Over the weekend Newsday noted that Valley Stream resident Helen Smith turned 100, quite a feat indeed. The year of her birth, 1908, also marked the beginnings of Galkin Automated Products in West Babylon. The company celebrated 100 years last month.
While reaching 100 is still unusual for people, it’s downright extraordinary for companies. Most small businesses fail in the first five years of life. But Galkin, which primarily makes machinery used to manufacture mattresses, is among the lucky few to reach five and beyond.
Joseph Galkin started the company after seeing how companies struggled to do industrial work with conventional sewing machines. In 1972 Charlie Block bought the company. Today, his son, Paul, is president and CEO. How does it feel to be at the helm of a 100-year-old company? Paul Galkin had plenty to say:
“It makes us feel very proud. 100 years in business creates a very different sense of accomplishment. It makes me think in a historical context. I mostly think about the people and businesses that have passed through here and have had the company help them in some way. So many people have had their lives enriched or enhanced through their experience with Galkin Automated Products. I guess it makes us realize that what we work for on a daily basis has a real impact.”
--Carrie Mason-Draffen