The Beginning
Originally founded in 1962 in Harmony, Minnesota, Harmony Enterprises started their business marketing portable ice fishing shelters and a walking cane that could be made into a folding seat. Later they expanded into canvas tent and roof lifting systems for recreation vehicles and other products for the camping industry.
Diversification
By 1969, Harmony saw the need to diversify since the RV business was seasonal. Harmony purchased General Polyflex Corporation (GPI) and another small company that lead to the development of a new product – a baler for cardboard boxes. The Low Profile Baler was a great alternative to burning cardboard boxes in an incinerator, which was harmful to the environment.
Demand for Recycling
In 1972, Harmony was manufacturing the baler under the GPI name, to meet the growing demand for retail, industrial and commercial businesses to handle and recycle corrugated cardboard. The demand for balers grew, becoming a more popular method of handling cardboard than the previous method of incineration, which was declining due to environmental impact and legislative changes. Balers are also utilized for baling aluminum cans, plastic containers and other recyclable materials. The quality was immediately recognized, and the balers became a more central focus for the business and demand grew at a steady pace.
Growth & Focus
In the mid-90’s the company went through the largest renovation in the their history and invested in new equipment, new offices, and production area. The sales of Harmony products went global with products in over 25 countries worldwide. The RV products were later discontinued and product lines have since remained focused on the customer demand for recycling and environmental-friendly products, such as the stationary compactors, indoor packers, Smart-Packs, horizontal balers, and more. The GPI name was later discontinued and all products were marketed under Harmony Enterprises.
Global
Today, Harmony Enterprises earns 30% of its business from international sales from over 70 countries. Their sales are from brands big and small, such as Albertsons, Safeway, Walgreen’s, Best Buy, Buffalo Wild Wings, McDonalds, Taco Bell, and more. To continue expansions internationally, Harmony purchased Cypress Environment located in Toulouse France so they can provide top-notch sales and technical support to the European market. This is the first company to be part of the Harmony Europe division of Harmony Enterprises.
