The 1940s marked a decade of resilience, expansion, and national impact for L.C. Kohlman, Inc. During World War II, the company survived and grew as a major service provider and installer, working under government defense contracts across the country. Construction pipefitters were added to the team, and the firm expanded its HVAC installation capabilities while maintaining its growing service base. Headquarters moved to North Green Street in 1945, and by 1946, the company was actively positioning itself for the emerging future of air conditioning by entering the sheetmetal business beginning with its first job at Barney’s Market Club near its Chicago facility.
This decade also laid the foundation for long term, self funded growth. Federal Ventilation Company was established in 1946 with a handful of union sheetmetal workers, used tools, and strong determination, allowing the organization to deliver increasingly complex projects from supermarkets and theaters to office buildings, computer rooms, and industrial plants. The service department expanded steadily, with L.C. Kohlman, Inc. taking on all Chicago area service for Kelvinator Appliances and supporting a wide range of high profile commercial clients. In 1947, the firm relocated to its first company owned building at 724 W. Washington.
Throughout the war years, James Hill’s engineering work on quench systems and aircraft rivet coolers played a vital role in military production, underscoring the company’s technical expertise and national contribution. The 1940s solidified L.C. Kohlman, Inc. as a growing force in HVAC, engineering, and service excellence.
The 1940s defined a decade of resilience, growth, and national contribution for our company. The 1950s would bring new opportunities, continued expansion, and the increasing influence of air conditioning. Next month, we’ll continue our journey with a look back at the milestones that shaped our company in the 1950s.