If you want to learn about the products of Gerber Technology, a division of Gerber Scientific (NYSE: GRB), you can stop by its office at 1359 Broadway – or visit the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History, which owns four inventions of the company's founder, Joe Gerber.

Mr. Gerber received no fewer than 650 patents in his lifetime, including one for the first automatic fabric cutting system, the GERBERcutter®. This 1968 invention, one of the four in the Smithsonian's collection, formed the basis of Gerber Technology's product line.

Today the division supplies software and hardware automation systems for the sewn products and flexible materials industries. And one of the division's largest clients, Li & Fung, is a new neighbor – the global trading group moved into 1359 Broadway last year. Another client, Capital Mercury, is also a tenant at 1359. "It's very convenient," notes Jochen Schuele, Gerber Scientific's director of global freight and logistics.

Many more of Mr. Gerber's inventions found their way into the product lines of other business divisions of Gerber Scientific. Founded in 1948, the $530 million company is composed of four business units: Gerber Scientific products, the worldwide market leader in sign making, graphic design equipment, software, materials and accessories; Spandex, the world's leading trade supplier to the sign making and specialty graphics industry; Gerber Coburn, the leading provider of computer-integrated ophthalmic lens processing systems; and Gerber Technology.

The division occupies a 5,361-square-foot suite. Mr. Schuele notes that he has been very happy with 1359 Broadway throughout the division's tenancy. "Management is quick to respond to us whenever we have an issue, and everything is clean and orderly," he says. "We have sales representation in this office and we hold training programs here, so it's important to us that the building is well maintained. It creates an excellent first impression."

D. Esposito, the division's technical analyst, also notes that "Broadway's theater district is a prime entertainment, shopping, food, and travel location – providing access to everything anyone could possibly need or want." Gerber is situated in the heart of the garment and fashion center, one block from the famous Macy's New York City department store and between two major transportation hubs (Port Authority and Penn Station).

In short, says Mr. Schuele, "1359 Broadway has turned out to be an ideal home for us. It's good for business, not to mention employee satisfaction. We look forward to many more years at this address."