Sat, 04/13/2013 - 02:00

GROVETOWN, Ga. (March 21, 2013) – GIW Industries announced a new record in employment longevity – as of January, Reab Berry, mechanical engineer and renowned slurry pump expert, has been with GIW for 50 years.

"How do you get to 50 years? It's very simple. You just take it one day at a time," says Berry.

Berry has been with GIW since he was 19, when he started in a co-op program with the company as a student at Georgia Tech. During his time at GIW, his career has been defined by learning and sharing his experiences with fellow employees, engineers and customers.

"It's rewarding to be able to pass along to somebody something you know is going to make a difference in their career," says Berry. "I just enjoy doing that."

Berry's knowledge comes from years of real-world practice with slurry pumps and understanding the values of GIW and its customers. When it comes to finding reliable solutions for clients, Berry knows that nothing beats hands-on experience: "You can do all the calculations in the world, but the proof is in the actual operations. Let's run a test and prove it before we build it."

The value this level of expertise brings GIW customers is immense. And Berry acknowledges that much of his know-how stems from interaction with clients. "I learn something every single day. I've never felt like I ever stopped learning," he says. "I've learned a lot from customers — how our equipment is used, problems they've experienced, and how we've helped them with those problems."

Berry isn't the only long-term employee whose experience lends itself to GIW's industry-leading knowledge. GIW currently has 46 members in its 30 Year Club.
This depth of experience means GIW's up-and-coming workforce will continue to be taught by the best and brightest in the industry. Customers can continue to look forward to a future filled with the most innovative and cutting-edge slurry pump technology available — and the best service.

As for Berry, he's still going strong at GIW. "I've enjoyed it, and I'm still enjoying it. It's really fun working here. We've got a good group of folks." And after 50 years, Berry notes that one thing hasn't changed: "They really treat the employees like people."

GIW Industries began as a small foundry and machine shop in Augusta, Ga., in 1891. In 1914, GIW began building slurry pumps. Today, the company comprises two manufacturing facilities, one in Grovetown, Ga., and the other in Thomson, Ga. These foundries and machine shops are used for manufacturing and assembling pumps and for casting a variety of abrasion-resistant alloys and urethane elastomers. As a subsidiary of KSB AG of Germany, a global pump and valve manufacturer, GIW has the infrastructure to supply pumps worldwide. KSB has presence in 100 countries with sales organizations, offices and 30 manufacturing sites.