About Us
The Nation's Most Reliable Industrial Services Provider
Customer needs come first at Great Lakes Industrial. As a third-generation family-owned industrial services provider, we are guided by a clear set of principles that drive our complete commitment to responsiveness, transparency, and quality.
Our Capabilities
Manufacturing
Our manufacturing capabilities include hydraulic valves and systems, custom gaskets and other die cut products using state-of-the-art technology. No matter the scope or size of your project, GLI is here to help!
Distribution
GLI is a full-service industrial distributor offering a comprehensive line of custom molded shapes, o-rings, dynamic seals, fasteners, gaskets, and more. Supported by a large portfolio of world-class suppliers, we deliver value-add turn-key solutions.
Technology
From managed inventory solutions to custom asset tracking software, GLI has the technology you need to keep your operation running smoothly. Whatever the solution, you stay in control while simultaneously reducing inventory and production inefficiencies.
Company History
Company Founded in Milwaukee
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.
Rapid Expansion
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.
Relocation and Further Expansion
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.
Second Generation Assumes Leadership
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.
Third Generation Assumes Leadership
George Baumann, the founder’s grandson, becomes President after having served in varying operational and managerial roles at GLR since 2011.
A New Look
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.
Centralizing Production
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.
Embracing Technology
GLR focuses on one of its key priorities of embracing technology by acquiring AccuTraq, a software company that provides real-time location services using passive and automated RFID technology. AccuTraq also helped develop and launched GLR’s proprietary VMI and Dock door Solution SCANopy. This acquisition further expands GLR’s value-added services it can provide to its customers, including inventory tracking and asset management.
Great Lakes Industrial Launch
Great Lakes Industrial officially launched to better serve the evolving needs of our customers by providing manufacturing, distribution and technology services.
