A timeline of historical events that have contributed to the success of Beckwith and Kuffel.
Beckwith and Kuffel Timeline
Gary and Lou start a new business called, “Beckwith & Kuffel”. Our first business motto: “We Don’t Fool Around”.
April 1979
1979: Our first distributorship: Gorman-Rupp Pumps
1979
First location: 74 South Lucile, Seattle
May 1979
Beckwith & Kuffel becomes Beckwith & Kuffel, Inc.
June 1979
We become a Joy Compressor distributor (later purchased by Gardner Denver)
1979
B&K signs on as Goulds Water System distributor (later became Xylem)
1979
We move to our 2nd location: 5400 2nd Ave So, Seattle.
October 1979
We hire our first Employee: Dave Jolly, who retired in 2022.
October 1979
We move to our 3rd Seattle location: 5930 1st Ave So, Seattle, where we would stay for 30 years.
1983
Gary’s daughter Lesli poses during our move-in to the 5930 location. Behind her is our original logo.
1983
1985: Big Bertha, a giant lathe, bought at auction in Tacoma in 1985. It takes 2 – 7.5 ton cranes to lift her out of her concrete home. We move it into 5930 with a 30-foot length tow bed, and use it for 11-12 years on big projects, like this 1996 West Point Treatment Plant centrifuge. The outside blades measure 40 – 50 inches in diameter.
1985
A boom in Alaska seafood processing, due to the popularity of surimi (fish protein used to make imitation crab), brings plenty of business to B&K, and gives us an opportunity to delight an entire new industry. Pictured, l-r: Unisea Production Maintenance Manager Bill Wooten, Lou Kuffel, Unisea Maintenance Director Al Spencer.
1982-1983
We become a Vaughan Pumps distributor
1984
B&K’s first expansion: Vancouver, Washington location, at 1005 West 8th Street. Goulds closed their Oregon Sales office, and asked B&K to take over the territory.
1989
We sign Goulds Pumps distributorship agreement for industrial products. Mike Pierson moves his Goulds Pumps office into our Seattle location.
1987
West Point Treatment Plant: This is a major project for B&K, solidifying our relationship with King County, and establishing our reputation as a reliable solutions provider.
1996
We become distributors for Wilden Pumps
1999
We bring Seepex on board.
2000
We begin our distributor’s relationship with John Crane seals
2000
B&K moves to our current Vancouver, WA location: 1614 NE 99th St. Here is an artist’s rendition of the building, as well as a photo of the front door.
2006
Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX): A part of the US Missile Defense Agency’s Ballistic Missile Defense System, SBX was a 2-year joint Boeing/military project in which B&K played a crucial role. We supplied a solution to the problems of corrosive sea water, tight space constraints, and a tight production schedule. The development of SBX was a National Defense priority because of North Korean missile threats. This early-warning radar system is still in use, especially given the current North Korean ballistic missile operations.
2004-2006
We celebrate 30 years of being the Provider of Lowest Total Cost Solutions. Here’s the Seattle crew in front of our 5930 location.
2009
We expand with the addition of our Spokane operation, from which we service Eastern Washington and parts of Idaho and Montana.
2010
We move our Seattle Operations to the current Seattle location: 1313 South 96th Street. This new facility allows us to expand our service capabilities, with 3 ground level loading docks, 40,000 square feet, and room for both our traditional equipment as well as new, CNC machines.
2013
The new Seattle location allows us to add new overhead cranes, making it more efficient to handle a variety of equipment. With 6 cranes ranging in size from 3- to 10-tons, we can handle just about any size job.
2013
Celebrating 40 years of Maximum Service! Pictured, our three presidents: Mike Pierson (current president), Gary Beckwith, Lou Kuffel.
2019
Matt and Nick Kuffel are set to step into leadership roles to take B&K forward to the next 40 years!
To Infinity and Beyond...
Seattle, WA
Office
Phone (206) 767-6700
Toll Free (800) 767-6700
Fax (206) 767-6230
Toll Free (800) 767-6700
Fax (206) 767-6230
Vancouver, WA
Office
Phone (360) 573-6700
Toll Free (800) 767-6700
Fax (360) 573-1368
Toll Free (800) 767-6700
Fax (360) 573-1368
