Gemtech began operations in 1993 through the merger of Automatic Weapons Company (Boise, ID), JR Customs Company (Selah, WA), and GSL Technology, Inc. (Jackson, MI). The focus of the company is to expand upon and produce the firearm sound suppressor lines developed by the antecedent companies. 

Automatic Weapons Company, a division of Antares Technologies, Inc., was founded in 1976 in Albuquerque, NM by Philip Dater MD, as a designer and producer of firearms sound suppressors. By 1983, the company had grown beyond the founder's ability to produce product. At that time, designs and manufacturing were licensed to what became AWC Systems Technology. Automatic Weapons Company continued performing research and development in sound suppressor design. 

In 1991, Dr. Dater relocated the company to Boise, ID and retired from the practice of medicine to devote full energy to the production of innovative, high efficiency, user friendly sound suppressors for both the civilian and law enforcement community. Automatic Weapons Company and AWC Systems Technology are separate and unrelated entities. JR Customs Company was founded in 1989 by Jim Ryan and Mark Weiss in Selah, WA. Ryan and Weiss have subsequently left Gemtech  to concentrate on custom rifles. 

GSL Technology, Inc. was founded in Jackson, MI in 1983 by Gregory S. Latka to produce firearm silencer designs based on research and development from a 29 year history in the aerospace manufacturing industry. The company has extensive CNC manufacturing experience, including with exotic materials.

Gemtech employs services offered by a number of independent consultants, all of whom have been chosen for their specific areas of expertise.

Gregory S. Latka, President
Founder of GSL Technology, Inc. With a 43-year involvement in the aerospace manufacturing business, he has an extensive background with automatic and CNC machines and the machining of both aerospace and exotic materials. He has a long family history of military research and development, including involvement in the Manhattan Project. Over 30 years experience in firearm silencer design. University majors include Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Liberal Arts.

Philip H. Dater, MD, Secretary
Licensed physician and retired diagnostic radiologist. Served as a general medical officer in the medical corps of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam conflict. Founder of Automatic Weapons Company in 1976. Undergraduate majors included Biology, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, and English. Major non-medical fields of endeavor have been in the fields of telecommunications, silencer design and manufacturing. Technical adviser member of Association of Firearm Toolmark Examiners, Over 32 years firearm silencer design experience. Recognized expert in firearm sound measurements

Daniel J. Whelan, Marketing
Educated at the George Washington University (Washington, DC), Loyola University (New Orleans, LA), and the University of South Florida, he has degrees in international studies and communications. He brings expertise in sales of weapons and suppressors to the law enforcement community, military agencies, and the civilian market.

Sales Representatives

We have a number of sales representatives and distributors throughout the United States. Contact us for the one closest to you. Orders may be placed through the representative or directly. Shipments will be made directly to law enforcement agencies or class 3 dealers. Exportation is available through selected distributors.