LAS VEGAS — George Anderson, owner of Gessford Machine in Hastings, Neb., has been named the 2004 “Machine Shop of the Year” award by Engine Builder magazine and the Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA). AERA is a not-for-profit trade association, serving the engine rebuilder/remanufacturing industry, machine shops, equipment, parts and services suppliers since 1922.
The award, presented during the AERA 2004 New Products Showcase in Las Vegas, honors the professional engine builder or machine shop determined to be the “best of the best” in the association.
Gessford Machine, founded in 1955, has been owned by Anderson and his wife since 1991. With a staff of eight people, the shop handles engines for applications from small Briggs & Stratton engines to huge D9 Caterpillar engines.
“One of our specialties is building 427 Ford muscle car motors for use in genuine CSX Shelby Cobras, as well as other brands of replica Cobras and Mustangs,” said Anderson. “In addition, we offer additional machine services and welding repairs, and emergency repair services for our industrial customers.”
This business diversification was influential, but it was only part of the reason Gessford received the award, explained Engine Builder’s Editor Doug Kaufman. “The wide range of customers Gessford serves is impressive, but so is Anderson’s commitment to being a leading contributor to his local community and economy,” said Kaufman. “For his dedication to local services as well as his active role in introducing state legislature that may help other automotive-related businesses grow in Nebraska show, we are pleased to present this award.”
Anderson gave credit to his staff for the award. “The many hours I am able to spend on community service that I love wouldn’t be possible without their support,” Anderson said. “We rely on and trust each other like we are family. They deserve to be recognized for all the great work they do, the astounding ingenuity and problem-solving skills they show me every day and the hundreds of satisfied customers that we have all over the country.”
For information about AERA, go to: www.aera.org.
For information about Engine Builder magazine, go to: www.engine-builder.com.
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