Customer Focused Since 1916

In 1909, Harry Germanow, a skilled machinist born in Pinsk, Russia followed a half-brother to Rochester, NY and found work in the trade. He dreamed of having his own shop, and in 1916, as World War I raged overseas, he decided to go out on his own. With another apprentice at the shop, Julius Simon, they managed to scrape up the funds and opened Germanow-Simon Machine Works.

Subcontracting World War I military work from their previous employer got them started. Manufacturing their own products was their goal. The first product was a patented machine vise – the G-S Combination Vise. Their second product, developed during prohibition, was the G-S Bottle Capper, presumably for use by home brewers during prohibition.

The company’s big breakthrough came after the war when they pioneered manufacturing the first plastic watch crystals and a method for inserting them into watch cases by adapting the Bottle Capper design. In those days all mechanical watches were repaired at Jewelry stores including replacing broken glass crystals. Soon sets of replacement crystals were in the hands of watch repairmen in cities across America and exported internationally.

In the 1930s G-S bought the equipment of a bankrupt local firm that made dial thermometers and began producing Art Deco style household thermometers branded TEL-TRU. Sold in hardware and department stores the thermometers became successful and the company continued to grow.

Over the decades new products were added including: Barometers, Furniture Kits, Plastic Bathroom Accessories, Kitchen Timers and Cutlery with plastic handles. They acquired Hub Machine Company, a Rochester manufacturer of wheel hubs for horse racing sulkies and Harvey Manufacturing, a manufacturer of small tool room surface grinders and die filers.

By the 1980s new lines of Tel-Tru dial thermometers were launched for food service, laboratory, and industrial markets.

Harry Germanow’s sons – Leon, Norman, and Irving – were all active in the management of the companies throughout their lives. Harry lived to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary before passing away. After Julius Simon passed away his son, Leonard, continued his family’s presence in the company. And today Harry’s grandson, Andy Germanow – a third generation – now owns the firm.

Today Tel-Tru Manufacturing Company has established a reputation for producing thermometers that are the world standard for quality workmanship and accuracy. Our focus, as it was in 1916, is to meet customers’ requirements with quality products, leading technology, and responsive customer service.

It’s been over 100 years since Harry Germanow and Julius Simon decided to combine resources and go into business together. With the help and support of generations of skilled and dedicated staff the company has survived and continues to thrive.