Whenever Garry Abraham needs to reignite his passion as the general manager and chief executive officer of Screw Conveyor Corporation, he gets out of his chair and takes a walk around the departments of the business, whether it is in the office or the factory. “I like to talk to one or two of our employees, find out how they are doing, how their family is, and what they may need to perform their job better,” he said. “Sometimes I even like to help them do their job for a while, whether it’s engineering, sales, or accounting in the office or welding augers, turning a coupling shaft, or loading and unloading trucks.”
Abraham’s career, spanning over four decades at Screw Conveyor Corporation, a pioneering company in the bulk material handling industry since its inception in 1932, reflects a blend of visionary leadership, engineering ingenuity, and a passion for empowering people.
He began his journey at the firm in 1980 as a design engineer, where his early contributions included designing the company’s first computer program for conveyor component configuration and spearheading the development of the Super-Flo II, a flat bottom drag flight conveyor line. These initiatives streamlined operations and set the stage for innovative product lines like the EnDuro-Flo and Super-Flo XL.
In 1992, Abraham ascended to the role of chief executive officer, guiding the company through transformative growth. Under his leadership, Screw Conveyor Corporation expanded its reach beyond U.S. borders with the establishment of Screw Conveyor de Mexico, serving the Mexican and Central American markets.
Abraham’s leadership style emphasizes continuous improvement across engineering, manufacturing and sales. Implementing cutting-edge technologies such as robotic welding and AI-driven configurators has enhanced productivity while maintaining the company’s hallmark quality. As a result, company sales have tripled in the last 30 years and a business that launched in the heart of the Great Depression in the 1930s is now growing and thriving more than 90 years later.
Beyond corporate achievements, Abraham has been a pivotal figure in the broader materials-handling industry. As president of the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturing Association (CEMA) in 2016-2017, he championed the publication of the first bucket elevator applications manual, now an industry-standard guide.
For Abraham, leadership extends beyond the boardroom. Whether collaborating on the factory floor or listening to employees’ perspectives, his hands-on approach reinforces a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose. “By fostering a culture of excellence, the company is poised to remain a leader in the field, delivering unparalleled value to its customers and employees alike,” he said.