W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., was founded January 1, 1958, in Newark, Delaware, by Wilbert L. (Bill) and Genevieve (Vieve) Gore. Today, with approximately $3 billion in annual revenue, the enterprise is privately owned. Our more than 10,000 employees (called Associates) worldwide are also part owners of the enterprise through the Associate stock plan. Gore prefers this private ownership and believes this reinforces a key element of its culture to “take a long-term view” when assessing business situations. Gore is one of the 200 largest privately held U.S. companies.
By using proprietary technologies with the versatile polymer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Gore has created numerous products for medical implants; fabric laminates; and cable, filtration, sealant, membrane, venting and fiber technologies for diverse industries. Gore has been granted more than 2,000 patents worldwide in a wide range of fields, including electronics, medical devices and polymer processing. More than 40 million innovative Gore medical devices have been implanted, saving and improving the quality of lives worldwide. Gore has offices in more than 25 countries, with manufacturing operations in the U.S., Germany, the UK, China and Japan.
Gore is a uniquely creative, technology-driven Enterprise focused on discovery and product innovation. Gore has served a variety of global markets for more than 50 years and has thrived by providing its customers with high-value products that enhance the quality of life. Associates take great pride in being part of a strong global Enterprise and in the broad contributions we make to society. We believe Gore's success is a direct result of the values that are the foundation of our company's culture. This culture is built on a deeply held belief in Associates and in the innate drive of each person to reach his or her full potential. We are collectively committed to fostering a safe and healthy work environment where all Associates can develop their talents, enjoy their work, and responsibly direct their activities.
Gore's culture exerts a strong and steady influence on each of us to act with the highest integrity and responsibility. We are committed to meeting the needs of customers through our innovative, reliable products and to improving the communities in which we work and live. We have a continuing commitment to our legacy of taking a long-term view, and seek to make decisions that are consistent with this principle.
Earned the number three spot on the World’s Best Multinational Workplaces list by the Great Place to Work® Institute in 2016. The ranking is the world’s largest annual study of workplace excellence and identifies the top 25 best multinational companies in terms of workplace culture.