BEMA - June 2018 - 44

100-YEAR HISTORY

"None of us can live without
the other; none of us can
exist without the other."
George Dean, Union Steel Products

the other; none of us can exist without the other. We are,
therefore, linked together as one unit and working towards one great end, the improvement of this industry."
Mr. Dean's words ring true today among the companies still in existence who helped found BEMA.

In good company
Union Steel Products was founded in 1902. The company was the world's largest manufacturer of oven
and broiler pan shelves and made other wire products.
At its peak, it employed more than 1,000 people. Mr.
Dean served as president of the company from 1916
to 1932 and was succeeded by his son W. Clark Dean.
Another founder, Union Machinery Co. was eventually purchased by American Machine & Foundry
(AMF). Ken Newsome, CEO, Markel Food Group,
said he is proud that AMF is linked to the founding
of BEMA through Union Machinery, and AMF has remained an active member of BEMA for years.
"This is an industry that is uniquely built on relationships," Mr. Newsome said. "BEMA, throughout its
history, has been focused on building relationships,
whether it is with customers or colleagues in the industry, or even your family. Our kids remember the
years growing up based on where we went for the
BEMA meeting."
Peerless Bread Machinery Corp., which later became
Peerless Food Equipment, has been an active member
of BEMA since its inception, and many of its past and
current employees have held chair positions on its various committees. The company was originally known for
its blending, elevating and sifting machines as well as its
proofers, tempering tanks, mixers and blenders. David
Benner, vice-president of sales, bread and roll market,
Peerless, said the company has always remained committed to supporting the industry through BEMA, and in
return, BEMA membership has supported the company.
"We view BEMA as our business partner," Mr. Benner
said. "They make us better by putting us in front of bakers from all over the globe. Throughout the past 100
years our market has changed, and BEMA keeps all
of our companies relevant to the industry regardless of
what the next trend is."
American Bakers Machinery Co. made dividers and
rounders and pushed for automation in the industry,
even in 1912. The Hobart Manufacturing Co. was
IRXQGHGLQDQGLQLQWURGXFHGLWV¿UVWFRPmercial mixer. In 1981, the company was acquired by
Top: Delivery racks created by BEMA member companies revolutionized
the industry. Bottom: The Doughnut Corporation of America's automated
donut machine was showcased around the country.

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