
- Commercial buildings and towers: DTIs help ensure consistency in multi-story steel frames where hundreds or thousands of bolts must be correctly tensioned.
- Energy infrastructure: From wind turbine towers to transmission stations, DTIs streamline field installation and inspection processes in remote or harsh environments.
- Industrial facilities: Applications include processing plants, conveyor systems, and other large-scale installations where vibration resistance and load transfer are critical.
With many engineers, inspectors, and project managers already specifying Squirter® DTIs in their designs, Portland Bolt is now in a stronger position to collaborate earlier in the project lifecycle and offer turnkey bolting packages—from anchor bolts to tension-indicating washers—all manufactured in the U.S.
Technical Expertise and Customer Education
A core reason for Applied Bolting’s strong industry reputation lies in its commitment to technical education. The company regularly publishes white papers, technical guides, and training videos aimed at improving bolting practices in the field. These materials demystify complex topics such as bolt tensioning methods, calibration techniques, and torque-tension relationships. With Portland Bolt’s broader platform and reach, this content can now be amplified and integrated into a more comprehensive educational initiative for the fastener and construction industries.
From field installers to design engineers, the ability to visually confirm bolt tension using a washer with a built-in indicator offers peace of mind—especially on projects where time, safety, and regulatory compliance are paramount.
The two companies share a common philosophy: educating clients is just as important as manufacturing high-quality products. Portland Bolt has long emphasized transparent quoting, technical documentation, and personalized support to help customers make informed decisions about anchor bolt configurations, material selections, and finishing options.
By adding Applied Bolting’s DTI products and expertise to its offerings, Portland Bolt becomes even more valuable as a consultative partner—not just a parts supplier.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
The acquisition has been well-received within the structural steel, industrial fabrication, and transportation infrastructure communities. It also speaks to a broader resurgence in U.S.-based manufacturing, where companies like Portland Bolt are not only surviving but thriving by investing in people, processes, and technology.
While terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed, G2 Capital Advisors acted as the exclusive buy-side advisor to Portland Bolt, facilitating the transaction. The firm is known for its advisory work in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, and its involvement highlights the strategic significance of this acquisition within the broader capital markets context.
For Portland Bolt, the acquisition represents an inflection point: the company is positioning itself not only as a manufacturer of custom fasteners but as a platform for engineered fastening solutions that deliver reliability from the foundation to the finish of a project.
Looking ahead, executives from both companies have signaled that additional product development, technical integration, and customer outreach are already underway. There are plans to expand the distribution of DTIs through Portland Bolt’s sales network, introduce joint technical training initiatives, and explore co-developed product lines that respond to emerging industry trends such as modular construction, renewable energy infrastructure, and automated inspection technologies.
About Portland Bolt
Founded in 1912, Portland Bolt & Manufacturing Co., LLC is a vertically integrated manufacturer of nonstandard and custom construction fasteners, including anchor bolts, headed bolts, bent bolts, and more. With over 165,000 square feet of production space between its Portland, Oregon and North Augusta, South Carolina facilities, Portland Bolt provides end-to-end manufacturing services, including in-house hot-dip galvanizing. The company serves a wide array of markets, including government and infrastructure, steel fabrication, transportation, energy, and industrial construction. Portland Bolt is known for its best-in-class lead times, engineering support, and commitment to domestic manufacturing.
About Applied Bolting Technology
Established in 1994 and headquartered in Bellows Falls, Vermont, Applied Bolting Technology is the leading U.S. manufacturer of Direct Tension Indicators (DTIs), including the patented Squirter® DTI. These innovative washers provide clear visual cues when proper bolt tension is achieved, simplifying installation and improving inspection reliability. Applied Bolting’s products are widely used in structural steel, transportation, energy, and industrial sectors worldwide.
