History of A.J. Allen

Allen Brother Plumbing and Heating Company was founded in 1932 by Archie James Allen and his brother Lester. They did much of the original work on Camp Dodge, including the outdoor swimming pool which was then the world's largest. In the early 1940's, Lester left the company and Archie changed the name to A.J. Allen Plumbing and Heating Company. His first large job was to build the Naval Air Station in Ottumwa, IA which was commissioned March 3, 1943.

About that time, Archie's sons Jack and Dick joined him in the company working in the field as apprentices. After the war, Archie's youngest son, Bill, joined the company as an apprentice, and by the late 1940's all three son's were working in the office. Archie retired from the company in 1946.

Other large facilities they built in the late 40's and early 50's were the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, Lucas State Office Building and Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The company office was located at 6th and Keo Way until 1962 when the building was razed for construction of the American Republic Insurance Co. The Allen brothers built their new facility at 25 Dunham Avenue where they remained until 2000 when the Indianola Avenue by-pass was constructed and forced them to move to their present offices.

Jack Allen retired from the company in 1967 and in 1970 the company incorporated and officially became A.J. Allen Mechanical Contractors, Inc., choosing to retain the name and reputation built by Archie in the early part of the century. In 1971 Bill's son Ed joined the company followed by his other son Mark in 1975. Three years later Dick retired from the company leaving it in the capable hands of Bill and his sons.

Bill contined to work until his death in 2001. Today, 3 of Ed and Mark's sons are working for the company...one of the rare fourth generation family companies in the city. In 75 years, A.J. Allen went from a two man shop to a company that now employs over 85 people. The company continues to grow and still maintains their reputation as commercial and maintenance mechanical contractors who provide quality work at a fair price.