GULF ENGINEERING CO INC

Gulf Engineering has been successfully engaged in business since 1924. Founded by S. V. Massimini, Sr., an Italian immigrant who came through Ellis Island as a 12-year-old boy, the company has been family-owned and operated ever since. Mr. Massimini was a Westinghouse employee, repairing steam turbines, gears, condensers and pumps after special training to do so. After a transfer to New Orleans and successfully increasing Westinghouse's business there ten-fold, no pay increase appeared to be forthcoming so he struck out on his own. He established Gulf Engineering Services & Specialty Company, Inc. Mr. Massimini recalled his first job on his own, a 75- to 100-lb maneuvering valve from a ship that he had to carry on his shoulder to his shop, repair and carry back so that the ship could sail on time.