May 23, 2008 2 min read

By James Pletcher Jr. Herald-Standard

Fay-Penn Economic Development Council presented its annual Eberly Economic Development Award to Gerome Manufacturing Co. at its annual dinner meeting Thursday at Nemacolin Woodlands.

Accepting the award were Henry Gerome Sr., Henry Gerome Jr., Gerome Sr.’s daughter Patty and Joe Putila, his son-in-law.

The award is presented to a company or individual who exhibits a commitment to economic development.

James Foutz, Fay-Penn treasurer, who presented the honor, said, “Gerome Manufacturing is one of the backbones of manufacturing in Fayette County. They operate three facilities: one in Oliver, another in the Greater Uniontown Business Park and a small operation in Arizona. They employ more than 120 people, many of whom have worked there for 20 or more years.’

Gerome Sr. founded the company, which makes specialized sheet metal and other products, in 1957 in his basement.

During its five decades, Gerome Manufacturing has progressed slowly, moving from smaller-to-larger buildings several times before setting up shop in the 75,000-square-foot building in Oliver on the outskirts of Uniontown. It also leases about 110,000 square-feet in the Fay-Penn multi-tenant building in the business park on Route 119 north.

Gerome Manufacturing has built its reputation as a leading producer of diversified technical products distributed to an array of industrial customers. While the company is mainly know for producing magnetic shields, Gerome Manufacturing also fabricates instrument enclosures, internal chassis and cabinets for manufacturers of electronic instruments, computers, power supplies and motor controls. Gerome’s engineers also provide support to the company’s more than 165 regular customers in solving challenges particular to their business.

“Sometimes I was elated, sometimes I was discouraged but I was always interested in the business,’ Gerome Sr. said in accepting the award.

He also joked that “behind every successful man is a surprised mother-in-law.’