Mike Thies Celebrated 40 Years at Gema
The General Manager reached his four-decade milestone at the Indianapolis-based powder coating equipment firm.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
Mike Thies has marked 40 years of service at Gema, the global powder coating equipment company. He currently serves as the General Manager for Gema North America in Indianapolis.
Why it matters
Thies has played a central role in the company's technical advancement, holding various U.S. patents for powder coating equipment and shaping product engineering. His long tenure reflects the technical expertise and leadership continuity at the firm.
Thies reached his 40-year milestone at Gema, having progressed through roles ranging from electrical assembler to General Manager. He also holds multiple U.S. patents for powder coating equipment design.
The players
Mike Thies
He is the General Manager for Gema North America who holds a degree in Electrical Technology from ITT Technical Institute.
Gema
This is a global manufacturer of powder coating equipment with its worldwide headquarters in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and a North American office in Indianapolis.
The details
Thies began his career at Gema in 1986 as an electrical assembler before advancing through positions in field service, sales, and engineering. He serves on the National Fire Protection Association Chapter 33 committee and represents the company within the Powder Coating Institute, ASTM, and NAPCA.
Timeline
Mike Thies joined Gema as an electrical assembler in 1986.
Thies was appointed General Manager for Gema North America in 2023.
He celebrated his 40th anniversary of service in September 2026.
Market Landscape
Thies represents Gema on the National Fire Protection Association Chapter 33 committee. His active involvement in these industry bodies ensures the company remains at the forefront of safety and technical standards in the competitive powder coating sector.
The continuity in leadership at Gema provides stability for customers relying on the company for technical support and powder coating equipment. Clients can continue to expect consistent product engineering standards backed by the company's long-term leadership team.
The takeaway
Long-term professional tenure in technical industries often translates into deeper subject matter expertise and stable product development. Professionals can look to career-long specialization in niche fields like powder coating as a pathway to executive management.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership in the region, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fabricating and Metalworking.
