Originally known as the Globe Metallic Packing Company Ltd, GMP (Machines) Ltd has achieved 90 years in the manufacturing business in 1999. The company was formed originally in 1909 in Bradford, England, to manufacture metallic packings for stationary and marine steam engines, very much in evidence at the turn of the century. Packings were sold world wide and customers included Drysdale Pumps, Weir Pumps, Mirlees Watson, Barclay Curle, Hogarth and Duncan Stewart. With the end of WW2, the company changed ownership, the new owner having a personal interest in maritime affairs. It was also appreciated that the role of the steam engine was rapidly declining and as a result of this, the steam packing side of the business was sold to Universal Metallic Company. The company had diversified at this point and had built up a healthy sub contract machining business, servicing larger companies in the Bradford area. There was, however, a desire to market and manufacture a product of its own. A chance family acquaintance arose where the company was asked if it could manufacture a small flat bed linisher. This was assessed and agreed to, and there began the origins of the manufacture of abrasive belt machines and later, brush finishing machines. It was then decided that the original name of the company was not compatible with that of a machinery manufacturer and so the name was changed to its present title.

Progress with design and manufacture of machines was rapid and full advantage was taken of new abrasive products entering the UK market, in particular, from the 3M Company of the USA. A large customer base ensued and bigger machines were built. An overseas market also developed with machines being shipped to Europe and further afield. The company supplied machines to many sectors of British industry, including large blue chip companies. The 1980's and 90's saw the company concentrate on the large and more special purpose machine as competition from imported small machines began to prove unprofitable. 1999 sees the company changing hands once again, due to retirement. The new owners have an extensive background in the machine tool industry located in the Halifax, England area and, consequently, the company is now established at a new address in Halifax. We are here to ensure that GMP (Machines) Ltd continues to flourish well into the next Century and that you will reap the benefits of its new and developing technology.

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