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Industrial
How Woodings Industrial evolved from a family-run forge into North America’ s steel industry backbone
Primarily serving industries like steel, power generation, petrochemicals, and pulp and paper, Woodings Industrial is a well-established manufacturer based in Mars, Pennsylvania. The company is known for its specialized industrial equipment and components, which are crucial in heavy manufacturing processes. As one of the oldest continuous family-operated businesses in North America’ s steel industry, Woodings Industrial boasts a rich history.
“ Woodings Industrial traces its history back to 1872, when it was founded by my great-great-great grandfather, Emanuel, an immigrant from Wales to the US,” begins Rob Woodings, President.“ He and his two brothers were coal miners, a typical Welsh trade, but both his brothers unfortunately died in a mine collapse. Emanuel then started a forging operation, which at the time consisted of only an anvil, a hammer, and a furnace. He forged whatever parts the neighbors needed, such as hoses and door handles. When considering the technological advancements of the late 1800s, railroads were akin to AI today: everybody was building railroads. However, railroads faced a significant challenge with trains derailing due to iron rails and the rail spikes that could not hold the rails down. Consequently, Andrew Carnegie introduced the Bessemer process for steel in the US, which he adapted from the UK, to produce steel rails in Pittsburgh at Edgar Thomson Steel Works. Parallel to that, Emanuel invented and patented the rail anchor, a more efficient and effective way to anchor a rail to the ties. This marked the start of the company, known as Woodings Verona.
“ Fast forward to 1900, Woodings Verona had 6000 employees building railroad equipment. From then until 1953, the company
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