By Paige Harden, The Republic Reporter
GREENSBURG — Decatur County’s largest employer and the community it serves thrive on one another.
Greensburg Equipment and Components Manufacturing opened in 1987 with 47 employees.
In its 18 years of existence, GECOM has expanded 12 times and has grown to employ more than 1,700.
“They have provided many opportunities to our community,” said Don Schilling, president of the Decatur County Economic Development Corporation.
GECOM produces automotive parts, such as door latches and strikers, which are the pieces of equipment a car door hits when it closes.
Continuously growing, GECOM is the largest door latch manufacturing base in the United States.
“We are very proud GECOM chose Greensburg as its base,” said Greensburg Mayor Frank P. Manus. “They have been very loyal to our community.”
Manus said GECOM has provided more than jobs to Greensburg. The company has donated to charities, sponsored local baseball teams and given land to the city for projects, he said.
“They have had a major impact on our community,” Schilling said.
Bill Bolton, general manager of human resources and general affairs at GECOM, said Decatur County has been a great area to base the company.
“Decatur County is a very company friendly community,” Bolton said. “We are very pleased with how we have been received.”
Bolton said Decatur County has been a factor in the success of the company.
“The interstate keeps us in close proximity to some of our major customers,” he said. “The local government is very stable and the people have a great work ethic.”