Simplicity Historical Journey

SIMPLICITY HISTORICAL JOURNEY

Simplicity® was founded in 1921 with a clear mission: to deliver reliable, high-performance vibrating equipment for material separation across industries. Built on a century of innovation, practical engineering, and problem-solving expertise, Simplicity continues to lead the way with cutting-edge solutions and proven retrofit capabilities. Explore our legacy and see how we’re shaping the future of vibratory equipment.

1921 - Simplicity’s history began when George Behnke had the idea to screen gravel for a road building contractor in Gladwin, MI. The first Simplicity 4’ x 12’ single-deck machine was built in the Galdwin facility and sold for only a couple of hundred dollars.

1922 - The company was organized as the Simplicity Screener Manufacturing Company.  The name is derived from a very “simple” design method with no complicated parts.  The company built the Simplicity Screener No. 1 and displayed it at the State Good Roads Association in Grand Rapids, MI.

1924 - The name was modified to Simplicity Engineering Co. to make the company appear more diverse.

1925 – Originally located in Gladwin, MI. Simplicity moved to Durand, MI.  Simplicity started with 5 employees in a few 100 sq feet of a produce barn in Durand, MI.

1939-  Simplicity continued to grow in Durand, as seen in the company photo outside of the facility.

1942 –  Simplicity Engineering Co.

1948 -  Simplicity developed the Grizzly Feeder in response to the growing need for a method of increasing production and reducing wear on its crushing equipment.

1954 - Simplicity employees win national safety award, second place in the United States.

1969 –  Simplicity was a privately owned company until purchased by General Steel Industries

1975/1977 – Simplicity employed 250 people & set a new all-time Safety Record by working   365 days without a single lost time injury.  This achievement was held through 1977.