Viking Mfg. Co. owned and operated by George and Carol Robinson in McAllen, Texas since 1972 is merging with Collectors’ Workshop which is owned and operated by Rich Bloch and Nick Ruggiero in Middleburg, Virginia.
Both companies have a worldwide reputation for manufacturing some of the finest and best constructed magic equipment of our time. Their combined efforts should only increase the quality and availability of these products.
George Robinson, owner of Viking Manufacturing told MagicTimes yesterday that the merger will have, “Viking Manufacturing taking over the production, manufacture and sale of the existing Collectors’ Workshop product line.”
Rich Bloch & Nick Ruggiero will continue to be involved in the design and creation of new products while some of their machinists and electronics engineers will continue to produce parts for the existing product line.
This is not a merger of the product lines — there will continue to be a Collectors’ Workshop brand of products and a Viking Magic brand of items. The two distinct lines will be available directly from Viking.
The merger is expected to become official on May 15 with most of the existing products available for delivery around June 1. Viking expects to ad three more full time employees and 1,500 square feet to their building in McAllen.
The current manufacturing operation in Middleburg, Virginia will continue to operate — but limiting its manufacture to custom illusions and products.
–Meir Yedid
