The story of G. O. Carlson, Inc. began in 1936, during the Great Depression. On January 2 of that year, Gunard and Margaret Carlson purchased Mineral Springs Farm in Thorndale, Pennsylvania, for $7,400. The property included 16 acres, a stone house, a tenant cottage, a garage and a frame shed.
At the time, Gunard Carlson worked for Charles W. Guttzeit, president and one of the founders of Latrobe Electric Steel. Stainless steel was still in its infancy as a commercial product, but Gunard recognized an opportunity. Customers in the chemical industry needed special grades, custom sizes and unusual shapes that larger stainless steel producers were not well equipped to provide.
Late in 1936, Gunard began working as a stainless steel broker. He purchased ingots from producers, arranged for them to be rolled into plate at Lukens Steel Company in nearby Coatesville and sold the finished material to customers.
The business did not yet have a formal office. Customer orders and company records were carried in the inside pocket of Gunard Carlson’s coat. The operation quickly gained momentum. In 1937, Gunard and Margaret formed the G. O. Carlson Company as a partnership. The company also hired its first employee, Harry Cole, to supervise the conversion of ingots into plate at the Lukens mills.
As business increased, the family garage and children’s playroom were converted into additional office space. By the summer of 1939, the company employed 25 people.
THOMAS BUCKLEY: KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW
I returned from Farnborough with valuable market insight, promising opportunities and an even greater appreciation for the direction of our industry.
The 2026 Farnborough International Airshow once again demonstrated why it remains one of the world’s premier gatherings for the aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing industries.
While the aircraft displays and technology demonstrations are impressive, the real value comes from time spent with customers, suppliers and industry colleagues from around the world.
Throughout the week, one message was consistent: demand remains strong. Airbus and Boeing continue to work through significant backlogs, engine manufacturers are increasing output, and the supply chain is preparing for sustained long-term growth. The challenge is no longer generating demand, but executing against it through dependable manufacturing and resilient supply chains.
The level of investment across the industry was also clear. Many companies are expanding facilities, adding processing capabilities and investing in automation to better support their customers. There is real confidence that aerospace and defense demand will remain strong for years to come.
G. O. CARLSON INC. SUPPORTS FOLDS OF HONOR WESTERN PA
G. O. Carlson is proud to once again boost the mission of Folds of Honor Western Pennsylvania by sponsoring a golf team in the Hi-Level Golf Course charity event in Kossuth, PA.
Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service and first responder families. G. O. Carlson is privileged to be a Gold Title Event Sponsor at the outing, which will be held on Saturday September 5.
About Folds of Honor:
Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 62,000 scholarships totaling over $290 million in all 50 states. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on GuideStar. It was founded by Lt Col Dan Rooney, the only-ever F-16 fighter pilot (with three combat tours in Iraq) and PGA Professional.
For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor of Western PA visit: westernpa.foldsofhonor.org
