In Memorium: Glen Carlson Jr., Acme Manufacturing Company
Acme Manufacturing Company retired Chairman Emeritus Glen Carlson Jr. has passed away.
Glen Carlson Jr. Retired Chairman Emeritus of Acme Manufacturing Company, Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, passed away on June 14, 2021, after a brief illness. Glen was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 3, 1935.
He was the third generation Carlson family member to own and operate the automation machinery engineering and manufacturing business.
He worked at Acme for 58 years managing and directing manufacturing operations, sales and further advancing as vice president, president, and chairman, retiring in 2016.
Glen joined Acme in 1958 following in the footsteps of his father Glen Carlson Sr. and his Grandfather Gustav Carlson, who founded Acme in 1910.
Highly recognized and respected internationally as an industry leader in metal finishing automation machinery. He was instrumental in providing coated abrasive belt coil, strip, sheet grinding systems in the steel industry and coated abrasive belt centerless grinding machinery for the tube, bar, and hydraulic cylinder industry.
In 1983 Glen and his brother Don Carlson (former VP and President of Acme) developed a relationship with FANUC Robotics Ltd, formerly GMF Robotics Corporation. This partnership introduced the utilization of flexible robotic technology to the metal finishing industry and has become paramount in providing integrated automation systems and solutions globally.
Glen held an engineering undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Michigan and was instrumental in developing several Acme machine patents.
Acme Manufacturing Company was purchased by Glen’s son, G.A. “Fritz” Carlson III, in 2017 who is the fourth-generation family member owner, President and CEO.
Glen is survived by his wife Mariel Carlson, sons G.A. “Fritz” Carlson III, Steve Carlson, Dr. Rob Carlson, Brad Carlson, brother Don F. Carlson, sister Jane Carlson Bowen and their families.
