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About
Our Company
At GAT, we’ve always given engineering and great design a front seat. Learn more about our company history, and how we honor tradition while innovating for the future.
A History of Forward Thinking, Satisfied Clients and Long-Term Employees
Born out of engineering expertise and passion for efficient design, GAT was founded by the current owner’s grandfather in 1958 in St. Louis, Missouri. From the beginning, we put our focus on creating custom finishing solutions and process lines for companies in North America. GAT was at the forefront of industry change in the 1960s, innovating and creating patented technology and processes. We’ve always had a strong focus on family and our employees, which is why people come to work for GAT and stay here for many years.
From humble beginnings to expertise, GAT has built a legacy of excellence that spans the years.
GAT began as a dream and a small company in the garage of Howard Guirl in Kirkwood, MO. His son, James N. Guirl joined him in the business just after the company started in 1959.
Company received its first patent for inventing a heavy-duty enclosed track conveyor capable of processing 75 lb. loads.
Operations outgrew the garage and we moved to Pond, MO. At this point, equipment was painted in the outdoor space adjacent to our building while the company continued to outgrow its space.
GAT’s second official patent was awarded on our oven air seal. This product is still available today and was originally sold on consignment as customers could not believe the cost savings derived from GAT’s new invention.
Our headquarters and operations moved from Pond to Fenton, MO. A new custom-built building was constructed to suit our growing business.
Bill Connor began working at GAT. He was our third engineer, and at this point we were a small, regionally based business with a reach of about 400 miles.
James N. Guirl received his third patent for GAT’s polypropylene washer that he designed. This patent began to differentiate our product offerings from competitors.
GAT developed a boiler system that opened up a whole new market for the company and positioned GAT as an industry leader in hot water plate and frame heating systems.
Daniel T. Guirl joined GAT and eventually purchased the company the next year. We began making appearances at trade shows and saw our business continue to grow, servicing all of the U.S. plus Mexico and Canada.
Added custom powder coating rooms to our lineup. They remain a core element of GAT’s product offerings.
Implemented the use of PLC’s as online for controls on finishing systems.
GAT moved to our existing location in Fenton, which allowed for us to improve capacity and better fulfill customer needs.
A batch oven line was engineered and introduced to our rep network to add to GAT’s pre-engineered pre-heat offerings.
Turnkey systems were upgraded to full PLC controls as standard, allowing remote control and troubleshooting capabilities.
Our business continues to grow and evolve as we develop new and technology-driven solutions to create new efficiency for our customers.
From humble beginnings to expertise, GAT has built a legacy of excellence that spans the years.
GAT began as a dream and a small company in the garage of Howard Guirl in Kirkwood, MO. His son, James N. Guirl joined him in the business just after the company started in 1959.
Company received its first patent for inventing a heavy-duty enclosed track conveyor capable of processing 75 lb. loads.
Operations outgrew the garage and we moved to Pond, MO. At this point, equipment was painted in the outdoor space adjacent to our building while the company continued to outgrow its space.
GAT’s second official patent was awarded on our oven air seal. This product is still available today and was originally sold on consignment as customers could not believe the cost savings derived from GAT’s new invention.
Our headquarters and operations moved from Pond to Fenton, MO. A new custom-built building was constructed to suit our growing business.
Bill Connor began working at GAT. He was our third engineer, and at this point we were a small, regionally based business with a reach of about 400 miles.
James N. Guirl received his third patent for GAT’s polypropylene washer that he designed. This patent began to differentiate our product offerings from competitors.
GAT developed a boiler system that opened up a whole new market for the company and positioned GAT as an industry leader in hot water plate and frame heating systems.
Daniel T. Guirl joined GAT and eventually purchased the company the next year. We began making appearances at trade shows and saw our business continue to grow, servicing all of the U.S. plus Mexico and Canada.
Added custom powder coating rooms to our lineup. They remain a core element of GAT’s product offerings.
Implemented the use of PLC’s as online for controls on finishing systems.
GAT moved to our existing location in Fenton, which allowed for us to improve capacity and better fulfill customer needs.
A batch oven line was engineered and introduced to our rep network to add to GAT’s pre-engineered pre-heat offerings.
Turnkey systems were upgraded to full PLC controls as standard, allowing remote control and troubleshooting capabilities.
Our business continues to grow and evolve as we develop new and technology-driven solutions to create new efficiency for our customers.
Design, fabricate, and automate every component of finishing systems
Build tough machines using engineered innovation
To make a noticeable difference