Timeline of General Mechanical History
1961
Francis Ash founded General Mechanical as an industrial piping contractor in a small office in downtown Tacoma. His expertise and commitment to quality laid a strong foundation for the business, setting the stage for its future growth and success.
1960's-1970's
During this period, we operated as a small-scale contractor, primarily serving Tacoma's industrial sites. Our dedication to reliability and skill enabled us to quickly build a solid reputation. By the mid-1960s, we moved into a new office warehouse, where we would remain for the next 50 years, further establishing our presence in the community.
Early 1980s
In response to market demands, we expanded our services by adding a structural division that included skilled carpenters and millwrights. This strategic move allowed us to diversify our offerings and better meet the growing needs of the industrial market.
1990's
With the addition of new leadership, we gained fresh vision and expertise, resulting in the formation of a strong group of ironworkers. This new team complemented our existing pipefitting, plumbing, carpentry, and millwright trades, creating a robust workforce capable of handling a diverse range of construction demands. This growth not only enhanced our service offerings but also solidified our position in the competitive Tacoma industrial market.
2000's
We experienced significant development in our public works and general contracting capabilities, adapting to changing market demands. Our focus on diversifying project types and enhancing service delivery allowed us to meet the needs of both public sector clients and private enterprises. By embracing new technologies and methodologies, we positioned ourselves as key players in local infrastructure development and contributed to community projects that supported growth and sustainability.
2018
After significant growth, we made the important decision to move our operations to a larger, more expansive facility. This new location features a 10,000-square-foot office, a 45,000-square-foot shop, and an ample yard—greatly enhancing our operational efficiency and improving collaboration among employees and teams.
Today
We take pride in our industrial roots, which have contributed to the development of the Tacoma tide flats. Now, as a premier full-service contractor, we are focused on the future—making strategic hires for growth and actively seeking new project opportunities to expand our footprint in the industry.
Francis Ash founded General Mechanical as an industrial piping contractor in a small office in downtown Tacoma. His expertise and commitment to quality laid a strong foundation for the business, setting the stage for its future growth and success.
During this period, we operated as a small-scale contractor, primarily serving Tacoma’s industrial sites. Our dedication to reliability and skill enabled us to quickly build a solid reputation. By the mid-1960s, we moved into a new office warehouse, where we would remain for the next 50 years—further establishing our presence in the community.
In response to market demands, we expanded our services by adding a structural division that included skilled carpenters and millwrights. This strategic move allowed us to diversify our offerings and better meet the growing needs of the industrial market.
With the addition of new leadership, we gained fresh vision and expertise, resulting in the formation of a strong group of ironworkers. This new team complemented our existing pipefitting, plumbing, carpentry, and millwright trades—creating a robust workforce capable of handling a diverse range of construction demands. This growth not only enhanced our service offerings but also solidified our position in the competitive Tacoma industrial market.
We experienced significant development in our public works and general contracting capabilities, adapting to changing market demands. Our focus on diversifying project types and enhancing service delivery allowed us to meet the needs of both public sector clients and private enterprises. By embracing new technologies and methodologies, we positioned ourselves as key players in local infrastructure development and contributed to community projects that supported growth and sustainability.
After significant growth, we made the important decision to move our operations to a larger, more expansive facility. This new location features a 10,000-square-foot office, a 45,000-square-foot shop, and an ample yard—greatly enhancing our operational efficiency and improving collaboration among employees and teams.
We take pride in our industrial roots, which have contributed to the development of the Tacoma tide flats. Now, as a premier full-service contractor, we are focused on the future—making strategic hires for growth and actively seeking new project opportunities to expand our footprint in the industry.