History

History

OUR 100-year HISTORY

10 Decades of excellence
in the mining industry

  • 1924
  • 1930's & 40's
  • 1950's & 60's
  • 1960's - 2010's
  • Today
1924

1924

Cowin & Co Established In Birmingham

Cowin & Company, Inc. has been in the business of giving customers what they want for more than 100 years. This underground construction tradition began with mining engineer Percy G. Cowin, who established the Birmingham-based mine construction company in 1924.

1930's & 40's

1940

Mine Construction in Alabama

Most of Cowin’s mine construction during the 1930’s and 1940’s was in Alabama and surrounding states.

1950's & 60's

1950

Cowin & Co Diversifies

With the decline of coal and iron ore mining in the 1950’s and 1960’s, the underground construction company diversified, turning to highway, railroad, hydro and sewer tunnel engineering and construction. Diversification brought expansion into the mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states where clients quickly discovered Cowin’s dependable reputation.

1960's - 2010's

1960's - 2010's

John J Cowin's Leadership

Until his recent death, John J. Cowin continued the leadership of the mine construction company that his father founded. John entered the business after earning Engineering Degrees at Stanford University and the University of Alabama. Except for military service, he spent his entire career in the underground construction industry. As President for fifty years, he left his imprint of excellence and integrity on the mining construction company which is now well-respected by customers, peers, suppliers and employees.

Today

Present Day

At The Forefront of the Underground Construction Industry

At present, the company is in the forefront of the underground construction industry and still being led by the Cowin Family and its mining tradition. We have the ability “in-house” to do almost all phases of underground construction projects we undertake, including site preparation, grouting and other water control measures, exploration drilling, shotcreting, concrete construction, setting of permanent equipment, machinery and piping.

100 White

About Us - History

Cowin has Specialized in Underground Construction since 1924

Cowin & Company, Inc. has been in the business of giving customers what they want for more than 100 years. This underground construction tradition began with mining engineer Percy G. Cowin, who established the Birmingham-based mine construction company in 1924.

Most of Cowin’s mine construction during the 1930’s and 1940’s was in Alabama and surrounding states. With the decline of coal and iron ore mining in the 1950’s and 1960’s, the underground construction company diversified, turning to highway, railroad, hydro and sewer tunnel engineering and construction. Diversification brought expansion into the mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states where clients quickly discovered Cowin’s dependable reputation.

Until his death, John J. Cowin continued the leadership of the mine construction company that his father founded. John entered the business after earning Engineering Degrees at Stanford University and the University of Alabama. Except for military service, he spent his entire career in the underground construction industry. As President for fifty years, he left his imprint of excellence and integrity on the mining construction company which is now well-respected by customers, peers, suppliers and employees.

Since 2011, John J. Cowin Jr. and John D. Moore (Co-Presidents and Owners) have taken over the leadership of the Company and have kept the Cowin family in the forefront of the underground construction industry. Both have over 35 years experience in the industry.

About Us - Today

All American owned and operated!

Very little of our work is subcontracted. We have the ability “in-house” to do almost all phases of underground construction projects we undertake, including site preparation, grouting and other water control measures, exploration drilling, shotcreting, concrete construction, setting of permanent equipment, machinery and piping. This single responsibility results in more personal attention to your job.

Cowin’s employees are experienced; most foremen have 15 to 30 years of service with the company. We are professionals.

Over 100 years in the business!
Cowin has completed literally thousands of projects, many of a very complex nature.

Cowin is intent on meeting schedules. And we finish what we start.

We do mine construction for both metal and non-metal mining companies along with many coal mining companies. We’ve done small, emergency repair jobs lasting only a few days as well as major projects lasting several years.

Cowin maintains a full fleet of work-ready equipment- from concrete forms to jumbos- to get the project done on time and within budget. The company prides itself on being able to do the work right…from the start.

Over 100 years of successful ventures, and skilled management, we have a stable reputation and the ability to obtain bonds for any work we contract.