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At Great Lakes Industrial, customer needs always come first. As a third-generation family-owned business, we specialize in engineered solutions for OEMs across the world. Backed by in-house engineering and manufacturing expertise, we deliver custom sealing solutions designed to optimize performance and reliability.
We deliver innovative engineering and expert manufacturing of rubber, plastic, and other sealing products to optimize your operations and meet your unique sealing needs.
George Henry Baumann founds Great Lakes Rubber and Supply (GLR) under the belief that products like o-rings, hose, belting, gaskets and the newly invented PTFE (DuPont Teflon) would increase in demand during the post-World War II boom. He starts the business in November with one other employee in a 500-square-feet location at 735 N. Jackson St. in downtown Milwaukee.
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Under George’s leadership, the company relocates to 3118 N. Teutonia Ave. in Milwaukee, doubling the size of its facility. Around the same time, GLR partners with Parker Hannifin to become an authorized distributor of its o-rings, seals, hose and fittings product lines. This relationship with both Parker’s EMG and FCG divisions would continue to grow for the next 60+ years.
To meet a growing customer base and product line, GLR relocates to its current Milwaukee headquarters at 6150 N. Flint Rd., expanding its facility to 25,000-square-feet. The expansion allows GLR to invest in gasket manufacturing and hydraulic assembly equipment.
To meet the growing needs of OEM customers, Great Lakes Rubber opens a warehouse facility in Loves Park, IL. The location sees rapid growth and quickly becomes a well-known brand in the Rockford area.
Thomas Baumann, George’s son, becomes President and expands GLR’s Illinois presence by acquiring CC Sales, a mother-daughter distributor serving the Rockford area.
George Baumann, the founder’s grandson, becomes President after having served in varying operational and managerial roles at GLR since 2011.
GLR completes a new logo and a complete renovation of the office at 6150 N. Flint Rd. The fresh look speaks to the investments in growth GLR plans for the upcoming decades.
Great Lakes Rubber acquires Chinook O-Rings & Seals located in Portland, Oregon and Reliant Rubber Company in Wake Forest, North Carolina, expanding its product lines, services and warehouse facilities coast-to-coast. The acquisitions also boost GLR’s manufacturing and global sourcing capabilities.
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GLR acquires Midwest Sealing Products & Fluid Logic Valve located in Buffalo Grove, IL, centralizing its gasket production and expanding its manufacturing capabilities. The two acquisitions also give GLR a stronger presence to better partner with customers and the community in the greater Chicago area.
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Great Lakes Rubber rebrands to Great Lakes Industrial and expands its footprint to Ohio to strengthen its position in the gasket manufacturing industry. The acquisition of Premier Seals brings together two industry leaders, combining their expertise, resources, and innovation to deliver enhanced solutions to customers nationwide.
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In 2024, GLI continued to evolve with the strategic acquisition of new property in Akron, Ohio. This move was a pivotal step in expanding its manufacturing capabilities, allowing the company to meet growing demand and enhance production efficiency.
GLI strengthens its position in the sealing manufacturing industry and expands its presence in the greater Chicago area with the acquisition of Elk Grove Rubber & Plastics.
With more than 300 suppliers and a 60-plus year relationship with Parker Hannifin as an authorized distributor, you'll gain ready access to the industry's best parts and expertise.
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In the fast-paced world of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing downtime are critical to success.
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In the medical device industry, precision, reliability, and compliance are essential to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of products.
Read MoreGLI is pleased to announce the acquisition of Elk Grove Rubber, a manufacturer of custom rubber products based in Addison, Illinois.
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