Gamtex Industries celebrates 100 years

Few businesses in Fort Worth, Texas, can claim that they have been in operation for 100 years, and even fewer have remained in the hands of the same family. However, metal recycling company Gamtex Industries can claim both of these distinctions.

 

The company that Jacob Gachman began in 1914 as a small shop along the Texas cattle trail in downtown Fort Worth is now a multimillion dollar business.

 

Gamtex Industries, now run by Jacob’s grandson Arnold Gachman, is one of the largest metal recycling businesses in Texas. Only 18 businesses in all of Tarrant County are older than Gamtex, and only a handful of those are family owned. Reflecting the company’s uniqueness, the Texas Historical Commission recently added Gamtex to an elite group of Texas businesses numbering only 129 that are at least 50 years old.

 

In the 1920s, Jacob, and his business partner P.E. Ellis, operated the St. Louis Junk Co. Jacob eventually bought out Ellis and continued the business as Gachman Metals.

 

By age 27, Arnold Gachman was named general manager; and became president five years later. In 1986, he bought Gachman Metals, renaming it Gamtex Industries.

 

“We’re excited to celebrate 100 years of doing business in this community and proud to be among a select few family-owned businesses that have operated here for that long,” says Arnold. “We are just as proud of the way we have done business over the course of a century, truly dedicated to being a community partner.”

 

To commemorate its 100-year anniversary Gamtex commissioned and donated art sculptures to be placed in Fort Worth’s Rockwood Park. 

 

“Gamtex, and especially its CEO Arnie Gachman, have not only contributed to the economic vitality of Fort Worth for a century, but also has taken a leadership role in giving back to the community,” says Bill Thornton, president of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. 

 

Arnold says dedicated family members interested in building on Gamtex’s legacy and a core group of loyal, committed employees have been at the center of the company’s success. Iric Gachman, Arnold’s son, has become president and CEO, ensuring continued leadership by the Gachman family.

 

“As proud as I was to carry on my grandfather’s vision in running our family’s recycling business, I’m just as proud knowing my son will lead Gamtex into the next century,” Arnold says.

 

Gamtex was recently listed as one of Fort Worth Business Press’s Top 100 Private Companies. Arnold Gachman is involved in many charitable and non-profit organizations in the Fort Worth area, including Baylor All Saints and Baylor Hospitals, the Sammons Transplant Institute at Baylor University Medical Center, the Fort Worth Club, Beth El Congregation and Add Ran College of the Texas Christian University board of visitors. 

 

Gamtex is a member of Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), where Arnold was the third national president in 1992; he now serves as a past president and director. Arnold was given a lifetime achievement award in 2013 from ISRI for his leadership and commitment to community at the local, state and national levels.