80 Years of Innovation Celebrated at Martin Engineering

The world leader in bulk handling solutions, Martin Engineering, is marking 80 years of product innovation, engineering expertise and global growth.

During a month of celebrations in September 2024, the firm invited customers, local communities, and employees’ families to its flagship Center for Innovation in Neponset, Illinois and see for themselves the extent of Martin’s investment in engineering research and technological advancement over eight decades.

Martin Engineering has become synonymous with the development and manufacture of innovations that deliver cleaner, safer and more productive bulk materials processing.  The company holds dozens of patents for engineering designs that have revolutionized workplace safety and production efficiency in foundation sectors like mining and quarrying, cement and steel production, as well as resource recovery and recycling.

Primarily focused on conveyor belt performance and bulk flow technologies, Martin products are proven to eliminate blockages, prevent spillages and reduce dust emissions – a commitment that’s reflected in the company slogan “Problem Solved – Guaranteed”.

Edwin F. Peterson started the business in September 1944 when he developed the Vibrolator® – a compact ball vibrator that used compressed air to propel a ball bearing inside two steel raceways. The resulting vibration was enough to dislodge the sand and empty the core machines without the need for manual beating. It soon became clear that the device could be used for numerous other manufacturing operations handling loose materials.

The Vibrolator® soon went into production and was patented in 1949. Still available and in use 80 years later, the Vibrolator® was the first in a long line of product innovations introduced by Martin to solve problems in bulk materials handling.

Today, Martin Engineering employs more than 1,000 people worldwide in offices and factory facilities across six continents. The business has a network of partners and distributors that gives Martin an enviable global footprint. Yet, despite its global presence, Martin remains family-owned – Edwin’s son Ed H. Peterson is Chairman, and the company’s culture is one of strong family values and a spirit of ‘better together’.

For more information, visit https://www.martin-eng.com.