Our History

Baker Bohnert was established in 1948 by founder Peter H. Baker who had a vision for an industrial company. Louisville Kentucky saw tremendous industrial growth in the 1950's and 1960's largely from its 25% increase in population from 1955 to 1965. At that time there were over 800 manufacturing plants in the city and Peter Baker saw that as an opportunity to serve those industries, which were primarily distilling industries, electric appliance companies, synthetic rubber manufacturers, petro-chemical producers, frozen foods products, farm machinery, and Baseball Bats! Who could forget American's favorite past time? Well, not Peter Baker. Starting with 35 primary customers in its first year of business the company had 10 times that just one year later.

Asked by an interviewer in June of 1965 to name the key factors in his company's success, Mr. Baker's reply was: "Service to our customers and adequate stock to take care of them." To this day the company has lived by that very simple motto. From making gaskets for atomic submarines to canned biscuit cutters, Peter Baker paved the way to a business that is now over 70 years in the making.

Baker Bohnert is now in its 3rd generation of ownership having evolved into an expansion joint manufacturer for the power industry, industrial contractor, and carries multiple lines of distributed products. 2nd generation owner, Timothy L. Baker, continued the legacy of the company over 40 years serving many roles for the company and starting up the field services side of the business. 3rd generation owner, Brian B. Baker, has worked for the business over 20 years and is energetic to further the success of the business by implementing new technologies and avenues for the business!