See in the news section

FINAL THOUGHTS...
GK Machine equipment picture in April Oregonian

ISO 9001:2008 The Ultimate Benchmark Top Hat Mushroom Expands Operations GK Machine receives innovation award

...Customer Service. You hear the words all the time, but what do they really mean to you? "Standing behind the sale with excellent service keeps the customer satisfied and coming back for more," says Gary Grossen, President of GK Machine, Inc. Here at GK Machine, the customer is the focus.

You'll receive the answer to your question, they'll find the part you need to keep you moving, they'll provide the guidance you require to get the job accomplishedand you're on your way to productivity! Here at GK Machine, we have some of the very best Customer Service Representatives in the business. Put their combined 100+ years of knowledge and experience to work for you. Call them today! 503-678-5585

Gerhard, Mark, Chef, Will and Brian -GK Machines customer service team

COMBINING TECHNOLOGY AND TRADITION SINCE 1976

August 2012

New Equipment Expands GK Machines Capabilities

GK Machine continues to invest in state-of-the art equipment and technology allowing us to manufacture high-quality, close tolerance, custom fabrication with precision and accuracy.
GK Machines advance laser technology allows better consistency from part to part, lower cost from less scrap and quicker production times. The new Trumpf laser produces cleaner, burr free cuts and offers special fixturing of prefabricated parts. Whether its a simple blank or intricate artwork or lettering we have the capabilities to offer variety of solutions to your fabrication needs. With multiple lasers we can process large production runs quickly and efficiently. GK Machines facility is capable of handling all your fabrication needs.

ISO 9001:2008 QM Certification

The Ultimate Benchmark in Manufacturing
The ISO 9001 Certification is an International Quality Standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a worldwide federation of national standards bodies representing over 120 countries. ISO 9001 certification instills customer confidence and verifies that the organization who has met ISO 9001 certification requirements has an effective management system that meets internationally recognized Quality Management System (QMS) standards.

GK Machine, Inc. receives AE50 Award for Innovation!

GK Machine, Inc. receives AE50 Award for Innovation! GK's H8 Bare Root Tree Digger was recognized by the American Society of Agriculture and Biological in March 2012 Resource Magazine. The award focuses on products and systems that save growers and producers time, money and labor!

ISO 9001 Certification is the ultimate global benchmark for quality management. It is critical for taking GK Machine, Inc.s business, profitability and market potential to the next level in its evolution as a quality managed company. It is designed to improve competitiveness leading to a lower production costs for our customers. While ISO will help to streamline efficiencies, provide cost containment and improve consistency and information flow, it is also designed to improve time management, improve employee motivation and provide traceability and accountability throughout an organization. The 9001 ISO standard provides a flexible framework for a customer focused business management system to continuously improve performance and growth.

GK Machine, Inc. received the ISO 9001:2008 Certification for Parts, Large and Small Equipment in May 2012. With this certification in hand, GK Machine is well position for the future and increases our confidence to produce complex products and services. The ISO standard covers all aspects of an
ISOs EIGHT QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

PO BOX 427 DONALD, OR 97020-0427

organization

everything

from identifying processes to defining roles and responsibilities, from

Customer Focus Leadership Involvement of People Business Approach Systems Approach to Management Continual Improvement Factual Approach to Decision Making Mutual Beneficial Supplier Relations

policy

documentation

requirements to the importance of understanding and meeting all customer requirements. GK Machine is developing plans to improve its internal and external communication, employee training, monitoring and measurement of production processes. One of the main reasons for developing this newsletter you are now reading is to increase our direct communication with you, our valued customer.

GK MACHINE, INC. IN THE NEWS

OVER THE TOP PERFORMANCE
Today's growers seek equipment able to handle the stressed conditions in the field such as high heat, heavy dirt, and long hours of operation. . . Custom Made Equipment
GK has the experts on staff to design, engineer and fabricate the most reliable custom-made equipment and quality machinery for the agriculture industry including high and low clearance sprayers, trailers, planters, fuel tanks, conveyor's, potting machine, hose reels, tree diggers and more! GK also has the implements, attachments and hydraulics to meet a variety of operational needs.

GK MACHINE, INC.
Custom Equipment, Manufacturer, Specialty Machine Shop, Parts and Service Center

Oregonian Article GK Machine, Inc. equipment is pictured in an April Oregonian article. The article highlights the Kirsch family in St. Paul Oregon and their the transition of farm ownership from father to daughter.

SEDCOR Enterprise Magazine Article highlighting GK Machine's new timing system and self-management initiative to improve operational efficiency. SEDCOR stands for Salem Economic Development Corporation. Their mission is to attract new and support existing, longterm businesses and large employers in the Salem and surrounding area.

Farm Equipment Magazine The May issue of Farm Equipment Magazine highlights and pictures GK Machine, Inc.'s new Switchblade Land Leveler. The article lists innovations around the country designed to help agriculture customers become efficient within their farming operations.

Nursery and vine crops grow in a variety of heights and row widths, which challenges growers to spray, prune and mow crops with the most efficient equipment in the industry. Today's top growers seeks equipment able to handle the stressed conditions in the field such as high heat, heavy dirt, long hours, etc. and equipment must be ready when crops are ready. Today growers' bottom line today's equipment must be efficient, reliable and powerful.

OEM Manufacturer
GK has invested in state-of-the art equipment and is capable of producing anything from small machine parts to complete and complex systems. We'll engineer, fabricate, laser cut, punch, bend, roll, drill, saw, machine, assemble, finish and ship to your companies specifications. GK's advanced lean processes and timed job system provides extreme efficiency, detailed accuracy and ontime delivery for our OEM Partners.

GK Machine Efficiency: The TH2 and TR6 Tracker sprayers are rubber-tracked vehicles with low ground pressure as low as 5.5 psi. This light footprint will help with soil compaction especially in moist conditions. Track width is adjustable on-the-go allowing growers to adjust row spacing from field to field. The TH2 and TR6 feature a 400 gallon spray tank, charcoal filtered cab, gauge cluster on digital display.

OVER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE

Top Hat Mushroom Expands

Parts and Repair Service

GK Machine offers the best available parts and service for your agricultural equipment; hydraulics, GPS systems, sprayers, implements and machinery. Hard to find parts is our specialty! Our service technicians are readily available to help you maintain and repair your machinery, equipment and implements.

As the largest Shiitake Mushroom producer in the West, TopHat chooses GK Machine to help them expand their facility and growing operation. TopHat recently expanded their growing facilities adding a new location in Jordan Oregon.

Since the early 1970's, TopHat has made improvement after improvement to their operation, being relentless in their drive to improve efficiency while never wavering on their commitment to produce top quality mushrooms 365 days per year.

GK Machine Quality: The TR4 & TR6 Trackers can clear crops up to 84" inches tall and can be equipped with air blast and granular fertilizers. With a towering stance, TR's travel above crops to deliver a consistent spray pattern. In addition to large solution tanks and spray booms, a modular implement mount adds task versatility to equipment; pre-pruners, hedgers, flair mowers, trimmers and other implementsall easily mount to the machine frame. The main component that remains constant on all GK Machine trackers and sprayers is the separation of power to the hydrostatic drives and auxiliary hydraulics from spraying and hitch functions.

Q: Whos leading Oregons recovery?

GK History: Established by two brothers, Gary and Keith Grossen, GK Machine, Inc. began in 1976 near Donald Oregon, just south of Portland. The 65,000 square foot facility includes a fabrication shop, machine manufacturing unit, OEM manufacturer hydraulic and specialty equipment area, sales and marketing department, ser vice department, parts counter, shipping and receiving department, administrative offices and retail space.
New satellite location in Jordan, Oregon

TopHat uses technology to help them control environments to take advantage of the natural outdoor conditions in the Willamette Valley. Top Hat has been a long term customer of GK Machine because of GK's commitment to quality and for always offering a competitive price. When it was time to expand growing operations, they called GK Machine first.

GK Machine Manufacture Processing: is as versatile as its products. No two growers are alike, so why should their equipment be the same? Here at GK Machine we've never built two machines the same way this ensures customers get exactly what they want and their individual needs are met for their unique field operation. GK Machine is Ready: to help you make your operation more efficient. For a free on-site analysis of your operational efficiency contact Jim Wolf at 503-678-5525, toll-free 877-6785525 or via email at jwolf@gkmachine.com

GK Products & Services: Producing custom agricultural equipment, quality custom manufactured equipment and greenhouse products of the highest quality and while providing excellent service is GK Machine's top priority. GK Machine designs, engineers and fabricates some of the most reliable custom-made equipment and quality machinery for the agricultural industry including greenhouse structures and supplies.
Robin Gillette, TopHat owner

Industry mushroom buyers project a steady growth in consumption of the Shii-take Mushroom driven by consumer interest in health-promoting properties and specialty cooking.

TopHat is working on finding ways to reduce the time of spawn run, browning, and the cycle between breaks, thereby reducing production costs and increasing output. GK Machine will be there to support their efforts of increased efficiency.
Location in Scio, Oregon

Combining Technology and Tradition Since 1976

Please visit: www.TopHatMushroom.com for more information.

Oregon farmers, ranchers, and fisheries enjoyed a record setting year in 2011 according to newly released statistics that show 34 of the state's 36 counties increasing agricultural sales last year. It appears agriculture has bounced back much more strongly than other sectors of Oregon's economy. Marion County, with its diversity of crops and livestock, remains the powerhouse of Oregon agriculture. Marion increased 22 percent in sales to $616 million in 2011. "After two difficult years, Oregon agricultural sales have recovered from the impacts of the recession," said economist Bill Boggess, the executive associate dean of OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences. "It was a much needed good year for the state's farmers and ranchers, who play an increasingly vital role in Oregon's economy. Of the 89 commodities identified in the report, 66 increased in sales compared with 2010.