Who We Are
GPAL is a privately held analytical laboratory located in Kansas City. GPAL was founded in 1993 as a response to a need in the grain milling industry for an analytical lab offering a high level of service and expertise.
How It Started
The story of Great Plains Analytical Laboratory (GPAL) is one of dedication, care, and unmatched expertise. It began when Robert Hatch and John Fontana, veterans of the cereal grain industry, saw a need for more than just routine testing – they envisioned a lab that truly served wheat and flour milling companies with precision and heart. In a small warehouse in Kansas City, MO, they launched what would eventually become GPAL, starting with manual tests driven by their deep knowledge and a genuine relationship built with their customers.
Business Growth
The growth that followed wasn’t simply due to industry demand – it was because Robert, John, and their team cared deeply. They were salt-of-the-earth people, the kind you could trust not just to get the job done, but to do it with a personal touch. Milling companies quickly began relying on their fast, accurate results, knowing GPAL’s commitment to excellence was unwavering. By 1993, GPAL was officially founded, and its reputation as the go-to cereal chemistry lab spread rapidly. This reputation only grew stronger as they partnered with wheat commissions to create the Crop Survey, which became – and still is – the leading source for U.S. wheat crop data.
Full Service Laboratory
As the lab expanded, it never lost the qualities that made it special: going above and beyond for the customer, rapid test results, and unparalleled expertise. Over the years, GPAL added a renowned bake lab, a microbiology lab, and a state-of-the-art chemistry lab, all while maintaining the same attention to detail and customer-first mindset that built the business. The people behind GPAL make it what it is – from the experts who run the tests to the leadership at the helm. Tom Fontana, John’s son, now serves as General Manager, and Robert Hatch remains on the board, ensuring that the spirit of GPAL’s founders continues to guide the company.
Better Than Ever
Today, GPAL is a full-service food lab serving food and feed companies across the nation. The growth and success they’ve achieved comes from the unmatched care and dedication of the people behind it – a team who live and breathe their craft, and who put the customer at the heart of everything they do.
Need Help?
Need help or assistance? Our team is standing by to make sure you get the help you need. Whether you need food safety advice or discuss the results of a test, we’re ready to help!
