Heritage

First-generation success stories are not unusual. Neither is a successful second generation. What sets Gonzalez apart is that we continue to build on the assets that brought about our success. Our status as a Certified Minority Business is a cornerstone of our identity. What we’ve created from that heritage is a financially strong business that continues to honor its roots even as it flourishes through productivity, engineering strength and innovation.

Henry Gonzalez, a first generation American of Mexican descent, built on decades of experience in the Detroit manufacturing engineering community before launching the company that bears his name in 1975. That year had much in common with today’s business climate. In the midst of a serious economic downturn, few were thinking entrepreneurially. Survival was the order of the day. Gonzalez got its start in this tough environment by going against the odds. Henry, his eldest son Ric, and some of the best engineers in the Detroit community set to work from the ground up, even building their own drafting boards as they set up shop.

Henry had managed design engineering companies for over 30 years before founding Gonzalez. Strong business relationships and a reputation for excellence had the company poised for success as the economy rebounded.  In less than three years Gonzalez employed over 60 engineers and had Tier 1 contracts with the major automakers.  Gary Gonzalez, Henry’s younger son, joined the organization in the spring of 1977. Unfortunately, Henry passed away that fall leaving ownership of the company to his sons. As the company continued to grow, so did the second Gonzalez generation as Patrick Desmet, step brother to Ric and Gary, joined the management team. The combination of their ambition, drive and capability has kept the company on course in the decades since. The passing of Ric Gonzalez in 2004 left Gary and Patrick in control of a dynamic, expanding group.  But even as it grows, Gonzalez retains the same values it was built on. It remains family owned and operated with an enduring focus on customer and community.

Today’s Gonzalez thrives as a powerhouse in the engineering services business. Fresh opportunities and customer demands have also driven expansion in new areas, both geographic and technical. Even as its internal capabilities have grown, the company has developed greater reach. Strategic joint ventures and partnerships now give Gonzalez a worldwide footprint and the ability to serve global customers where and when they require. Capabilities also go beyond engineering and production hardware to include Contingent Workforce Services.

Today’s Gonzalez has become a major full-service supplier to industries as diverse as automotive, aerospace, defense and communications electronics. With more than 800 dedicated people around the world, the Gonzalez organization is poised, positioned and committed to meeting the challenges of the future through advanced technologies and an unending quest for quality.