Conveying Change at Wire Belt: Abandoned Space Becomes World-Class Manufacturing Facility
For over 100 years, Wire Belt Company has focused on customer-centric solutions and innovative product development, while considering environmental stewardship.
Wire Belt employees gathered outside the refurbished Walmart, which now serves as the company's new headquarters.
Photos courtesy of Wire Belt
Wire Belt has reinvented its manufacturing operations using the footprint of a former Walmart. It is now featured as an OEM Magazine profile showcasing more than a century of adaptability and good stewardship.
Before we tell the tale of the fifth-generation family-owned leader in manufacturing conveyor belts used in food processing facilities, how did a Walmart become the latest home to the Wire Belt Company? Surely, there were more cost-effective alternatives than repurposing an existing vacant retail space. While there were other choices, Wire Belt put sustainability first, converting the retail space into a state-of-the-art 127,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Bedford, New Hampshire.
“Originally, when we started the search for the ‘new’ building we had a few options to either build or repurpose an existing building,” says Alexander Stodolski, Market Research Analyst at Wire belt. “Our CEO, David Greer, wanted to ensure we were good stewards of the environment and picked a location that would allow our employees to move with us to fit our Wire Belt Family orientation.”
Wire Belt’s latest offering, the Compact Grid, features a 70% open surface area for easy cleaning and efficient processing.Photos courtesy of Wire BeltWire Belt’s old facility had one of the largest solar arrays in the state of New Hampshire. When moving, Wire Belt wanted to keep that commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Taking a building that was vacant for seven years and turning it into a modern manufacturing facility was not easy. Decisions like covering the building in an insulating layer to reduce energy costs in New Hampshires cold winter months also added cost.
Stodolski explained just a few of the issues facing Wire Belt’s move. The roof leaked, the power supply wasn’t ample enough to run a manufacturing facility, and the concrete slab was not strong enough to support the heavy machinery Wire Belt required, so sections had to be ripped out and replaced. The power company also took over a year to retrofit the building with the appropriate equipment to install Wire Belt’s 1MW PV Solar Array.
Finally, in late 2023, the new manufacturing facility was ready for prime time, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for its workforce. Wire Belt has the honor of being the twelve-time recipient of "Business New Hampshire Magazine’s Top Companies to Work for in New Hampshire" and three-time recipient of "Business New Hampshire Magazine's #1 Small Company to Work For in New Hampshire" The move to the new facility symbolizes the company's commitment to growth and modernization while maintaining its five core values of Family, Innovation, Integrity, Ownership and Fun.
106-year evolution
Wire Belt’s beginnings are that of the J.W. Greer Company. Founded by Jesse Wade Greer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1919, the J.W. Greer Company began its journey by crafting some of the world’s earliest automated confectionery and bakery equipment. Due to demand, expansion was rapid, and soon the company employed over 650 people. A pivotal turn occurred just seven years later, in 1926, when Fred Greer, Jesse's son, designed a machine capable of producing perfect wire strands for chocolate coating equipment. This served as the model for the Flat-Flex conveyor belt technology still produced by Wire Belt to this day. This development marked a significant milestone, setting the stage for future advancements in food processing.
During World War II, the company shifted gears and put profits aside to support the war effort, earning the prestigious Army-Navy “E” Award for Excellence in War Production four times for meeting high standards in performance, delivery, and workforce dedication. Post-war, the belting division flourished, leading to the establishment of the Wire Belt Company of America in 1947. The Greer family's vision extended across the Atlantic in 1962 with the founding of Wire Belt Company Ltd in the U.K. The company's global footprint expanded further in 1998 with the acquisition of a German manufacturer, now known as Wire Belt Company Osterloh GmbH. This strategic move integrated over 130 years of expertise in metal conveyor belting into the Wire Belt Group, where today it produces stainless steel conveyor belts, spreading/converging conveyors, straight conveyors, and turn conveyors.
What sets Wire Belt apart: ProductsInvented nearly a century ago, Wire Belt’s FlatFlex conveyor belt technology remains in use today.Photos courtesy of Wire Belt
At the heart of Wire Belt's operation is a customer-centric approach supported by a quality policy of total customer satisfaction. This dedication to customer satisfaction and service is reflected in their impressive 99.7% on-time to promise date, a metric they uphold with unwavering commitment.
“But what really makes us different is how we support our customers,” says Stodolski. “We’re not just here to sell belts; we’re here to help customers find the right solution.”
Product development at Wire Belt is a collaborative endeavor involving close partnerships with industry stakeholders to test products in new applications to solve challenging problems. It has set up dedicated testing capabilities, including in-house conveyors, to run real-world simulations to see how a customer’s product performs on its belts. This hands-on approach helps find the most effective and reliable solution for each unique challenge. Wire Belt also conducts ongoing material testing for its current supply and any new materials customers are interested in exploring to ensure it always offers the best performance and quality.
Their latest product offering, the 15mm Compact-Grid® conveyor belt, exemplifies this approach. Engineered for optimal performance with small or delicate products, it features a 70% open surface area for easy cleaning and efficient processing, and its non-slip positive drive system ensures precise belt tracking, minimizing downtime and maximizing reliability. “Our customers had a need for a belt that was positively driven, clean-in-place, USDA accepted, no welds, easy to join with enhanced product support and we listened” says Sales Operations Manager David Tessier.
Wire Belt's commitment to LEAN manufacturing principles further underscores its dedication to efficiency and quality. The company is ISO certified for both quality and environmental management (QMS and EMS 9001 / 14001). They’re also committed to continuous improvement, with a history of investment in LEAN including 5-S events (Sort, Straighten, Sweep, Standardize, Sustain). This approach not only benefits the bottom line but also ensures that customers receive products that meet the highest performance and reliability standards.
The company's project management strategy is another cornerstone of its success. Each customer is supported by a dedicated Sales Engineer, who acts as the primary point of contact throughout the project lifecycle. This personalized service is complemented by a cross-functional team that includes engineering, technical support, and production experts. Together, they work collaboratively to deliver effective and efficient solutions, tailored to meet each customer’s specific needs.
What sets Wire Belt apart: People
The company's workforce is a diverse tapestry, with employees hailing from over 13 countries and speaking multiple languages.
“At Wire Belt, we’ve had the privilege of working with employees who’ve been with us for 20, 30, and even over 40 years,” says Stodolski. This diversity enriches the company's culture, which is built on the aforementioned five core values, which foster a supportive environment where employees are encouraged to learn from each other and succeed together.
In addition to its focus on customer service and product innovation, Wire Belt strongly emphasizes employee development. Wire Belt offers employees a full tuition reimbursement program for personal growth while building skills to run and contribute to the business. The company actively recruits through online platforms and a successful referral program, seeking individuals who align with its culture and values. This approach ensures a steady influx of talent ready to contribute to the company's ongoing success. By fostering a culture of respect, trust, and continuous learning, Wire Belt creates an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to excel.
Like most manufacturers, Wire Belt faces the challenge of constantly evolving workforce dynamics. The retirement of long-serving employees, accelerated by the impacts of COVID-19, underscores the need for new talent. This transition presents an opportunity to invest in training and mentorship, ensuring the continuity of expertise and the company's legacy of excellence.
The company's strategic involvement with PMMI further amplifies its reach and influence. By participating in events like PACK EXPO, Wire Belt gains access to a robust network of industry professionals and potential clients. This engagement enhances brand visibility and provides valuable insights into emerging trends and customer expectations. The association's online resources keep the company informed and connected, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry developments.
As the industry continues to evolve, Wire Belt's commitment to its core principles and adaptive strategies positions it well to navigate future challenges. Its focus on customer satisfaction and employee engagement ensures its continued relevance and success.
Company Background
When established: JW Greer Company 1919, Wire Belt 1947
Range of products: Stainless Steel Conveyor belts, Spreading/converging conveyors, straight conveyors and turn conveyors.
Executive team:Dave Greer, CEO; Jon Greer, President (America); Gary Allen, Managing Director (England) and Marco Korbner, Managing Director (Germany)
Headquarters/manufacturing location(s): Wire Belt Company of America, Bedford, New Hampshire; Wire Belt Company Limited, Sittingbourne, Kent, UK and Wire Belt Company, Selmsdorf, Germany
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Wire Belt’s latest offering, the Compact Grid, features a 70% open surface area for easy cleaning and efficient processing.Photos courtesy of Wire Belt
