GMi Timeline

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  • Born with a Fresh Cup of Coffee

    John M. Waddell came up with a simple solution to add a handle to the coffee grinder so it was easier to turn using only one hand.

  • Production Begins

    Waddell moves into his father’s two-story grain elevator in Greenfield, OH.

  • Waddell Wooden Ware Works

    John and his team manufactures cash registers, toys, X-Ray Egg testers and much more. Waddell Postal Fixture Company was formed to market and ship postal fixtures around the nation.

  • Owned and operated

    Owned and operated by John’s sons, display cases became Waddell’s most popular product, used in schools and institutions across the country.

  • The Beginning of Ghent

    Ghent Manufacturing, Inc. founded by George and Mary Alice Leasure

  • Production Starts

    Ghent is housed in an old King Mills powder plant.

  • INC. 500

    Ghent makes the INC. 500 at #28 as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S.

  • From One Family to Another

    Waddell Furniture, located in Greenfield, OH, is acquired as a Division of Ghent.

  • Joining the Lebanon Community

    Ghent moves to a new facility in Lebanon, OH.

  • VividBoard

    VividBoard custom solutions is acquired as a Division of Ghent.

  • Best Place to Work

    Cincinnati Manny Award is presented to Ghent for “Best Place to Work”

  • GMi Companies

    GMi Companies becomes the parent brand of Ghent, Waddell, and VividBoard

  • Community Service Award

    Warren County Foundation presents GMi with “Outstanding Business Community Service Award”

  • Showroom Opening

    GMi Companies debut their new showroom at the MART in Chicago, IL.

     

    Manufacturer of the Year

    Ghent receives Workplace Furniture Manufacturer of the Year award.