Founder Gilbert Stone in the first WEM Pumps office, circa 1951
WEM Pumps was established in 1950 as Wire Equipment Manufacturing, Co., by Gilbert Stone and colleagues from John Roebling’s American Steel & Wire Company, and has played a vital role in the American steel industry. John Roebling’s introduction of galvanized steel revolutionized the industry, paving the way for the construction of such iconic landmarks as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. Stone, leveraging his experience in steel mills pre-World War II, recognized that with these advancements came the need for improved safety and productivity in handling molten metal. He adapted a Swedish pump design, leading to the birth of the WEM Pump. This groundbreaking innovation transformed the galvanizing and steel industries, replacing manual ladling with efficient pump-based transfer systems. The introduction of the WEM Pumpsaved hours of production downtime and exponentially improved safety during the transfer of molten metals.
WEM Pumps was established in 1950 as Wire Equipment Manufacturing, Co., by Gilbert Stone and colleagues from John Roebling’s American Steel & Wire Company, and has played a vital role in the American steel industry. John Roebling’s introduction of galvanized steel revolutionized the industry, paving the way for the construction of such iconic landmarks as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. Stone, leveraging his experience in steel mills pre-World War II, recognized that with these advancements came the need for improved safety and productivity in handling molten metal. He adapted a Swedish pump design, leading to the birth of the WEM Pump. This groundbreaking innovation transformed the galvanizing and steel industries, replacing manual ladling with efficient pump-based transfer systems. The introduction of the WEM Pumpsaved hours of production downtime and exponentially improved safety during the transfer of molten metals.
Owner, Brian Kirk served as a nuclear submarine officer aboard USS Louisville (SSN-724). Anchored offshore of Lahaina, HI, 2013
Following Gilbert’s legacy, his daughter Christine Stone-Quinn skillfully managed the business for 26 years, ensuring its continued success. In 2023, Brian and Elizabeth Kirk assumed ownership of WEM Pumps, upholding Gilbert and Christine’s legacy and ensuring that WEM Pumps would continue to operate as a family business. Brian studied mechanical engineering at Penn State University before serving in the United States Navy as a Submarine Warfare Officer. After his time in the submarine force, Brian continued his education at MIT. Brian is excited for the opportunity to combine his knowledge of both engineering and modern business practice, and he and Elizabeth are dedicated to providing new and innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of WEM Pumps’ customer base.
Owner, Brian Kirk served as a nuclear submarine officer aboard USS Louisville (SSN-724). Anchored offshore of Lahaina, HI, 2013
Following Gilbert’s legacy, his daughter Christine Stone-Quinn skillfully managed the business for 26 years, ensuring its continued success. In 2023, Brian and Elizabeth Kirk assumed ownership of WEM Pumps, upholding Gilbert and Christine’s legacy and ensuring that WEM Pumps would continue to operate as a family business. Brian studied mechanical engineering at Penn State University before serving in the United States Navy as a Submarine Warfare Officer. After his time in the submarine force, Brian continued his education at MIT. Brian is excited for the opportunity to combine his knowledge of both engineering and modern business practice, and he and Elizabeth are dedicated to providing new and innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of WEM Pumps’ customer base.
For over 70 years, WEM Pumps has been manufacturing centrifugal pumps designed to handle a wide range of molten metals, including zinc, lead, aluminum, tin, salt, and more. Our pumps have found applications in Fortune 50 companies, local galvanizing operations, as well as nuclear research and defense projects. We take pride in delivering simple, rugged, and durable pumps that excel in the most demanding industrial environments. We look forward to continuing to build on the strong legacy that exists at WEM Pumps, and hope to continue to provide you with quality products for years to come.
For over 70 years, WEM Pumps has been manufacturing centrifugal pumps designed to handle a wide range of molten metals, including zinc, lead, aluminum, tin, salt, and more. Our pumps have found applications in Fortune 50 companies, local galvanizing operations, as well as nuclear research and defense projects. We take pride in delivering simple, rugged, and durable pumps that excel in the most demanding industrial environments. We look forward to continuing to build on the strong legacy that exists at WEM Pumps, and hope to continue to provide you with quality products for years to come.
Experience the expertise of WEM Pumps in molten salt and zinc transfer pumps. Contact us today to explore our extensive range of solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
We created the original WEM Pumps in 1950 to replace hand ladling molten solutions. We’ve maintained the simplicity and principles of our original pumps, but have adapted our designs and materials to meet the demands of modern industry.
