Sheldon Laboratory Systems
Sheldon Laboratory Systems, located in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, has long
been an essential part of learning for students across the United States and
around the world. Sheldon, better known as “GEM” (General Equipment
Manufacturers) to Mississippi locals, manufactures laboratory casework and
technical equipment for the education, industry, and healthcare markets.
The
former GEM company started in Mississippi as a small wood-working plant in the
1950s. In 1977, GEM’s parent company, Mississippi School Supply Company (now
MISSCO), purchased the original Sheldon Laboratory Systems, which was founded in
Muskegon, Michigan in 1898.
After the purchase, the entire operation moved to
Crystal Springs and was absorbed by GEM. In absorbing the name and products of
Sheldon, GEM also inherited the Sheldon reputation for being one of the most
highly regarded and well-respected casework suppliers in the industry. Since
that time, products known worldwide under the Sheldon Laboratory Systems’ brand
have been produced and shipped from the Crystal Springs facility. GEM officially
changed its name to match its well-known Sheldon products in October of 1978,
and produces close to 25 million dollars in products per year at its
100-employee Crystal Springs facility.
Sheldon products are in such high demand
that they can be found all over the world. Its products are marketed by Sheldon
dealers covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia; its laboratory
equipment goes to markets in Canada, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Iran, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and other regions around the world. Even
though products are sold internationally, all of Sheldon’s products are
manufactured in Mississippi; additionally, Sheldon uses raw materials found in
Copiah County and throughout the state when available before seeking other
sources. Approximately five to seven million dollars are returned to Mississippi
businesses by Sheldon each year.
What has ultimately enabled Sheldon to become a
multi-million dollar company is its commitment to excellence. Its products are
reinforced with steel rods in a thru-bolt construction technique rather than the
more commonly used dowel and glue method seen with many cabinet manufacturers.
The company has worked closely with educators to develop products that are
durable enough to withstand typical student abuse as well as meet aesthetic
expectations and the needs of the classroom. Sheldon works with the needs and
budget of clients and can outfit a very small school laboratory up to a
multi-million dollar facility.
Part of its success can also be attributed to the
personal attention given to each client. With roughly 300 people touring the
facility each year, clients are able to see the production process and see the
final products. Sheldon also tailors each product to the specific need and
vision of the school including size, type, and even color. Consultants also help
with the design and layout of the laboratory to ensure space is not wasted and
rooms and workspace are still functional.
Sheldon is continually developing new
products in conjunction with consultants and teachers in regard to what is best
for the student to help in their learning capabilities. It currently has close
to a dozen patents in production and five new designs pending. Sheldon products
are now being used in universities and major school districts throughout the
nation, including most schools in Mississippi.
Sheldon also works with the
Crystal Springs community and Copiah County region for local events. Sheldon is
a corporate sponsor for many community festivals including the Tomato Festival
and Chautauqua Park Bike Rally, and employees are well-known and active in the
local community.
For more information about Sheldon Laboratory Systems please
visit www.sheldonlabs.net