Gary L. Godbersen (1939-2023)
A pioneer in the concrete slipform paving industry, Gary L. Godbersen’s career began in 1963 when he took on leadership roles in two family businesses—president of Highway Bridge Inc., and vice president of Godbersen-Smith Construction Company.
In 1965, Gary and his father, Harold, created Godbersen Manufacturing Company (GOMACO) to manufacture bridge deck finishing machines, including the RC-120 side-discharge conveyor, the F-500 double-oscillating screed finisher, and the Spanit Work Bridge.
The Iowa company grew to include manufacturing a full line of concrete paving equipment— grade trimmers, material handling placers, placer/spreaders, and surface texturing and curing machines—and became a worldwide leader in concrete paving technology. Godbersen held several domestic and international patents for new machine innovations, and served as GOMACO’s chairman, president, and CEO for nearly 40 years.
