We report on the manufacture of a first batch of approximately 2000 Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) using 3M's fully automated roll-to-roll flexible circuit production line. This process allows low-cost, reproducible fabrication of a high volume of GEMs of dimensions up to 30×30 cm2. First tests indicate that the resulting GEMs have optimal properties as radiation detectors. Production techniques and preliminary measurements of GEM performance are described. This now demonstrated industrial capability should help further establish the prominence of micropattern gas detectors in accelerator-based and non-accelerator particle physics, imaging and photodetection. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.