SOMERSET, N.J. — Fourth-generation chief executive officer of Gericke, Markus H. Gericke, has been named Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 in the Family Business category. Gericke is a process equipment manufacturer serving the pet food manufacturing industry and other automated bulk material processors.

Gericke was founded in 1894 and has been owned and operated by the Gericke family since. Markus led the company’s transformation from a regional company to a multinational solutions provider across various industries, the company shared.

These expansions include operations in Somerset, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Shanghai, and others, all established under Markus’s leadership. Also under his watch, the company’s Multiflux® GMS mixer technology, Feedos volumetric feeders, Easydos Pro and Feeding Universal Controller have all been recognized as fast and reliable automated solutions for bulk material handling.

“I'm grateful to EY for recognizing the vital role that family-owned companies continue to play as the backbone of a healthy economy,” Markus said. “We're honored to serve as one of many standard-bearers for traditions and values like quality, service, and expertise that never go out of style.”

Ernst & Young Ltd., a consulting firm, presented the award to Markus during its 24^th annual ceremony in Zurich Switzerland.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.