LEWCO history

Since being sold by the federal government to private investors, the building has served as the home to several businesses almost exclusively in the manufacturing sector. It was built in 1942 by the United States Army and served as the Erie Army Ordinance Depot during and after World War II. Throughout that time, tanks and other large military equipment were brought there by railroad to be serviced and repaired.

In 1952 the Meyer family sold the welding shop part of their business to brothers Harold and William Grumney, who renamed it Lake Erie Welding & Fabricating.

In 1955 the company hired their fifth employee; a young man fresh out of United States Navy welding school by the name of Anthony (“Tony”) Guerra.

Eight years later, Tony bought into the business as a 50% partner and by 1973 he became the sole owner.

In 1979 the company was named “Business of the Year” by the Sandusky Area Chamber of Commerce.

In the early 1980’s two of Tony’s sons, Ron and Jerry, joined the family business upon their graduation from college.

Lewco Specialty Products, Inc. began in 1985 by Lewis Dill in his suburban Baton Rouge, Louisiana townhouse.

In the mid 1990’s, after a trip to Korea in pursuit of international business, it became evident to the owners that the company name, Lake Erie Welding & Fabricating, no longer represented what they did.

In January of 2002, Tony Guerra retired after serving the company for 47 years.

He said the company would be bringing the largest number of new jobs into Ottawa County since manufacturer Fenner Dunlop moved into the business park in 2009.

Dec 9, 2020 | Around Ottawa County, Featured | 0 comments