About Gelok International: Our Founder’s Story
Since the mid-1980s, Gelok International, a division of Principle Business Enterprises, has specialized in the development and manufacture of custom-engineered absorbent solutions that enhance safety and comfort for products across a wide range of industries worldwide. These high-performance absorbent structures are utilized either independently or as integral components within diverse finished products engineered to control fluid migration, including water, blood, urine, and other aqueous solutions—while mitigating the complex issues associated with such fluids.
The story of Principle Business Enterprises and its subsidiary Gelok International began with a simple idea — one that has grown into a legacy of innovation and service to humanity. From the very beginning, our founders envisioned a company guided by principle, purpose, and compassion — a “daring business adventure based on principle.”
That vision remains at the heart of who we are today: creating meaningful solutions that uplift our Associates, strengthen our Communities, and improve quality of life through innovation. It is a journey that began more than six decades ago and continues every day.
Our 1961 Company Charter Reflects Our Ideals
“To operate its business affairs in such a manner as will accord with that fixed principle which will destine it to do nothing but that which is honorable and will promote a high standard of business ethics in its own affairs and may tend to raise and leaven the standard of business ethics of the community.”
PBE / Gelok Original Headquarters, Waterville, Ohio, 1961 — where innovation and purpose first took shape.
The Founders And Family Who Shaped Our Journey
Lee and Jim Mitchell
Lee and Jim Mitchell founded PBE in 1961. Through their pioneering spirit, persistence, patience, and prayer, they became leaders in patient care products, establishing the foundation for decades of innovation.
Chuck and Carol Stocking
In 1994, following the passing of Lee Mitchell, Chuck Stocking assumed leadership of the business and guided it through the transition from first to second generation. Carol joined the company in 2000. Together, the co-CEO husband and wife team brought renewed focus to PBE’s inspired Mission and Vision, and in doing so expanded the company rapidly across healthcare markets and oversaw four major building additions.
Andrew Stocking
Andrew Stocking joined the company full-time in 2016 and became the third-generation CEO and President in 2020. With the support of his parents, he brought experience, curiosity, and drive, combined with unwavering support for the Company’s Mission and Vision, to continue to fuel PBE’s growth and development into its next chapter.
“Building on the shared mission of uplifting, enlightening, and enriching the lives of those we serve.”
Our Story begins in 1961.
Our founders’ first product in 1961 was a disposable foam slipper for adults. By 1968, that simple concept evolved into a vital fall-prevention solution used in hospitals — marking the first of many PBE innovations dedicated to improving safety, comfort, and care.
1970s – The Beginning of Innovation
In the late 1970s, discussions with European medical professionals revealed a growing need for better incontinence management in healthcare. Recognizing this challenge, PBE partnered with the Inoac Company to launch Gelok to pioneer absorbent laminated cores using emerging superabsorbent polymer technology. This collaboration led to the first absorbent pad designs used in pant systems — helping to shape the future of incontinence care.
1980s – From Infection Control to Incontinence
As hospitals sought to reduce infection risks, PBE became leaders in the design of a linen collection system that significantly reduced cross contamination through proper handling of soiled linen. PBE’s patented self-closing, ropeless hamper bag and the Top-It© linen collection system set the standard for reducing hospital acquired infections. The success of this innovation funded PBE’s entry into the incontinence market and allowed PBE to establish our first production line for disposable personal care pads.
1990s – Growth and New Markets
In 1992, PBE assumed full control of Gelok, expanding beyond healthcare into personal care, wound care, medical packaging, food tray packaging, filtration, industrial absorbents, and hygiene applications in public toileting facilities.
By the mid-1990s, our R&D team was exploring new absorbent laminate technologies and, in partnership with Church & Dwight, patented multiple innovations for the pet care market. Rapid growth in this sector led to the installation of our first dedicated “puppy pad” production line.
2000s – Expanding Capabilities
Between 2005 and 2010, Gelok broadened its product range, most notably introducing absorbent cores for meat packaging. These advanced materials efficiently captured excess juices in supermarket produce trays, helping to reduce bacterial growth, extend food shelf life, and enhance product presentation.
2010s – Meeting Unmet Healthcare Needs
During this period, PBE developed Thinliners — permeable, dual-sided nonwoven pads containing a thin Gelok absorbent layer. Designed for use in skin folds of bariatric patients, Thinliners help manage moisture and minimize mold, skin breakdown, and bacterial growth, creating a healthier skin environment.
With the increasing popularity of “low air loss beds / low air loss mattresses” Gelok developed a core for Tranquility AIR-Plus Breathable Underpads. These underpads are designed specifically for use with low-air-loss bed systems, allowing heat, air, and moisture vapor to escape. They have a microporous, breathable backsheet and soft surface to help reduce pressure points, shear, and friction, ensuring patient comfort and assisting in their recovery.
2020s – Our latest investment – A New Hydrogen-Bonded Airlaid Line
Our journey of innovation marches forward with the addition of a new hydrogen-bonded airlaid line (HBAL). This line gives Gelok the capability to create absorbent cores that combine high permeability, remarkable flexibility, and superior wicking performance. These advanced cores have unlocked new possibilities across wound care, hygiene, incontinence, and industrial products, driving both market growth and our mission to pioneer absorbency solutions that make a real difference.
Today – Continuing the Legacy
Today, Gelok continues to build on its solid foundation of innovation, developing absorbent custom-engineered solutions that enhance performance, safety, and comfort across a wide range of industries worldwide.
Principle Business Enterprises and Gelok Dunbridge Facility, 2025 — a world-class facility built on decades of innovation.