Although EccoFab president Gerry Bauer isn’t typically in the industry spotlight, those who know him describe the impact he’s had on the industry – and on them personally – as immeasurable.
Described as knowledgeable, humble, a problem solver and an innovator, Bauer earned the respect of his peers across a career that spans more than 46 years. Bauer’s impact goes far beyond wear parts, though.
“What makes Gerry truly exceptional is how he pairs his technical expertise with a deeply collaborative spirit,” says Kjell Bäckman, vice president of special steel sales for SSAB. “He’s the kind of leader who elevates everyone around him.”
Additionally, Bäckman says Bauer treats everyone as a peer – regardless of their experience or status.
“His commitment to shared success – his belief that if customers succeed, we all succeed – speaks volumes,” Bäckman says. “Gerry’s impact isn’t just about business; it’s about relationships. He’s humble, approachable and always willing to share his knowledge or insights to help others improve.”
Handling Hardox
Bauer has served as president of EccoFab, a manufacturer of custom-made wear parts for the aggregate industry, for the last 27 years. The company was founded in 1974.
Perhaps the most defining decision of Bauer’s career with EccoFab was the introduction of Hardox steel to its wear parts. EccoFab first experimented with Hardox in 1988 and officially joined the U.S. Hardox Wearparts network in 2000 as a founding member.
In 2023, Bauer was recognized by the SSAB North American Hardox Wearparts Network with its first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Gerry’s commitment to the network and the Hardox steel brand, along with his 40-plus years of accomplishments to advance the application of wear parts in the aggregate industry, are unmatched,” says Steve Cunningham, Hardox Wearparts business development manager. “Through his knowledge, insights and love of the industry, his contributions have impacted an entire generation.”
Bauer is among the most highly regarded individuals in the Hardox Wearparts network.
“His commitment to innovation set a standard that the rest of the market aspired to,” Bäckman says. “Within the 500-plus member network, if you asked any one of them to name a person they look up to the most, I’m not 99 percent sure [but] I’m 100 percent certain they’d all point to Gerry as the ‘North Star.’”
Paving the way
What sets Bauer apart from others in the industry is his willingness – even excitement – to do what others won’t.
“He’s willing to take risks, tackle challenges and iterate solutions until they work,” says Tony Bussan, president of Hard Steel Machine. “He takes on problems that others won’t. He helps people do things they otherwise couldn’t find someone to do. That’s who Gerry is – someone who sees opportunities where others see obstacles and brings that vision to everything he does.”
Bauer’s collaborative effort is another hallmark of his storied career. He is always willing to share knowledge with others, as well as listen and learn.
“What sets Gerry apart isn’t just his smarts, it’s how he works with people,” says Ray Schremp, who previously worked at ALAMP Road Builders in Schaumberg, Illinois. “Back when I was with ALAMP, we were customizing crushers left and right, trying to make them more efficient. I’d sketch out ideas or send Gerry a quick picture and he’d take it from there.
“Not only would he get it done fast, he’d also call back with ideas to make it even better,” Schremp adds. “He’s a true partner – always honest, fair and never one to make excuses. If something wasn’t right, he’d own it, fix it and move on.”
No signs of stopping
Bauer, who recently celebrated his 81st birthday, hasn’t lost a step.
EccoFab and manufacturing are in Bauer’s DNA. Even as an octogenarian, he has no plans of slowing down.
“I just retired myself, but Gerry is still going strong,” Schremp says. “Just recently, he added a $3 million expansion to his shop to get parts out faster. At a time when most folks would be slowing down, Gerry is ramping up, thinking outside the box and innovating like always.”
