Local Business Spotlight: Liberal Gasket Mfg. Co.

In 1975, Bill and Joan Griggs moved from Hobbs, New Mexico to purchase a small branch of a gasket company in Liberal, Kansas. Bill had been in the industry for a while, but the two of them were eager to own their own business, and this opportunity felt right. History agrees. After more than forty-five years in operation, the Liberal Gasket Manufacturing Company is thriving, and Joan still oversees daily operations.

In the beginning, it was just the two of them, but more employees were quickly added to meet demand. Over time, their children would work for the company, too, with son Gregg serving as manager for many years. Their attention to detail early on meant drawings and hand-typed references for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part numbers. Each one cross-referenced with books and die cards to ensure the highest quality for each customer. Hand-made dies of wood with rule-steel cutting blades were eventually adapted, which allowed for faster precision cutting for over 3,000 configurations.

Liberal Gasket Mfg. Co. Inc. serves the energy industry with custom gaskets made from a variety of materials. While oil, gas, and renewables helped expand the company throughout the years, other industries served include hospital maintenance, food processing, plumbing, agriculture, and manufacturing. This diversity ensures that unique gaskets can be made to serve the needs of all customers. Additionally, hundreds of standard O-rings are kept in stock, and specialty sizes can be vulcanized on site. LGM also carries ring gaskets (metal and rubber), single- and double-jacketed metal gaskets, and Flexitallics?.

The companies who buy from Liberal Gasket Mfg. are not limited to Seward County or even the region. For years, sales were led by a team who would spend their time on the road, visiting with clients, generating orders, and delivering product. Today, this process has been streamlined. Most orders are received over the phone, via email, or by fax which decreases turnaround times. Each day, shipments are sent across the United States from Alaska to Florida, California to New England, and North Dakota to Texas. New customers arrive by word-of-mouth recommendation or through the recently upgraded website www.liberalgasket.com.

Joan is excited about the future of the business. Automation is the goal with auto-cad drawings to match the customer’s equipment. This will be achieved by investing in the training and resources to support their workforce—a “dedicated, energetic staff, eager to do their jobs with accuracy and dependability.”

More than anything, Joan feels gratitude for the community and the clients who have looked to Liberal Gasket Manufacturing for products and service over the years. Yes, these clients have been faithful customers, purchasing gaskets and generating word-of-mouth sales; but more than that, these clients have helped drive innovation. Their requests have led to new skills and new products for the company and its employees. What more can a business ask for from its supporters?

To find out more, or to request their services, contact Liberal Gasket Manufacturing Company 620-624-4921 or visit www.liberalgasket.com

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