The Manufacturing Express pulled into Graepel’s North American HQ on a scorching 100-degree day to wrap up our amazing visit to Omaha, Nebraska. Graepel’s sleek and modern headquarters also nods to the company’s long-standing history. Upon entry to the Omaha facility, Graepel’s centuries-long journey comes to life, the company’s achievements illustrated before your eyes: The “Wall of Grates” features significant grates in history, including the one immortalized by Marilyn Monroe’s iconic white dress moment—a perfect icebreaker for any visitor.
American-made with German roots, Graepel’s legacy dates back to the 19th century. In the beginning, founder Hugo Graepel specialized in manufacturing perforated metal sheets, known for their slip-resistant properties. These products, along with Hugo Graepel’s family business, have since become essential in large machinery, steps, walkways, and platforms, trusted by the global agricultural, trucking, construction, and transportation industries.
In 2007, Graepel opened its doors for the first time in the U.S.: in those days, Mark Zumdohme, CEO of Graepel North America, ran the American branch as a one-man operation. Zumdohme explained that Graepel chose to build the company in Nebraska because of the Midwest’s legacy of manufacturing and its hard-working people.
The company grew quickly and realized the need to nurture Nebraska talent and build a pipeline for new workers in the manufacturing industry. This focus on its people led to Graepel’s launch of Nebraska’s first-ever joint apprenticeship program with the German Chamber of Commerce and Metropolitan Community College. Inspired by the German apprenticeship model, the program values individual learning and company investment. Graepel’s full paid, year-round block-style training program offers hands-on learning and training to up to four (4) apprentices per year. Graduates earn an Associate’s Degree and a guaranteed full-time position at Graepel.
At the Manufacturing Express event, the Graepel team laughed, socialized, and shared stories from the factory floor, despite the scorching heat. Employees cheered as coolers went to our event’s two I Make America and Manufacturing Challenge winners, coincidentally both current apprentices.
Graepel’s modern-day motto, “Creating safety,” reflects their unwavering commitment to safety and the critical purpose of its products. Over the years, this fourth-generation, family-owned company has seen remarkable growth. However, Graepel’s dedication to ensuring that everyone returns home safely continues to drive them forward. “We create safety for customers, but we also ensure the safety of all employees by embracing modern technologies and creating a stable environment for them,” Zumdohme said.
Graepel seamlessly blends their legacy with a forward-thinking vision to push the boundaries of what equipment manufacturing can be in America. With centuries of experience behind them, Graepel’s U.S. chapter is just beginning, powered by the dedication and craftsmanship of its manufacturing workers, who are the true backbone of the company’s success and innovation.
