In the 1940's, Cowelco began their business as custom sailboat builders. They found, however, there wasn't a large market for these intricate vessels since many people were still reeling with the after effects of World War II.

So, due to necessity and good business sense, Cowelco began general contracting and from there further refined themselves into miscellaneous metals, steel stair and light structural steel fabricators and erectors.

The first 'office' of Cooperative Welding and Mfg Co., soon to be known as Cowelco.