• 1955 – January

    GWT’s founder, Maria E. Villarreal, immigrates to Chicago, IL from Monterrey, Mexico with her mother, father, and four siblings at 5 years old.

  • 1990 – June

    GWT is founded in Orland Park, IL by Maria E. Villarreal-Byerley with strong support from her husband, William H. Byerley, and with several key employees charged with day-to-day operational management of the company.

  • 2002 – April

    GWT moves to Oakbrook, IL and Maria takes over day-to-day operations of business.

  • 2005 – July

    GWT expands into facility operations and establishes an Engineering Services divisions (today, Global Facility Services).

  • 2010 – February

    GWT moves back to Orland Park, IL. 2011 – June – Maria’s son, Michael Byerley, is hired full time as an Account Manager after his graduation from Northwestern University.

  • 2011 – June

    Maria’s son, Michael Byerley, is hired full time as an Account Manager after his graduation from Northwestern University.

  • 2015 – March

    Midwest Products & Consultants (MPC) , based in Illinois, is acquired by GWT and MPC’s founder, Edward Modestas joins the company.

  • 2015 – June

    Michael Byerley is promoted to President and Maria steps down from day-to-day involvement in the company.

  • 2016 – June

    Superior Water Management (SWM), based in Illinois, is acquired by GWT and SWM’s founder, Eric Burgess joins the company.

  • 2016 – August

    Maria officially retires and sells her shares to Michael, making him the second-generation owner of GWT.

  • 2018 – May

    GWT moves to a 26,000 SQF location in South Holland, IL allowing for in-house manufacturing, laboratory services, and training.

  • 2018 – July

    GWT assimilates PCS Industries’ (PCS), water services arm and PCS’ division manager, Larry Feldmeier, and his son, William Feldmeier, join the company.

  • 2019 – February

    Lakeland Chemical Specialties (LCS), based in Wisconsin, is acquired by GWT and LCS’ founders, Scott Olson, CWT and Leonard Tanel, CWT, join the company. GWT opens a Regional Office & Terminal in Menomonee Falls (Milwaukee), WI.

  • 2019 – July

    GWT expands into custom blending and product distribution through partners. Global Custom Solutions (GCS) is formally established.

  • 2019 – July

    Butler Chemical Company (BCC), based in Illinois, is acquired by GWT and BCC’s founder, Michael Jones Sr., and his son, Mick Jones Jr., join the company.

  • 2019 – September

    GWT opens a Southwest Office & Terminal in Phoenix, AZ.

  • 2020 – May

    Water-Tech Specialties (WTS), based in Fremont, CA, is acquired by GWT and WTS’ founder, Jack Walker, CWT, and two children (Bonnee and Scot) join the company. GWT opens a Regional Office & Terminal in Fremont, CA.

  • 2020 – July

    SKASOL Incorporated (SKA), based in Oakland, CA, is acquired by GWT.

  • 2020 – October

    GWT is granted exclusive distribution rates for MEXEL Surface Treatment Technology within the United States of America.

  • 2021 – January

    GWT adds an additional 10,000 SQF to South Holland, IL.

  • 2021 – January

    Bates Water Solutions (BWS), based in Willowbrook, IL, is acquired by GWT and Raymond Bates joins the company.

  • 2021 – January

    Great Lakes Treatment Corporation (GLTC), based in Sunfield, MI, is acquired by GWT and Kerry Haynor joins the company.

  • 2021 – September

    Mathew Jensen, CWT, Vice President, Great Lakes Region becomes President of the Association of Water Technologies.

  • 2022 – March

    Rolland Gary (RGI), based in Traverse City, MI, is acquired by GWT and Greg Mahrle joins the company.

  • 2022 – May

    Fort Bend Services (FBS), based in Houston, TX, is acquired by GWT. GWT opens a Regional Office & Terminal in Houston, TX.

  • 2022 – June

    DB Water Technology (DB), based in Arizona, is assimilated by GWT.

  • 2022 – June

    Kemco Systems’ chemical water treatment business (formerly Bob Johnson and Associates), based in Houston, TX, is acquired by GWT.