History · 3rd generation Michigan family ownership
Our story
Founded by Gerald Smedley in 1982, GMS was a primary supplier for manufacturing's air compressors department as a manufacturer of its reciprocating liners. GMS Industries' purchase of the Joy air winch, hoist, slusher, and motor line in the 80's provided an opportunity to focus on its own quality product, thus the lineup known today.
GMS Industries occupies the former Clark Equipment company facilities in Buchanan, Michigan. In the mid to late 80's GMS was the largest supplier for Clark Equipment, providing finished axles and hubs for the lift truck division. GMS built a reputation as a solution for corporations looking to outsource already profitable departments seeking greater end product margins.
Message from Founder
“As the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), GMS Industries is committed to the excellence Joy Manufacturing started in the early 1900's. We will continually strive to be the leader in the air driven hoist, winch, slusher and motor industry by offering the best product on the market at the most reasonable price.”
Jerry a proud husband and father of three children. His hobbies include fishing, promoting Native American history, spending time with his grandchildren, participation in the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and attending Notre Dame football games. He has been active in manufacturing at various positions for over 60 years and recently stepped down to retire in 2022 after serving 40 years as GMS Industries President.
1919*
The first JOY slusher
The JOY line traces to the first coal-mine slusher of 1919 — the start of the air-powered winch, hoist and motor legacy the company continues today.
JOY Manufacturing Company “Air Power Group” catalog, archival print. 1975
AW-80 in the field
An early AW-80 air winch, mounted with post clamp — the pattern of rugged, mount-anywhere air power JOY equipment is known for.
Early AW-80 with postclamp, 1975. 1978
B2F-211 mining slusher
The B2F-211 mining slusher at work — JOY equipment built for underground material handling.
B2F-211 mining slusher, 1978. 1981–82*
GMS Industries founded in Buchanan, Michigan
Founded by Gerald Smedley, GMS began as a primary supplier of reciprocating liners for air compressor manufacturing, occupying the former Clark Equipment facilities in Buchanan, Michigan.
Mid–late 1980s
Clark Equipment's largest supplier
GMS supplied finished axles and hubs for Clark Equipment’s lift truck division, building a reputation as the outsourcing partner for already-profitable manufacturing departments.
The Buchanan machine shop today. Late 1980s–1990*
GMS acquires the JOY lines
GMS Industries purchased the Joy air winch, hoist, slusher and motor line — described on our previous site as the JOY Petroleum and Underground Mining Divisions — becoming the original equipment manufacturer of the lineup known today.
JOY air power at Koch Refining, archival photograph. 1990s
In the refineries
JOY equipment serviced and specified in demanding installations — including maintenance work performed by Joywinch technicians at California refineries.
On the tower at a refinery customer, archival photograph. 2022
A new generation
After 40 years as GMS Industries President, Gerald Smedley retired. The company continues under third-generation Michigan family ownership.
JOY hoists ready to ship, Buchanan, Michigan. Today
American manufacturing, family owned
Air motors, winches and hoists, mining equipment and gearboxes — engineered, machined, powder-coated and shipped from 807 West 4th Street, Buchanan, Michigan.
Crated air motors leaving the plant.
* Dates marked with an asterisk are stated per company records and are being confirmed; sources give both 1981 and 1982 for the GMS founding, and both “the 80s” and 1990 for the JOY acquisition.
The lineup lives on
The same air-powered lines that filled these catalog pages are machined and shipped from Buchanan today — by the family that owns the OEM records.
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