Dobson Industrial, Inc.

Beginnings: Founded as Dobson Heavy Haul in 1947 by J. Gilbert Dobson, George Baker and Kenneth Goddard with two U.S. Army surplus trucks and a low-boy trailer.

Milestones: Among the first companies in the Midwest to use two-way radios. Purchased Van Haaren Moving and Storage, the previous employer of Goddard and Baker, on its 100th Anniversary in 1969.

The company today: Specializes in rigging; storage; fabrications; steel erection, industrial maintenance and millwright services; and architectural doors, frames and hardware. Employs, on average, 75 people and normally has annual sales in the $12 to $14 million range. A union employer for ironworkers, riggers and teamsters.

Noteworthy clients: Delphi, Dow Corning, General Motors, Johnson Controls and Lear Automotive.