About Us
Leading with Responsiveness and Excellence
Customer needs come first at Great Lakes Rubber. As a third-generation family-owned industrial distributor of seals, o-rings, fasteners, hose, tubing, gaskets, fittings and other custom parts and services, we are guided by a clear set of principles which drive our complete commitment to responsiveness, transparency and quality.
Solutions-Driven Partner
Great Lakes Rubber has a long-term view of success, which is why we focus so much on helping OEMs optimize procurement, inventory and production efficiency in addition to sourcing critical parts. Headquartered in the Midwest with locations across the country, we have gained the trust of high-performing manufacturers by being a reliable and responsive partner, continually adapting and growing to meet their changing needs.
Each customer has their own sales and service team to seamlessly manage all order details and anticipate any issue, creating an effortless and personalized experience. Supported by a large portfolio of world-class suppliers, including 60 plus years as an authorized Parker Hannifin distributor, and the utilization of stringent ISO 9001:2015 practices throughout the company, GLR delivers value-add turn-key solutions.
- Just-in-time inventory of custom and standard parts, from o-rings and seals to hose, fittings, gaskets and more.
- Cost-effective services including custom kitting, assembly, rapid prototyping and vendor managed inventory systems.
- Ongoing investments in equipment and technology to ensure continuous quality management and top-notch customer service.
- Readily available technical and engineering support for quick questions, analysis, application design and training.
- Strategic acquisitions that enhance customer value through an expanded footprint, product line and service offerings.
“Our family tradition of excellence is based on delivering real customer value through continuous improvement, hard-working relationships and the willingness to embrace change. These principles guide the professionals we hire, the technology we prioritize and the expanding line of products and services we offer.”
– George Baumann, President
GLR by the Numbers
- 65+ Years in business
- 40k+ SKUs
- 300+ Suppliers
- 6 Warehouse facilities
- 13 Business sectors supported
- 50+ Countries in distribution
History
1954
Company Founded in Milwaukee
George Henry Baumann founds Great Lakes Rubber and Supply (GLR) under the belief that products like o-rings, hose, belting, gaskets and the newly invented PTFE (DuPont Teflon) would increase in demand during the post-World War II boom. He starts the business in November with one other employee in a 500-square-feet location at 735 N. Jackson St. in downtown Milwaukee.
1984
Relocation and Further Expansion
To meet a growing customer base and product line, GLR relocates to its current Milwaukee headquarters at 6150 N. Flint Rd., expanding its facility to 25,000-square-feet. The expansion allows GLR to invest in gasket manufacturing and hydraulic assembly equipment.
1992
Second Generation Assumes Leadership
Thomas Baumann, George’s son, becomes President and expands GLR’s Illinois presence by acquiring CC Sales, a mother-daughter distributor serving the Rockford area.
2020
A New Look
GLR completes a new logo and a complete renovation of the office at 6150 N. Flint Rd. The fresh look speaks to the investments in growth GLR plans for the upcoming decades.
2022
Centralizing Production
GLR acquires Midwest Sealing Products & Fluid Logic Valve located in Buffalo Grove, IL, centralizing its gasket production and expanding its manufacturing capabilities. The two acquisitions also give GLR a stronger presence to better partner with customers and the community in the greater Chicago area.
