Since opening a five-person machine shop in a 7,000-square-foot space in 2004, Global Machine Co., has grown to be nine times bigger.

And there’s plenty more growing to come, co-owners say.

Global Machine now has 47 employees and occupies a 90,000-square-foot facility at 2100 E. Shawnee Bypass. Co-owner Randy Gassaway, who is in charge of fabrication, said the company hopes to hire 10 to 12 more people, including welders, within the next six months.

Muskogee business leaders recognized such growth by awarding Global the Outstanding Industry Expansion Award recently at the Business & Industry Fall Banquet. The banquet was hosted by Indian Capital Technology Center in partnership with Muskogee Development and the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce.

“It makes us feel a sense of accomplishment for the community,” said Richard Bennett, another co-owner. “Our customers got it for us. They come in and tell us what they need, and we make it happen.”

Bennett said that when Global Machine opened in 2004, “Our goal was to provide an excellent venue for industrial customers to have precision machine and fabrication work.”

“We were known for our good work. That’s why we have grown,” said co-owner Allen White, who is in charge of the machine shop.

Area industrial customers include Georgia-Pacific, Tubular Corp. of America, Captive-Aire Systems and Dal-Tile, Bennett said.

“If anyone has a breakdown, they call us,” White said.

Bennett said one thing that makes Global unique is that welders can handle projects weighing up to 75 tons.

“Cook Construction provides a crane service,” he said.

The company also rents 45,000 square feet at the Port of Muskogee, he said.

White said the company works to keep up with the latest in technology.

Bennett said the company runs an evening shift and a day shift.

He said Global works with Indian Capital Technology Center to maintain a good supply of trained employees. A representative from ICTC also conducts safety audits and meetings for the company.