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Case Studies & Insights

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Phil Huitema · March 19, 2026

A Project 15 Years in the Making

Sometimes, the best view is from the top—and for the Gelock team, the view from the new Gun Lake Casino Resort hotel was fifteen years in the making. Last summer, we had the honor of setting the "crown jewel" signage atop the casino's new 16-story hotel tower.

Crane WorkSignageRiggingGun Lake Casino
Mike Merrifield · February 6, 2026

Press Down, Profits Down: How GELOCK Saved an Automotive Timeline in 4 Days

When Wolverine Metal Stamping's 1000-ton Brown Boggs press went down, every hour mattered for their automotive supply chain. GELOCK delivered a four-day turnaround—OEM coordination, rigging, and a secondary failure caught in time.

AutomotiveStamping PressSEYIEmergency Repair
Matt Van Dam · February 6, 2026

Hauling Heavy in the Thaw: Moving Heavy Equipment During Michigan's Spring Weight Restrictions

In Michigan, the arrival of spring means the return of the "Frost Laws." At Gelock Heavy Movers, we specialize in navigating these restrictions to keep your projects moving—using a 10-axle "jeep" setup to transport heavy equipment legally during the thaw.

Heavy HaulingSpring Restrictions10-Axle Setup
Mike Merrifield · January 15, 2026

Precision in the Pit: Rebuilding an Underdrive Danly Press for Ram Die

For Ram Die, their 1,350-ton Danly stamping press is essential for proving out complex dies. When the slide adjust failed and the counterbalances began severely leaking, they called GELOCK—here is how we rebuilt the underdrive system without cutting a hole in the roof.

DanlyUnderdrive PressRam Die
Matt Van Dam · January 8, 2026

Powering Progress: How Gelock Moves the Transformers Driving Michigan's Growth

As Michigan's energy landscape evolves, the demand for a reliable, modern power grid has never been higher. At the center of these massive upgrades are transformers—and moving these multi-ton giants is where Gelock Heavy Movers comes in.

TransformersUtility InfrastructureHeavy RiggingGrid Modernization
Matt Van Dam · November 13, 2025

90% of Emergency Press Repairs are Due to Improper Lubrication

In manufacturing presses, lubrication is critical for reducing friction and heat, extending equipment life, and ensuring consistent product quality. At GELOCK we estimate that 90% of our emergency press repair calls are due to improper lubrication—here is how to build a solid lubrication program.

LubricationPress MaintenanceManufacturing
Matt Van Dam · September 4, 2025

Understanding the Risks: Using Smaller Tools on Large Mechanical Presses

For maintenance managers, understanding the limits and risks of using smaller dies on larger presses is essential. Improper use can compromise press integrity and lead to costly downtime—here's what you need to know.

Mechanical PressesSEYISafetyMaintenance
Matt Van Dam · August 18, 2025

The Importance of Upgrading Industrial Equipment: Insights from a Plastic Injection Machine Disassembly Project

A recent Gelock project involving the removal of a 3000 ton plastic injection machine that had reached the end of its useful life—executed in partnership with OnSite Industrial Services and Padnos—serves as a compelling case study for industrial business owners considering similar upgrades.

Equipment DisassemblyPlastic InjectionHeavy RiggingIndustrial Upgrade
Matt Van Dam · July 17, 2025

The Importance of Proper Counterbalance Settings for Stamping Presses

Counterbalances play a vital role in stamping press operation. Neglecting their maintenance can lead to premature wear, mechanical failure, and significant downtime—here's what maintenance managers need to know.

Stamping PressesCounterbalanceMaintenance
Matt Van Dam · June 23, 2025

Local School Expansion Required Heavy Equipment Storage, Hauling, Hoisting and Setting

A local school system's ambitious expansion required the installation of two 15,000 lb HVAC air units. Gelock Heavy Movers managed the full logistics chain—from warehouse storage to precise crane placement—showcasing our expertise in large-scale mechanical equipment delivery and assembly.

HVACCrane WorkSchool ConstructionLogistics
Kendra Kern · February 29, 2024

Case Study: Quick Solution to a HOT Eccentric Bushing

When a West Michigan tier 1 automotive supplier measured their 800T Aida press's eccentric shaft bushings at over 150°F, GELOCK dispatched a project manager on-site. We disassembled the next day, fabricated four new bronze bushings, and completed the full installation—with all bushings running at 75°F—in just 17 working days.

Case StudyStamping PressEccentric Bushing
Matt Van Dam · February 29, 2024

Van Dam family restores historic Gelock 1967 Hendrickson truck

If you were passing by the Gelock warehouses this June, you may have seen the beautiful T-6 truck emerging from her cave for the first time in 25+ years. The 1967 Hendrickson—specially ordered by Gerald Van Dam—could haul up to 161,000 pounds. Now the family plans to restore it for parade duty.

Company HistoryRestorationHeavy Hauling

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