Gentex Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebrations, Returns as Sponsor of the Michigan International Auto Show

Gentex VP of Fianance & CFO Kevin Nash, VP of Marketing & Corporate Communications Craig Piersma, and President & CEO Steve Downing pose at the "Cheers to 50 Years" event at Tripelroot Brewery, celebrating 50 years of Gentex.

 ZEELAND, MI - January 29, 2024 – West Michigan business, community and government leaders gathered today in Zeeland to help Gentex Corporation celebrate its 50th anniversary. To help mark the occasion, Gentex announced a commemorative beer collaboration with Tripelroot Brewery, while Zeeland’s Mayor officially proclaimed January 29, 2024, Honorary Gentex Appreciation Day.

Gentex’s imprint on Zeeland and the greater West Michigan community is equally impressive. The company has grown to become Ottawa County’s largest employer, with more than 6,000 team members working on its Zeeland campus. In addition, the company has long been a champion of community engagement, financially supporting educational, economic development, diversity, and philanthropic causes throughout the region.

Gentex President and CEO Steve Downing speaking at the Cheers to 50 Years event.

“As we celebrate Gentex’s 50th anniversary, we look back with immense pride on our achievements, and want to thank all those who played a role in our collective success,” said Gentex President and CEO Steve Downing. 

"This milestone is not only a time for reflection, but it’s also an opportunity to look ahead toward our future. Gentex remains dedicated to driving innovation, expanding into new markets, and maintaining its strong community connections.  We believe the best is yet to come!"

~ Steve Downing, Gentex President & CEO

 

Mayor Kevin Klynstra of Zeeland, Michigan, presented Gentex President and CEO Steve Downing with a proclamation delcaring January 29 "Honorary Gentex Appreciation Day" in the City of Zeeland.

In special recognition of Gentex’s contributions to the community and its 50 years of success, Mayor Kevin Klynstra of Zeeland officially proclaimed January 29 "Honorary Gentex Appreciation Day." This proclamation honors Gentex's half-century of commitment to the community and its role as a key player in the greater West Michigan area. 

"Seeing the impact Gentex has had over the last five decades is truly inspiring. It's not just about economic growth; it's about lives touched, communities strengthened, and achievements reached that extend far beyond Zeeland. Gentex is a great corporate citizen, and we look forward to celebrating their ongoing success for years to come.”

~ Zeeland Mayor Kevin Klynstra

 

To commemorate its golden anniversary, Gentex partnered with Zeeland-based brewery, Tripelroot, to create a commemorative beer collection comprised of three beers that symbolize Gentex’s journey through the past, present, and future. For every anniversary series beer sold in 2024, Gentex will make a donation to its Community Share program, which helps fund local non-profit organizations involved in food distribution, affordable housing, domestic abuse support, and other causes.

Celebrations for Gentex’s 50th anniversary will continue at the Michigan International Auto Show, where the company’s booth will be staffed by recruiting representatives from its Human Resources Department should anyone be interested in exploring employment opportunities. Gentex currently has two facilities in Grand Rapids, including a satellite assembly plant in the Madison Square neighborhood, and an engineering tech hub at 25 Ottawa.

Team members of Gentex and guests from local government and community organizations pose during the Cheers to 50 Years event at Tripelroot Brewery on January 29.

As an employer, Gentex is known for its world-class facilities, excellent benefits, tremendous work perks, generous bonus structure, and a unique corporate culture that values innovation.

Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation (The NASDAQ Global Select Market: GNTX) is a leading supplier of digital vision, connected car, dimmable glass, and fire protection technologies. Visit the Company’s web site at www.gentex.com.