C.O.W. Industries is a high variety, low volume contract manufacturer of precision metal products. We have the ability to weld, machine, fabricate, finish and assemble under one roof. Experience indicates that our customers do place a dollar value on C.O.W.’s quality, support of lean operations, inventory control systems and reduced lead times.
We are proud to be one-hundred percent employee-owned (ESOP) and feel that companies such as ours hold a distinct advantage over our competitors. For example, it is our culture to continuously improve our speed-to-market. As a result, our customers range from multi-national corporations to a select group of smaller firms. C.O.W.’s Mission is to be successful by working TOGETHER to WOW our customers. We provide products and services faster, better, and simpler.
In 1911, J. Louis Richter founded the Central Ohio Welding Company in a tiny garage in German Village. As a young man Richter made a choice to drop out of school in order to help support his family. After spending significant time working a series of odd jobs, Mr. Richter acquired employment with a man who welded. Mr. Richter quickly took interest in welding and all of the processes involved. He learned as much as he possibly could and eventually decided to go into business for himself.
The one-man operation got its start by offering repair services. Mr. Richter’s goal was simple; to consistently accommodate his customer’s needs. He accepted any and all work in effort to expand his business. To further his efforts, Mr. Richter began distributing industrial gases and other welding products in 1918.
The business experienced even more growth in the 40s by fulfilling many government contracts during World War II. After the war, C.O.W. continued to grow and eventually became incorporated in 1959. In the mid-60s, Western Electric awarded C.O.W. contracts that required a complete business transformation and the construction of a full service fabrication facility.