Iowa Farm Bureau’s Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur of Month Award Honors Independence Manufacturing Company
Since 1962, Geater Machining & Manufacturing Co. has been a leader in precision machined and fabricated parts for aerospace, electronics and high tech industries, while maintaining its small-town Iowa roots. This month, the Independence-based company is honored with the Iowa Farm Bureau Renew Rural Iowa entrepreneur of the month award.
Geater Manufacturing & Machining (GMM) is a true “one-stop-shop” for companies needing specialized parts built in short time frames. GMM can build single parts or components that require complex assembly using precision machining and sheet metal fabrication.
The company isn’t only focused on its clients. Geater is also active in the Independence community.
“We think it’s very important, especially being in the rural community that we’re in, to have programs where we go out and teach the students and the parents what manufacturing is all about,” said Joe Meier, vice president of Geater operations. He said manufacturing technology has evolved to include high-dollar equipment; creating a challenge for high schools to offer opportunities for students to be exposed to and gain experience in the industry. Through outreach programs, Geater works with area schools to educate students and parents about careers available in manufacturing.
Greg Alber, president of the Buchanan County Farm Bureau, said, “They’re just giving back to the community and schools and wanting to make manufacturing even more important to this area.” He added that it’s important for rural communities to have successful non-agriculture businesses such as Geater.
Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an Iowa Farm Bureau Federation initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring and financial resources. For more information about RRI, visit www.renewruraliowa.com.
Listen to WHO Newsradio’s The Big Show’s feature on Geater Machining and Manufacturing, Co.