Our Story
Two West Michigan businesses. One industrial partner — local, trusted, for generations.
One Team.Total Capability.
Gelock is the unified name of two West Michigan businesses that have served industrial sector for over a century. What started in 1890 as a local rigging operation in Grand Rapids grew into a comprehensive heavy industrial services company — and in 2026, when Gelock Heavy Movers and HEL Inc. came together, the region gained its most capable single-source industrial partner.
We're a local, family-owned business. Our riggers, haulers, and millwrights are meticulous problem-solvers who take great satisfaction in fixing, moving, and installing your equipment quickly and reliably — so you don't lose a minute of unnecessary downtime.
Two Legacies. One Future.
How Gelock and HEL each built their piece of West Michigan's industrial story — and became one.
Founded in Grand Rapids
Established in 1890, Gelock begins as a local rigging and hauling operation — relocating everything from manufacturing facilities to atomic reactors. The recognized leader in West Michigan from day one.
Total Turnkey Capability
Gelock purchases Hastings Equipment Company and relocates the machine shop to Grand Rapids. Industrial Electrical Services and Rite-Way Plumbing join. Crane, rigging, hauling, machining, and repair — all under one roof.
Second Business Begins
Gerald Van Dam expands Gelock's services into emergency repair and machine fabrication. A second business is born: Hastings Equipment Limited.
HEL Inc. Incorporated
Hastings Equipment Limited is formally incorporated. Gerald's sons — Rich, Randy, and John Van Dam — take ownership. The machine shop grows into West Michigan's go-to for industrial repair.
Fleet & Capability Expansion
As Michigan's industrial base grew, Gelock expanded its crane capacity, warehousing, and hauling fleet. Each project reinforced its reputation as the region's most capable turnkey partner.
Decades of Earned Trust
Over a decade of exceptional machine repair and millwright services. Meticulous problem-solvers who fix equipment quickly and reliably — so clients don't lose a minute of unnecessary downtime.
Two Companies. One Name.
In 2026, HEL Inc. and Gelock Heavy Movers unite under the GELOCK name. The same trusted teams, the same commitment, and now a single point of contact for every heavy industrial need in West Michigan and beyond.
Why Companies Choose Gelock
Dependable
You get a team trusted by West Michigan for over a century — one that shows up, follows through, and delivers for your project.
Personal
Family-owned means you're never a number. You get real people — and a direct line to the team that cares about your project.
Transparent
You always know where your project stands and who's responsible for making it happen.
On Time
Our logistical expertise and dedicated team ensure timelines are set — and kept — every single time.
No job is too big, too small, or too far away. When you work with us, you'll feel like your project is the only one we're working on.— Gerald Van Dam, President · circa 1980
Gerald's words still define how Gelock operates today. From relocating entire manufacturing facilities to responding to an emergency breakdown — that same commitment runs through every person on our team.