A little industrial complex on the prairie.

W.C. Coleman surrounded himself with talented people, including son Sheldon who had a degree in mechanical engineering and firsthand production experience working in the company's Canadian plant.

As markets evaporated due to widespread rural electrification, the younger Coleman lobbied for further product diversification. The company began turning out the gas floor furnaces and oil space heaters that would enable it to survive the Depression. Its manufacturing capabilities were now considerable. Coleman was said to have the largest number of working metal lathes west of the Mississippi. And they would soon see heavy action.