History of GFG Peabody
GFG was founded in 1968 by Richard Groseclose and silent partners Everett Faulls and Gene Gaspardo.
GFG — Read more about the origin of our name.
The main focus of the company was development and supply of value added equipment for the flexible packaging and paper industries.
The company was incorporated in 1969 with its first manufacturing facility established on the north side of Milwaukee.
During this period of 1969 to 1970 a business strategy began to develop for the engineering and supply of state of the art Roll Coater and other process equipment for the emerging metal coating industry.
At the end of 1970 Mr. Groseclose consolidated the business as the sole owner of the Company.
In 1970 the first order for Roll Coaters was received for a Vertical Coating line, the first of its kind in the United States. The increased business expansion required additional manufacturing capacity and a second facility was established in Northwest Milwaukee.
The business continued to grow with a focus on the metal coating industry and a larger manufacturing facility was established in Butler Wisconsin in 1971.
A focus was placed on the continued development of business in Europe with Mr. Groseclose traveling extensively visiting customers with scale models of newly added state of the art Hot Lamination, film and paper unwind equipment.
In 1975 the continued growth of the company required a new manufacturing facility which was established in Brookfield Wisconsin. By this time GFG inc. had established itself as a preferred coating equipment supplier to the largest Metal Coating Companies across Europe and North America.
1980 due to continued growth the company was moved to Northwest Milwaukee which was eventually built out to 50,000 square feet.
1983 GFG introduced the first of its kind Roll Coaters equipped with linear bearings and load cells providing the ability to accurately setup and monitor the roll coater process.
1987 GFG introduces the first of its kind automated Computerized Coating Head Control System.
1988 GFG inc. was purchased by Derlan Industries.
In 1992 GFG inc. had the opportunity to acquire Peabody inc. of England and its U.S.A. subsidiary STT, the premiere metals industry supplier of Electrostatic Oilers from Sale Tinley holding company.
The assets of Peabody and all key personnel were moved to the Wisconsin facilities. Joining complimentary best of the best businesses under one roof.
Peabody line of Electrostatic Oilers has innovated the electrostatic process with implementation of it’s patented “DVC” Dynamic Voltage Control, proprietary metering pumps, high voltage power supplies and a wide array of additional process improving options, most recently the adaption of dry film stamping and forming lubricant for the automotive industry. From Annealing to Temper Mill lines, Peabody has the Electrostatic oiler solution for your most stringent process requirements.
In 1999 GFG Peabody moved to its new and current 80,000 square foot facility in Sussex Wisconsin where we continue to innovate, engineer, manufacture, and supply Best in World Coating Solutions to our current and growing customer base across the world in more than 50 countries.
The innovative electrostatic dry film lubricant (wax) oiler is introduced by GFG Peabody in 2002. Making a light wax film on a metallic strip cleaner, easier and more efficient.
GFG Peabody was acquired by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2005 and has remained under their ownership ever since.
In 2019, GFG Peabody celebrated its 50th anniversary and amazing history as a world leader in metal coating products.
In 2022, GFG Peabody celebrated 1,000 days without a lost time accident.
