Bulk handling solutions specialists, Martin Engineering, recently celebrated its 80th anniversary.

During a month of celebrations in September 2024, the firm invited customers, local communities, and employees’ families to its flagship “Center for Innovation” in Neponset, Illinois and see Martin’s investment in engineering research and technological advancement over eight decades.

Martin Engineering Field Support Supervisor Sue Griffith talks to visitors about the company’s long history

Martin Engineering has focused on innovations, aimed at delivering “cleaner, safer and more productive bulk materials processing”.  The company holds patents for engineering designs for workplace safety and production efficiency in sectors such as mining and quarrying, cement and steel production, as well as resource recovery and recycling. 

The company’s products are primarily focused on conveyor belt performance and bulk flow technologies

Martin’s 80th anniversary cake


The Martin Engineering story began in the midst of World War II when Edwin F. Peterson, the son of Swedish immigrants, followed in his father’s footsteps and took a job as a pattern maker at Demmler Manufacturing, a steel foundry and fabrication business in Illinois, USA.

Edwin witnessed his co-workers using sledgehammers to beat on core machines, loosen the sand and release steel components from their molds.  Troubled by the health and safety risks, equipment damage and loss of productivity, he was convinced there must be a better way and began working on a solution.

This led to the development of the Vibrolator – a compact ball vibrator that used compressed air to propel a ball bearing inside two steel raceways.  The resulting vibration was enough to dislodge the sand and empty the core machines without the need for manual beating.  

It soon became clear that the device could be used for numerous other manufacturing operations handling loose materials.  Edwin started the business in September 1944 with the backing of investor Charles H. Waller and friend Jim Martin – who gave his name to the business as Edwin felt ‘Martin’ had better name recognition than ‘Peterson’.

The Vibrolator soon went into production and was patented in 1949.  

Members of the original Martin Engineering team at The Foundry Show in Atlantic City in 1952

Edwin’s son, Edwin “Ed” H. Peterson, started working for the business whilst still in high school.  Ed worked with his father on numerous innovations and new products through the 1950s and 1960s, gradually assuming the leadership role in the company as it developed its international business.

The development of high-performance components for conveyors enabled Martin to produce a line of belt cleaners, dust-control products, transfer-point solutions and other patented innovations.

Colleagues, customers and members of the local community gathered for Martin Engineering’s 80th anniversary celebrations at the company’s headquarters in Neponset, Illinois, USA

Today, Martin Engineering employs more than 1,000 people worldwide in offices and factory facilities across six continents.  Martin remains family-owned – Ed H. Peterson is still Chairman.

For more on the history of Martin Engineering and the Peterson family download the company’s Legacy Book https://foundations.martin-eng.com/book-options.