GenMet History
GenMet is a full-service metal fabricator, providing quality and expertise to truck and construction OEMs, point of purchase display manufacturers, and other vital industries. Continuous equipment upgrades and lean business practices have allowed GenMet's annual sales volume to grow considerably since the company was purchased in 1999, by Mary and Eric Isbister.
Originally from the east coast, Mary and Eric Isbister moved to Wisconsin to take advantage of several potential business opportunities. Prior to their relocation, Mary worked in the research division of Pfizer, Inc. for 10 years , and Eric spent 21 years building nuclear submarines for the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Connecticut.
Aided by its move toward automation and lean production principles, GenMet has experienced continuous growth. In 2007, the company purchased a second facility in Slinger, Wisconsin in order to increase its welding capacity.
GenMet has a long and interesting history. Originally known as the Biersach & Niedermeyer Company in the 1800s, this family owned business was located in Chicago. At the time of the great Chicago fire in 1871, the business moved to Milwaukee where it built its reputation for quality metal fabricating. After four generations of family ownership, the business was sold and the name changed to General MetalWorks Corporation.