Martin Engineering Celebrates 80 Years of Bulk Handling

Martin Engineering is marking 80 years of product innovation, engineering expertise and global growth this month.

During the month, the firm invited customers, local communities, and families of employees to its flagship Center for Innovation in Neponset, IL, to see the extent of Martin’s investment in engineering research and technological advancement for more than eight decades.

“People commented that the research facility was much bigger than it looked from the outside and more impressive than they anticipated, and they were amazed by the scale of the operation and breadth of our product range. Even those who were familiar with Martin were both surprised and impressed with how much the company has grown in recent years," said Seth Mercer, marketing manager, Martin Engineering.

Martin Engineering has become synonymous with the development and manufacture of innovations that deliver cleaner, safer and more productive bulk materials processing. The company holds dozens of patents for engineering designs that have revolutionized workplace safety and production efficiency in foundation sectors like mining and quarrying, cement and steel production, as well as resource recovery and recycling. 

Primarily focused on conveyor belt performance and bulk flow technologies, Martin products are proven to eliminate blockages, prevent spillages and reduce dust emissions — a commitment that’s reflected in the company slogan “Problem Solved - Guaranteed.”

“80 years of innovation and growth is an important milestone for Martin Engineering," said Martin Engineering CEO Robert Nogaj. "Our enduring success is a testament to the founding legacy of Edwin F. Peterson and the vision and ambition of Ed H. Peterson to drive that legacy forward.  Above all, our longevity is a reflection of the good people we have working for Martin the world over, whose expertise and commitment is unmatched.”

Martin Engineering's story began during World War II when Edwin F. Peterson, the son of Swedish immigrants, followed in his father’s footsteps and took a job as a pattern maker at Demmler Manufacturing, a steel foundry and fabrication business in Illinois.

Peterson witnessed his coworkers using sledgehammers to beat on core machines, loosen the sand and release steel components from their molds. Troubled by the health and safety risks, equipment damage and loss of productivity, he was convinced there must be a better way and began working on a solution.

Fast forward to today, and Martin Engineering employs more than 1,000 people worldwide in offices and factory facilities across six continents. The business has a network of partners and distributors that gives Martin an enviable global footprint, most recently across Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia. Yet, despite its global presence, Martin remains family-owned.