1924-1929

The C.L. Gougler Machine Company was founded by Charles (Charlie) L. Gougler in 1924 soon after being honorably discharged from the U.S. NAVY where he was trained to be a Machinist.

His original shop was his private garage on Woodard Avenue in Kent, OH. But due to noise complaints from neighbors, he to move to a small facility on North River Road (later to be renamed Gougler Ave.).

Needing to significantly increase production after being awarded several governmental contracts during WWII, the company moved to its current address in 1942 on Lake Street, into a vacant facility previously owned and occupied by Mason Tire & Rubber.

During this time, Gougler Machine employed more than 2,000 people at 10 separate locations around Kent. Their production of specific aircraft and armament parts resulted in winning numerous awards by the armed forces for machining and manufacturing excellence.