History of G.C. Fuller Mfg. Co.
G. C. Fuller Mfg. Co. was founded in 1917 by Gaines Conant Fuller. Little is known about the early days of the company, but we do know that Mr. Fuller sold the business in 1919 to Harry Haneberg for the sum of $100.00. Harry ran the company with marginal success along with several other ventures including a candy company. In 1938 Harry Haneberg died while vacationing. The company was taken over by his son Ray Haneberg.
During the war years Ray's brother Dick ran the company while Ray was serving his country in the Pacific. Upon Ray's return the two brothers became partners. The company was located at the time in the second floor of an old building on Central Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio, and occupied about 3,000 square feet. In 1958 the company built a new building of 12,000 square feet on Crookshank Road, also in Cincinnati.
During those years Ray took care of the office and Dick took care of factory operations. Largely because of Dick's innovative ideas for improving the quality of the products and the methods of manufacture, G. C. Fuller became successful and gained market share. In 1963 the company was incorporated. In 1986 the company was sold to Ray's son Paul and Dick's son Rick. Ray passed away in early 1992. Dick stayed active with the company working on special projects until 2000.
Paul's background was in engineering and computers. Prior to 1986 he had been Manager of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Data Processing Manager at Hess & Eisenhardt Mfg. Co., a manufacturer of armored limousines, including those used by the President of the United States.
Rick's background was in sales. Prior to 1986 he had been a sales representative for Versatec a Division of Xerox, a manufacturer of computer plotters and specialty coated paper.
After assuming control of the company Paul ran the factory and Rick ran the office. After a few months they switched positions. As the company continued to grow Tom Welter was hired as production manager. Tom's job became the day to day process of getting the orders out the door with Rick handling more long range responsibilities. Sandy LaClair was hired as office manager. Sandy's job became the day to day running of the office, freeing Paul to pursue more long range strategic projects.
In August of 1997 G. C. Fuller moved to a new 32,000 square foot manufacturing facility in nearby Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
On March 8, 2006 Paul Haneberg suffered a massive stroke leaving him partially paralyzed and unable to speak. While Paul made great strides in his recovery it was necessary on October 17, 2006 for Roman Welter and Rick to purchase Paul�s ownership in the company.
In order to insure a smooth transition Roman Welter assumed the duties of Vice President of Manufacturing. Tom Welter accepted the duties of Sales Manager. Robert Haneberg took over accounting duties and is assisting Office Manager Sandy LaClair.