Last month, we looked back to the beginnings of G. O. Carlson, Inc., from Mineral Springs Farm and Gunard Carlson’s coat-pocket office to the company’s early growth inThorndale and Coatesville.

By the early 1950s, the foundation was firmly in place. G. O. Carlson had grown from a small specialty stainless steel business into an established supplier serving a rapidly expanding American industrial economy. Heavy stainless steel plate had become an important part of the company’s business, serving applications in chemical processing, oil, pharmaceuticals, cryogenics, marine and aircraft production.

The company was also building a reputation for solving difficult processing requirements. G. O. Carlson became a pioneer in developing methods for forming, cutting and processing stainless steel plate, capabilities that would lead to involvement in some of the most significant engineering programs of the period.

Carlson stainless steel plate was supplied for the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Material produced by G. O. Carlson was also used in the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and in the construction of the first nuclear power plant built by Westinghouse at Shippingport, Pennsylvania. These programs reflected how far the company had come from the specialty stainless business Gunard and Margaret Carlson had started less than two decades earlier. Growth continued at home as well. Production had expanded into the Coatesville operation known as the Viaduct Plant, while Thorndale remained an important part of the company. In 1961, the two buildings on the Thorndale property were converted into modern offices. For the first time, all non-production office functions were located under one roof.

The Carlson family’s impact extended beyond the business. In 1957, Gunard and Margaret Carlson established a charitable foundation in memory of their son, Gunard Berry Carlson. The foundation supported numerous charitable organizations in Chester County and throughout the eastern United States.

Sadly, Gunard O. Carlson passed away in 1969. However, in addition to the company that carried his name, he left behind a strong legacy of entrepreneurship, engineering, civic involvement and service. The company history notes his involvement with several colleges, Brandywine Hospital and the Chester County Airport Authority.

G. O. Carlson continued to grow. By 1972, production facilities in Coatesville had become too crowded to operate efficiently. The company leased and remodeled the former Downingtown Iron Company plant, which became the production headquarters for its light-gauge products.

The following year brought an important recognition. In 1973, The Boeing Company selected G. O. Carlson, Inc. as its Small Business Supplier of the Year for Type 17-4 PH and 15-5 PH stainless steel used in Boeing hydrofoil boats.

By this point, the company that began with an office carried inside a coat pocket was contributing material and expertise to advanced naval, nuclear, aerospace and industrial applications.

The business had grown significantly, but the ability to take on specialized requirements and adapt to changing markets remained at the center of G. O. Carlson’s approach.

That ability would become especially important during the decades ahead, as the company expanded its capabilities, entered new businesses and ultimately added an important new chapter to the G. O. Carlson story.

Next month, we will continue the story through another period of expansion, diversification and change.