About Us
Gremada Industries is a successful and growing business owned
by the Gregory F. Butler family. It began in the early 1950s when Francis Butler
saw opportunity in worn parts. His vision took root in 1955 after investing in welding
and machining capabilities to repair Caterpillar components. Operating as part of
Butler Machinery for several years, Gremada Industries was officially incorporated
in 1962 and was so named after Francis’ three sons – Gregory, Matthew, and David.
Greg Butler took over the business in 1981 and oversaw the continued
expansion of remanufacturing services to Caterpillar dealers throughout North America.
In 1985, Gremada agreed to supply remanufactured final drive hubs directly to Caterpillar.
Over the course of a 23-year relationship, Gremada remanufactured Caterpillar final
drives, transmissions, brake bands and shoes, differentials, and torque converters,
among other products. The business was committed to technology and in 2000 completed
its SAP software implementation.
The Caterpillar relationship was only part of a growing and successful
business. Gremada was one of the first companies to commercialize laser cladding,
which triggered the start of Texas-based Laser Cladding Services in 2001. In 2006,
Gremada solidified a remanufacturing relationship with Komatsu. By 2008, Greg Butler
had taken Gremada from its humble origins to a 225-person organization with facilities
grossing 250,000 square feet in four locations. In July of 2008, Greg’s success
was rewarded when he authorized the sale of most North Dakota assets to Caterpillar.
Laser Cladding Services was purposefully excluded from the transaction.
Gremada Industries acquired substantially all assets of Houston,
TX based Schaffer Precision Machining in August of 2010. In April of 2011 Gremada
completed another acquisition, adding Whelan Machine & Tool of Louisville, KY. Shortly
thereafter, in May of 2011, Gremada also acquired Aaseby Industrial Machining of
Wahpeton, ND. By combining the engineering and technological abilities of these
companies along with those of Laser Cladding Services, Gremada is enhancing the
expertise of all the companies, strengthening their industry leadership roles.
Today, Gremada Industries is moving in an exciting direction
with new leadership and a redefined business model that drives growth from both
existing operations and business acquisition. Although Greg Butler has partially
retired, both he and his family remain committed to the entrepreneurial values that
motivated Francis to start Gremada and Greg to shape its success. Under the leadership
of President and CEO Steve Walker, Gremada remains committed to its businesses and
the customers that each faithfully serves.