The Eriez story began in 1942 when founder O.F. Merwin installed a permanent magnet in a grain mill. Today, the company today boasts a workforce of more than 900 individuals located throughout 12 wholly owned international subsidiaries on six continents, and is a world leader in magnetic separation, flotation, metal detection, and material handling equipment technology. 

Over eight decades, Eriez has worked diligently to advance the mining, processing, packaging, food, recycling, aggregate, and metalworking industries it serves. Company process engineers and scientists have developed numerous product breakthroughs in the areas of rare earth magnets, superconducting technology, flotation, vibratory feeders, metal detection, auto scrap recycling equipment, suspended electromagnets, eddy current separation, and proprietary manufacturing techniques.  

Family-Run Company

Eriez is a proud family-run company. Merwin’s grandson Richard Merwin, currently serves as chairman. Richard’s late father, Bob Merwin, had a global vision for Eriez and took the company into international markets in the 1950s.   

“Our board of directors, past and present, has embraced and supported deliberate and bold ongoing initiatives for global strategic growth,” said Richard Merwin. “Their consistent, sound, and ethical guidance is a major factor in Eriez’ continuing success.” 

Eriez President and CEO Lukas Guenthardt added, “We are lucky to have ownership and a board of directors who value long-term investments and profitable growth over short-term profits. We have worked hard at building and maintaining loyal customers that value the quality and trust the reliability of our products and services. With a focus on continuous product advancement and market expansion, both domestically and overseas, Eriez is poised to thrive for years to come.” 

Employees Are the Difference

While product innovation has been a key to achieving and growing Eriez’ position as a global leader, management asserts that it is the team of people who really make the difference. “The integrity, commitment, responsiveness, and unmatched customer service provided by our outstanding staff is what truly keeps us on the leading-edge,” said Guenthardt.  

Eriez employees give generously of their financial resources, time and talents to philanthropic causes. “As a corporation and as individuals, we are dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on the well-being of the communities where we live and work. We believe this approach produces an atmosphere where businesses and communities can collaborate and prosper,” said Guenthardt. 

The Eriez team is made up of more than just its direct employees. The company’s network of longtime sales representatives has played a significant role in the company’s history and success, according to Eriez leadership.  

Focus on Marketing Communications

Another contributing factor is the company’s heavy focus on marketing communications. “We put a strong emphasis on sustaining maximum customer engagement,” said Eriez senior director of global marketing and brand management John Blicha.  “We believe in making significant investments, both in terms of time and finances, to advertising, branding, public relations, trade shows, digital marketing, and customer education.” 

Blicha says the company has some special events planned throughout the course of 2022 to commemorate this milestone anniversary and recognize customers and employees for their loyalty and partnership.