Midmark celebrates 100th anniversary milestone in Versailles

0

VERSAILLES — A local company has marked 100 years of business in Darke County.

Employees, management and dignitaries were on hand in Versailles Sunday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Midmark Corp., which produces equipment for medical, dental and veterinary practices around the globe.

Founded in 1915, Midmark Corp. was originally the Cummings Machine Co., which manufactured concrete mixers. In 1920, the company began building gasoline-powered locomotives after acquiring the Reeves Pulley Company and renaming itself the Industrial Equipment Co.

By the late 1960s, the company branched out to produce medical equipment and in 1967 rebranded itself as I.E. Industries.

In 1978, the name of the company was changed to Midmark Corp., the title under which it operates today.

During the introductory ceremonies, Midmark President and CEO Anne Eiting Klamar thanked various family members, Midmark employees, company shareholders and civic leaders for contributing to the longstanding success of the business.

“The success of the first 100 years would not have been possible without the gracious support of our customers and partnerships, hardworking and compassionate teammates, and our communities,” she said.

Following Klamar on stage were politicians who presented proclamations and resolutions to the company.

State Rep. Niraj Antani (OH-42), speaking on behalf of himself and Rep. Jim Buchy (OH-84) — who was unable to attend — said, “The fact that this is a fourth-generation family business is just impressive.”

Noting the many changes that have occurred over the past 100 years, Antani said he was “humbled and honored” to speak to those gathered.

Ohio Senate President Keith Faber (OH-12) called it “a great day.”

“If you’re talking about the things that make this company great, you’re also talking about the things that make this community great — it’s the people,” he remarked.

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (4th Congressional District), said, “Companies like Midmark are what make Ohio one of the best places in the country for manufacturing jobs. The great management and hard work of Midmark’s teammates here and around the world are helping to continually improve health care globally.”

He added, “I’m proud to represent so many members of the Midmark team, and look forward to seeing what they will accomplish as they enter their second century of service.”

Tristan Weis, attending on behalf of U.S. Representative John Boehner (8th Congressional District), presented a proclamation from the Congressman.

Though unable to attend the event, Rep. Jim Buchy sent his regards, saying, “The contributions of Midmark to Western Ohio are uncountable and celebrating the 100th year in our community is certainly an achievement.”

“Risk taking explains the success this family business has earned,” he added. “The continued risk taking has directly contributed to the success of this fine business.”

Midmark’s Chairman of the Board John Baumann said, “The company never looked at a hundred years as a finish line. It did not reach this point out of breath and tired. This company has reached a hundred years as a milestone — it is energized, it is strong and willing to go the next hundred years. And I wish the family and all of the teammates here at Midmark much great success and gratifying years to come.”

After the ceremonies, attendees were treated to food and live music. The Midmark buildings were open to tours.

Midmark Corp. employs more than 1,500 teammates worldwide. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Midmark maintains production and administrative offices in Versailles as well as four subsidiaries in the United States and international subsidiaries in France, India and Italy. The company’s website is www.midmark.com.

Celebration at longtime Versailles manufacturer

By Erik Martin

[email protected]

Erik Martin may be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 937-569-4314.

No posts to display