Bell’s Powder Coating Inc. Named Manufacturer of the Year for MA

BOSTON – The Small Business Administration (SBA) has named Bell’s Powder Coating the 2023 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year for Massachusetts.

Paul and Nancy Belham earned this recognition for 25 years of successfully business development of Bell’s Powder Coating. An electrostatic powder coating company working with various industries, the business performs coating finishes on items such as lottery vending machines, computer boxes, electronic fixtures, exercise equipment, and architectural items for example, according to the unique specifications of their clients.

Bell’s Powder Coating offers a wide variety of powder coating and sandblasting services to customers across New England, having served serving industries including Lottery Scratch ticket Machines for various States and abroad, auto parts, architectural, construction, medical, aerospace, hospital, food services, marine equipment, metal fabrication, outdoor furniture, retail shelving and exercise equipment.

“Thank you to Paul Belham who left school to join the Navy at age 17 and served our country for 8 years his participation in the evacuation of Saigon earned him Vietnam Veteran status that he is very proud of,” said District Director Robert Nelson. “After honorable discharge, Mr. Belham started several businesses including Bell’s Exterior Cleaning, Paul’s Truck Wash, B&M Nelson Rack Co., Prestige Plating Product Inc., and then Bell’s Powder Coating. Entrepreneurship has been a part of his entire life, working alongside his wife Nancy for the entire 38 years since they met. It’s an honor to share his story for this well-served recognition.”

In 2019, SEED Corporation helped the Belhams close on an SBA 504 loan in conjunction with Bristol County Savings Bank as part of a project that would allow the business to purchase the building they had been leasing since 2004.

In addition, the company took advantage of the Paycheck Protection Program to keep staff on payroll throughout the pandemic. Bell’s currently employs 18 staff, many of which having been with the company for 15 years.

In recent months, Paul and Nancy have also acquired 3 companies that will expand the scope of their business, including screen printing as a new service offering.

“We are honored by this recognition, and we are grateful to our employees, customers, vendors, and partners who help us to succeed. We are especially grateful for the guidance we received from various friends and family – along with the SBA, SEED, MMEP and Bristol County Savings Bank.” said Nancy and Paul Belham.

Paul has also served his community in a number of different capacities – having worked as a part-time police officer in both North Attleboro and Mansfield; as Vice President for the North Attleboro Industrial Part Association now President; Chairman for Make a Splash Foundation; Conservation Commission; Veterans Advisory Board; Police Facility Committee and Selectman for the Town of North Attleboro for 9 Years.

The company was nominated by Lauri Driscoll of SEED Corporation.

Nancy and Paul Belham will be honored at the annual SCORE Boston Celebrates Small Business Success Featuring the Massachusetts SBA 2023 Small Business Awards on Wednesday, May 10th, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel, Needham, MA.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.