The General Machine Company of New Jersey (a name later shortened to GEMCO) began operations in 1916 as a general machine shop to the growing industry around Newark, NJ. In the 1930s, John L. Muench, Sr. was at a local government arsenal when he was asked about a safer machine to blend gunpowder. The double cone tumble blender was the result with the original patent being issued circa 1937.

The unique concept of the tumble blender created a demand such that it blossomed into a product line that ended Gemco's days as a job shop. Product development followed customer's needs and requests. A center band was added in the early '40s to be able to insert an agitator. A special segmented spherical disc valve solved leaking powder problems in the later 40s. Agitators were modified to provide liquid injection in the '50s. Simultaneously vessels were jacketed to create dryers. The '60s added the Slant Cone shape for better, faster blends and the Porta-Hopper for semi-continuous operations. The valve was improved with the double eccentric bushing design for field adjustments of clearance.

The award winning Gemcomatic drum loading/unloading system was perfected in the '70s. The '80s brought the Airless I spray which provided the capability to handle viscous, high surface tension, heated and/or minute-additive liquids. The '80s also added fabrication (and later ASME code qualification) to our capabilities as quality was harder to control with outside vendors. And in the '90s Gemco has continued the tradition with enhanced process monitoring/control, integrated material handling, process step consolidation and dust/fume containment systems to limit worker exposure as well as product contamination. And the valve designs have been expanded to include high pressure, high temperature and abrasive applications from every industry.

Concurrent with the product line development has been Gemco's internal operating systems and capabilities. Gemco maintains a modern 55,000 square foot facility in Middlesex, NJ. Gemco is today highly computerized from computer aided design (CAD) in engineering to production planning, scheduling, purchasing. Much of the machining is done with CNC equipment to reduce cost and ensure repeatable quality. The sales department uses a set of CD-ROMs for presentations and proposals as well as a Web site to inform and stay in touch with it's far flung sales organization.

Above all, what has evolved is a philosophy of providing innovative custom equipment from proven concepts and component designs; a seasoned and dedicated management committed to customer needs through conservative designs; and a responsive team able to both anticipate and react to customer needs in a timely and professional manner. The proof of that statement is found in our extensive base of repeat customers ranging from fortune 500 companies to small start-ups that rely on our technology, support and craftsmanship.

GEMCO, the most respected name in powder blenders, dryers and valves, approaching the new millennium with the confidence, focus and commitment necessary to meet the ever more stringent requirements of industry going forward..