History
General A&E Manufacturing Co., Inc. was founded in 1954 by John Baker Sr. After working as a purchasing agent for Dumont Laboratories, a pioneer in the early television industry, he recognized the need for a sheet metal manufacturer that consistently delivered exceptional quality, reliability, and customer service. Motivated by that vision, he established General Aviation & Electronics—later known simply as General A&E.
The company began operations in a small Quonset hut, quickly earning a reputation for precision manufacturing and dependable service. As the business grew, General A&E became a trusted supplier to major defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, government programs, and leading electronics companies, supporting projects that demanded the highest levels of quality and precision.
Following the untimely passing of John Baker Sr. in 1963, his wife, Bella Baker, assumed leadership of the company. Under her direction, General A&E experienced significant growth, relocating to its current facility in Hackensack, New Jersey, and establishing the strong foundation on which the company continues to build today.
In 1979, John Baker Jr. became President and continued expanding the business. In 1985, he oversaw a major facility expansion, doubled the manufacturing footprint, invested in automation, and led the company in achieving ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications, reinforcing General A&E's commitment to excellence in the aerospace and defense industries.
Today, General A&E proudly continues as a third-generation family-owned and operated business, led by Bella Baker and her husband, Anthony Fermin. Under their leadership, the company has continued investing in advanced manufacturing technologies, expanding its capabilities, and strengthening its quality systems by earning NADCAP accreditation for welding—one of the aerospace industry's most respected special process accreditations. This achievement reflects General A&E's ongoing commitment to meeting the rigorous quality and performance requirements of the aerospace and defense markets.
General A&E serves a diverse customer base ranging from major aerospace and defense contractors to emerging manufacturers and commercial businesses. Maintaining a balanced portfolio enables the company to remain agile, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of every customer, regardless of project size.
To provide complete manufacturing solutions and maintain tight control over quality and delivery, General A&E offers comprehensive in-house capabilities, including precision sheet metal fabrication, welding, spot welding, mechanical assembly, silk screening, hardware installation, and complete supply chain management for outside processes such as plating, painting, and finishing.
More than seven decades after its founding, General A&E continues to invest in its people, technology, and processes while carrying forward the family tradition of craftsmanship, integrity, and manufacturing excellence.
