MCE supplies shipbuilders with everything needed to keep pace with complex projects. Our history dates back over 115 years.
Harsh operating conditions, such as saltwater, humidity, dirt, and debris increase equipment fatigue, leading to more frequent repairs on mission-critical parts. And there is certainly no surplus of workers or equipment on standby to repair them.
The U.S. Naval Institute asserts that the United States must enhance its shipbuilding capabilities to maintain a strategic advantage in today’s global economy. To do so, we must address “shortcomings in ship design, production, maintenance, and repair, as well as challenges with the supply chain and human capital.” And, as USNI states, “for U.S. operators this is a moment of opportunity.”
To take advantage of those opportunities, teaming up with an experienced supplier like General Machinery Company, an MCE company, is key. Our team works hand-in-hand with the maritime industry to develop solutions that meet stringent U.S. government specifications and local regulations.
We help shipyards navigate increased demand with reliable supply and service.
General Machinery, an MCE company, has been serving our nation’s shipyards since 1908. As one of the oldest industrial suppliers in the U.S., we have been shipbuilders’ premier source for electrical and mechanical supplies and systems for over 117 years. We offer fast part turnaround on mission-critical items, including the following product categories: air, automation, electrical, lighting, pump and surplus products.
Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, and with offices in Mobile, Montgomery, and Madison, General Machinery serves the entire state of Alabama, as well as northwest Florida and eastern Mississippi.
We carry a large selection of top brands, such as Peerless, Gardner Denver and Travaini Pumps. We’re also one of the very few Schneider Electric Industrial Automation Distributors (IAD) in the southeastern United States. Plus, we are an Authorized Service Partner for Grundfos repairs and part of their Global Service Network.
Our experienced service team members work closely with both military customers and commercial shipyards, from start to finish.
You can’t afford downtime due to a faulty piece of equipment. One seemingly minor delay can impact the entire project schedule and government contracts.
That’s why we service what we sell and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We’ve developed our own infrastructure to serve your needs. We offer a full-service, in-house shop, along with service trucks to meet your on-site repair, service, maintenance, and training needs. Our teams of experts come to your site for design consultation to ensure the best solution for your production needs, whether it’s automating production or designing and sizing your plant air systems.
Most importantly, all of our service and shop technicians are factory-trained in the repair of compressors, blowers, and pumps to meet the requirements of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard.
MCE Supports Major U.S. Naval Shipyard with Critical Infrastructure
MCE plays a behind-the-scenes but mission-critical role in keeping a large US Navy contractor’s shipyard operational with infrastructure systems that power the tools, processes, and safety functions used during ship construction. This includes supplying and servicing large-scale compressed air systems from Gardner Denver, some of which were installed as early as 1992 and are still performing reliably today. These compressors support everything from pneumatic grinders and welders to environmental control systems, proving the long-term value and durability of the equipment GM delivers.
In addition to compressed air, General Machinery provides Travaini vacuum pump systems for key applications like bilge water evacuation, pipe yard drainage, and AFFF firefighting foam cleanup—all essential for meeting environmental and safety standards during naval vessel assembly. GM’s technical team also stepped in to reconfigure and repair vacuum systems for U.S. Coast Guard cutters, ensuring the equipment met strict U.S. government specs. This level of responsiveness, combined with deep product expertise and local service capabilities, has made General Machinery a valuable strategic partner—one that understands shipyard infrastructure inside and out and helps maintain uptime and compliance across an operation that employs over 13,000 people.
Built to last: Long-standing partnerships with shipyards and top manufacturers ensure products, such as the compressors installed for a major shipbuilder in 1992, continue to deliver reliable performance.
Here are just a few ways we support your high-stakes operations:
Industry expertise: We’re a trusted expert for high-spec, mission-critical design and equipment. We partner with major U.S. Navy and Coast Guard contractors who rely on us for our technical knowledge.
Supplying electrical and mechanical components: We provide fundamental components, including sensors, push buttons, starters, motor control systems, encoders, lighting, and other essential products required for ship operation.
Facilitate automated solutions: As a Schneider Electric Industrial Automation Distributor, we have engineers and trained salespeople on staff to give you productive solutions to your most challenging automation problems.
Improving efficiency and productivity: Our offerings contribute to automation and integration, helping shipbuilders streamline workflows and gain better visibility throughout the lifecycle of the build.
Supporting the shipbuilding supply needs: We supply all manners of electrical, compressed air, and automation supplies shipbuilders need, including:
Navy and Coast Guard Shipbuilders: We meet stringent U.S. government specifications and local regulations.
We collaborate across MCE companies and specialties to provide bundled solutions (e.g., filtration, fluid power products, hoses, valves and valve repair, automation and inventory management) while managing the process through a single point of contact to simplify procurement for our customers. MCE also offers competitively priced industrial motors through Romanoff Industries.
Did you know? The U.S. Navy has increased its shipbuilding budget by 12.5% from 2020 to 2024, with a projected requirement for 290-340 new ships to be built by 2053 (McKinsey & Company).
McKinsey states that American shipyards now face myriad challenges that threaten their ability to grow and thrive. Their greatest challenge is increasing output quickly and efficiently. Partnering with General Machinery can help shipyards meet these challenges.
MCE-General Machinery helps shipyards navigate the changing tides of shipbuilding with:
With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges shipbuilders face, we’re more than a provider — we’re a partner committed to your success. Connect with us to learn how we can equip you with the tools, technology, and support you need to stay ahead.