Have you ever seen an older GPI or HECO baler in your facility or online?
Have you ever wondered who manufactured GPI balers or how old it is?
Harmony Enterprises manufactured balers and compactors under the HECO name and GPI Division between 1972 and 1998….
Harmony Enterprises (HECO) has evolved so much over the years since the start of the business in 1962. Although they did not start the business with intentions of manufacturing recycling and waste management equipment, it did not take long for Harmony Enterprises to find their niche.
In 1969, HECO began to diversify their product line and purchased General Polyflex, Inc., also commonly known as GPI. Initially GPI manufactured polyurethane foam carpet padding in the Warren/Detroit area. When the Detroit area took an economic downturn, HECO again began to diversify their company and the GPI name.
By 1972, HECO saw an opportunity to manufacture an hydraulic operated baler for a local supermarket chain. Up until that time, the cardboard boxes were burned in an incinerator, which was harmful to the environment. The HECO balers were manufactured under the GPI name, and the demand for commercial balers to handle and recycle corrugated cardboard continued to grow. The previous method of incineration was declining due to environmental impact and legislative changes.
The quality, efficiency, and demand of the GPI balers were immediately recognized, and the balers became a central focus for HECO. Over the coming years, HECO manufactured more recycling and waste management products under the GPI name between 1972 – 1998.
HECO and GPI Recycling Equipment Manufactured:
- Balers – Balers were designed to compact corrugated cardboard for in warehouse or retail environments. The balers were are also quickly adapted to bale aluminum cans, plastic containers and other recyclable materials.
- Stationary Compactors – Compactors were designed to compact waste materials, reduce hauling costs, and relieve landfill problems for municipalities and counties.
- Indoor Power Packers – Packers were designed to compact and better manage waste and recyclable materials at the source of the problem. Food service industries, hospitals, and hotels could compact their waste in the kitchen or other key areas.
- SmartPack Compacting Waste Receptacle – SmartPacks were designed to compact waste in dining areas, fast food restaurants, airports, malls, and schools. Patrons can dispose of their own waste and the facility quickly realizes payback through savings in labor, waste hauling and waste liners.
In 1998, Harmony Enterprises Inc. (HECO) decided to market the baler and compactor line under the Harmony Enterprises name, instead of the General Polyflex, Inc. (GPI) Division. Since that time, we have also expanded our recycling and waste solutions to over 50 products, that we offer today.
The next time you come across a HECO or GPI Baler, consider the longevity and history of the equipment! We are proud to manufacture durable, long-lasting equipment that stands the test of time, whether it labeled with GPI, HECO, or Harmony Enterprises Inc.
