With over 36 years in the manufacturing industry, JWF Industries is a proud member of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania community. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown to annual operating sales over $100 million, encompass over 1.3 million square feet of manufacturing space, and employ over 400 professionals.
This is our story.
1957
Johnny’s Welding
John Polacek Sr. worked at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
As a way to make ends meet for his wife and nine children, he started Johnny’s Welding in the back of his pick-up truck.
Expansion
Johnny’s Welding expanded to a two-car garage and employed John’s son, Bill Polacek.
1987
Johnstown Welding
John Sr. passed away after a fulfilling life, leaving a lasting impression on his children.
Bill Polacek bought Johnny’s Welding from his mother and started Johnstown Welding and Fabrication, Inc.
1992
Continued Expansion
Bethlehem Steel facilities close in Johnstown, PA.
Johnstown Welding and Fabrication, Inc. expands into 500,000 square-foot facility, formerly the Lower Works. This housed the 8 inch mill, 11 inch mill, and Mag Shed. The company’s headquarters still operate here today.
Winning Contracts
Bill expands services and wins a contract with Bethlehem Steel corporate office. He moves his company into the 36,000 square-foot shop at the former Bethlehem Steel facility in Johnstown.
Continued expansion of services and clients enables company to expand and buy a bankrupt 60,000 square-foot factory.
2001
Iron Street
Bill purchases 10-acre tract on Iron Street, once part of the Lower Works facility.
JWF Industries
After years of growth and expansion, the company name is shortened to JWF Industries to reflect its continuing diversity.
2007
JWF Defense Systems
John Polacek Jr. leaves executive position at BAE Systems aerospace company and joins JWF Industries.
Bill and John start JWF Defense Systems, a business specifically focused on supplying Department of Defense prime contractors with reliable, on-time fabrications and sub-assemblies.
2011
ETC
Leadership recognizes the opportunity to service the oil and gas industry as JWF Industries is located on the Marcellus and Utica Shale formations for natural gas drilling.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) office changes drilling regulations that limit the amount of total dissolved solves that can be discharged in waterways.
JWF Industries develops a new line of products for above ground containment vehicles to transport water to treatment plants.
Environmental Tank and Container (ETC), located in a former Shell plant, is created as a new division of JWF Industries.