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HISTORY
OUR TEAM
FACILITIES & LOCATIONS
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 Climate Engineers, Inc. was founded in 1947 when a lumber broker, James H. Maloney, formed a series of companies for investment purposes. An umbrella Corporation called Green Gable Builders Incorporated, spun off Continental Forest Products Company, which in turn had a subsidiary, Climate Engineers Incorporated. Green Gable Builders, Inc., was a manufacturer of prefabricated metal buildings, headquartered in Onawa, Iowa. It was logical that such a business should have access to a metal forming operation; thus, Climate Engineers, Inc., was founded.
 Maloney, who died in 1967, had little active participation in the firms. The first manager for Climate Engineers was Arthur McLemore, who ran the company from 1947 to 1952. William Barnhizer assumed the managerial rains from 1952 to 1953, and John C. Watson succeeded him in that capacity from 1953 to 1969, when he purchased controlling interest.
Climate Engineers was engaged primarily in residential heating installation during its early years, mostly in rural areas. In 1953 the company was not a large operation, grossing only $105,000. In 1955 the firm entered the commercial heating, cooling and ventilation market because of the popularity of air conditioning. By 1959, Climate Engineers was doing commercial and industrial businesses only.
 The Corporation was originally located at 115 A Ave. Northeast. As the company continued to grow, expansion was imminent. Climate engineers moved in 1961 to 883 Shaver Road Northeast, utilizing 7,200 square feet of space. While John C. Watson served as president, some of the major commercial projects undertaken included: installation of heating and air conditioning systems (HVAC) at the University of Iowa Library, Mercy Medical Center, St. Luke's Hospital, Coe College, Mount Mercy College, Merchants National Bank (now US bank), Iowa National Mutual Insurance (now MCI), KCRG Radio and Television, United Fire and Casualty, Kennedy High School and the Kitchens of Sarah Lee in New Hampton.
 Following the death of John C. Watson in 1975, the company reorganized. The new owners and appointed officers were Frank E. Kvach, President and longtime employee of Climate, John C. Watson Jr., Vice president and Mark C. Watson, Treasurer.
Climate Engineers continued to grow and change under its new leadership. The first big challenge for the company was the installation of the HVAC system for the Stouffers Hotel (now the Crown Plaza Five Seasons Hotel) and the Five Seasons Civic Center in downtown Cedar Rapids. The job began in 1977 and lasted over two years. One hundred fifty tons of sheet metal ductwork was installed in the facility. Work in the arena involved installing large ductwork 100 feet off the ground. The completion of this job showed the construction industry that the new management was capable of handling large challenging projects.
In 1982 Peter Watson bought an interest in the company and became part of the management team as Production Manager. That same year the company was awarded a million-dollar industrial heat recovery project for the Hubinger Company in Keokuk, Iowa. The flue gas duct system ran approximately 1,000 feet above the roofs of 15 plant buildings. Duct sizes ranged from 48 inches to 68 inches square and were fabricated, shipped and erected in 25-foot sections, which were lifted in place by helicopter and bolted together. The ductwork was fabricated with 10 gauge steel plate and stiffeners. The duct system was supported by 49 structural steel supports that were fabricated and erected by Climate Engineers.
 The company has expanded its facilities over the years to meet the demands of the market. In 1986, 2,400 square feet of manufacturing space with an overhead crane was added to the back of the shop. In 1990, 5,000 square feet of manufacturing and 2,000 square feet of office space were added. An additional building was erected in 1995 at this location. The new building is 5,000 square feet with a 40-foot ceiling. A 30 Ton Canada Iron overhead crane runs the length of the building.
In the '90s many significant events occurred. In 1993, Frank Kvach, who served as president of the company since 1976, retired. Frank continues to be involved as a consultant on special projects. Climate Engineers also became the first mechanical contractor in the area to offer CAD capabilities. Today the company has three operating CAD stations. The service department at Climate expanded from one mechanic in 1990 to seven technicians today. In 1993 the company hired a mechanical engineer to enhance the companies design capabilities. The 1990s also brought an expansion of operations, outside of Cedar Rapids. Climate River Valley in the Quad Cities was started in 1996.
Climate Engineers and its affiliate have grown from 20 employees and $900,000 in sales in 1975 to a current employment of more than a hundred thirty people and sales of $17,000,000 annually.
Our success can only be attributed to our dedicated well-trained, hard-working employees. We're confident in our ability to deliver superior systems and performance. We encourage you to talk with any of the owners, engineers and plant superintendents we have served. Just ask for our client list. We invite you to visit our facilities.
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