About US

Gillespie & Powers, Inc.

The Reliable Source for Innovative Aluminum Solutions

Gillespie & Powers, Inc. enters the 21st century with a rich legacy spanning over 85 years, specializing in the creation, delivery, and setup of advanced furnace equipment for both the non-ferrous and hazardous waste industries.

Gillespie & Powers’ unique patented process equipment and operations help increase production while decreasing energy and maintenance costs. Our Research and Development projects zero in on core questions, clear objectives, critical facts, and minute details to make workable recommendations. No other firm offers the analytical insight needed to interpret the technical needs of our diverse clientele.

Our team is not just skilled in evaluating each unique challenge; we also draw upon a vast historical data to strengthen our analyses. Ultimately, our goal is to resolve issues and transform them into applicable solutions that not only serve our existing customers but also enhance our portfolio for future engagements.

Industrial Furnaces  l  Engineering  l  Refractory    

DESIGN  •  SUPPLY  •  INSTALLATION

Gillespie & Powers combines advanced combustion and control technologies with tailored refractory designs, offering optimal solutions for non-ferrous metal production found nowhere else in the industry. We are the go-to experts for new furnace equipment, modifications to existing setups, or resolving process and operational issues. With an experienced crew of tradesmen who are experts in safely installing refractory systems, we maintain our long and successful record of continuous achievement.

  • Single & Multi Chamber Furnaces
  • Scrap Decoating Systems
  • Tilting Rotary Melting Furnaces
  • Scrap Charging Machines
  • Casting & Holding Furnaces
  • Homogenizing Ovens
  • Launder Systems
  • Coolers
  • Sow Pre-Heaters
  • Repair & Modifications

Our Story Extends back to 1938

Logo History First Generation Second Generation Third Generation Fourth Generation

Original GP Logo

The Gillespie & Powers (GP) logo originated in the early 1960s, following the successful design and construction of two major aluminum melting furnaces outside of the company’s regional area. As the company aimed to expand its operations nationally, the need for a fresh, promotional image became apparent. To enhance the company’s literature, a distinctive logo was required.

At that time, the company was led by two key executives: Charles Albert Gillespie, the founding partner, and John R. Gillespie, the Chief Operating Officer. They sought the expertise of their mutual relative, Jack Sparkman, a principal artistic associate at Monsanto Company, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri – United States.

Present Day GP Logo

After visiting the company’s offices and engaging in discussions, Sparkman was inspired by two elements: the engineering triangles used in the design process and the survey instruments employed on job sites. The survey instruments utilized a plumb bob, which hung precisely from the center, ensuring accurate positioning on reference points.  Sparkman creatively merged these elements into the GP logo.

The triangle symbolizing engineering at the base and the plumb bob representing construction at the top. The two elements converge at a central point, with the GP initials prominently displayed. Despite this thoughtfully crafted design, many at Gillespie & Powers, particularly those in the field, continue to refer to the company as GPX.

Gillespie & Powers story extends back to 1902 as the Gillespie & Daly Construction Company, founded by John H. Gillespie, father of Charles A. Gillespie, founder of Gillespie & Powers, Inc. Charles A. Gillespie first formed the Gillespie Company as a sole proprietorship in 1933 and in 1938, partnered with Frank X. Powers to create Gillespie & Powers. In 1950, two years after the death of Mr. Powers, the partnership converted to the present corporation. 

From its inception the company operated throughout the Midwest and was involved with masonry installation services in heating systems and electric generator stations. Around the time of the formation of the partnership, the City of St. Louis, MO passed a rather rigid smoke abatement law that thrust the company into a great deal of research into the installation of new coal-burning equipment in many existing boilers. Following this, the company was heavily involved with the conversion of much of the hand fired boiler equipment to stokers and later converting much of this equipment to firing with oil and gas.


From its initial home and storefront operations, the company moved into its first corporate offices in August 1961 in midtown St. Louis. It was in the early 1960s that, as a result of providing refractory repair services to a number of aluminum clients, the company expanded into the aluminum industry providing complete design and installation of aluminum melting and holding furnaces, specializing in the larger stationary type of equipment up to 150 tons in capacity.

Operations at the St. Louis site were expanded under the direction of John R. Gillespie, nephew of the founder. John R. Gillespie was named president of the company in 1966 and in 1968 Charles K. Gillespie, son of the founder, came on board as a partner and vice president. From that time the two managed the company through stages of systematic growth and prosperity. It was through their visions and leadership that the company integrated into the aluminum industry, beginning with refractory rebuilding services and culminating in the complete design and furnace building activities that the company is engaged in.


In 2006 with the passing of John R. Gillespie the company was managed by Charles K. Gillespie until he stepped down in November 2007 and Jon R. Gillespie, the son of John R. Gillespie was named president. Jon R. Gillespie joined the company in 1980 as a brick mason. He attended St. Louis University and majored in mechanical engineering. Charles K. Gillespie is still active in the company as a Senior Consultant.

For the last 20 years. John B. Gillespie is a graduate of University of MO in Rolla and joined the company in 2011 as brick mason and project manger. Jon R. Gillespie retired in 2017 and 2 of the grandsons of John R. Gillespie; John Peterman and John B. Gillespie became President and Vice-President. John Peterman joined the company in 1999 and has managed most of the capital construction projects 

Meet the Gillespie Family

Family owned and operated through 90 years and five generations, our family still strives to provide you the 
“Innovative Aluminum Solutions” to all your industrial furnace needs

John H. Gillespie

1st Generation

Charles A Gillespie

2nd Generation

Charles K. Gillespie

3rd Generation

John R. Gillespie

3rd Generation

Jon R. Gillespie

4th Generation