Climax is a worldwide leader in one-of-a-kind machine tool design and manufacture. It provides customers with engineering services, on-site standard and custom portable machine tools, and training on the tools. Climax exports products to more than 20 countries. With annual compound sales growth topping 22 percent since 2003, Climax can boast plenty of happy customers and a 300 percent increase in demand for its products. It employs a highly skilled workforce. Climax has found a partner in Business Oregon. Beginning with loan assistance 28 years ago, Climax has continued to work closely with the department and its business development officer. It has used Business Oregon programs to help fund its growth; train, retain and expand its workforce; and adopt best practices, particularly lean manufacturing. Several years ago, the company initiated a major manufacturing expansion program to increase market share and productivity, and to access new and expanding markets. It not only needed to expand its Newberg facility, but also to add new machining equipment. With new hires coming on board, new processes being put into place, and new equipment on its way, the company's training needs dramatically increased. In Spring 2007, Business Oregon requested and received a forgivable loan from the Governor's Strategic Reserve Fund to help Climax fund costs associated with training such as curriculum development for employees and vendors, materials, implementation and hiring of training consultants. "We love people who can make things happen," Geoff Gilmore, Climax CEO, reflected about his experience with Business Oregon.