The Geo. M. Martin Company
The Geo. M. Martin Company is among the longest running family-owned businesses in Emeryville spanning three generations. Current CEO George R. Martin is the grandson of founder George M. Martin who started the company amid the Great Depression in 1929.
George M. Martin was born in 1899 in San Francisco surviving the 1906 earthquake.
In 1929 at the age of 30, he lost his job as a mechanic with the Shand & Jurs Company in Berkeley following the “Black Tuesday” stock market crash.
Martin turned to his hobby shop lathe in the basement of his home for income satisfying a variety of odd jobs for neighbors.
Demand and recommendations for his precision work surged and he soon founded the Martin Machine and Iron Works company, hiring an assistant and seeking a larger space to operate.
The business initially specialized in precision machine shop work for the shipping industry with a focus on gear cutting and marine engine repairs. They also manufactured diamond-drilling equipment for the mining industry assisting in construction of the Shasta Dam.
In 1934, Martin opened a factory located at 2033 Ashby Avenue in Berkeley. In 1936, Martin bought a plant at 4065 Emery Street previously occupied by the Emeryville Coal Company that they remodeled into their headquarters.
Martin quickly grew his company’s reputation for quality machining as they expanded into other manufacturing areas including the dairy and print industries.
In 1940, Martin relocated his operation to 1250 67th street along the Emeryville/Berkeley border where they remain to this day. He changed the name of his company to the Geo. M. Martin Company.
In the 1950s, the company began working with the California Container Corporation located at 4549 Horton street who manufactured corrugated paper products.
This was a significant turning point in the company’s direction as they began pivoting their focus on manufacturing custom equipment for the corrugated container industry that they still specialize in. The rapid growth and proliferation of supermarkets were among the drivers of the corrugated industry at this time.
By the 1960’s, George’s only son Merrill D. Martin had grown into the role of the company’s chief design specialist helping the company innovate and further their advantage in this market.
By 1964, the plant had grown to a workforce of 45 employees.
George M. Martin was ambitious and demanding, but also had a sense of humor demonstrated in this help wanted ad ran in the Oakland Tribune in 1969 that read “To perform miracles—cranky chief—hot, crowded and noisy department—long hours—everything rush—poor pay—with long hard working future.”
Clearly Martin thought that anyone that was bold enough to respond to this inquiry was a keeper!
Martin was active in the community including membership in the Oakland Scottish Rite Shrine Temple, the Berkeley Elks Club, and the Olympic Club in San Francisco. He was also a member of a College Advisory Committee that supported vocational programs for young adults.
He died on Nov. 19, 1971 at the age of 72.
Merrill D. Martin assumed control of the business following his father’s death, continuing to push the company to innovate and expand.
In 1973, they expanded their operation by acquiring the building at 1255 67th Street across the street that was previously used by the Doughnut Corporation of America.
Merrill passed away in 2015 at the age of 91.
In 2020, George R. Martin, son of Merrill and grandson of the founder, took the reins as CEO with three of his siblings serving on the board of directors at the time. Martin continues to operate the company to this day.
Nearly a century later, the Geo M. Martin company continues to manufacture state-of-the-art equipment and is among the leading providers of converting equipment and bundle line systems for the corrugated industry.
They employ 150 workers including 100 union machinists. They export their machinery to over 56 countries worldwide.
Most of the descendants of George M. Martin have deviated to other professions but a line of succession is in place to ensure that the company remains in family control indefinitely.
