Dave Ungru Wins IWDC’s Top Award
Indianapolis, IN – Thursday, November 4, 2021 – In recognition for his contributions to IWDC, the Industrial Gas & Welding Industry and surrounding greater Madison, Indiana community, Dave Ungru, Koehler Welding Supply, Inc was presented the Bob Jackson Memorial Award at IWDC’s October 27 - 30 Owners’ Meeting in Reynolds, Georgia.
Bob Jackson played an integral part in the formation of the Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC). The honor is bestowed annually upon a Member who has “gone above and beyond” in their support of the organization. The Bob Jackson is considered the preeminent award of the IWDC. Criteria for the award includes strong volunteer spirit, supportive of independents, viewed internal and externally as a respected leader, engaged in our industry, community, and family centric.
Koehler Welding Supply has roots in the Madison community back to 1929 and in 1989 was acquired by Dave. He took a business originally operating as a retail tire store with a small cylinder gas business set up to serve rural customers and expanded it to a second location serving traditional welding & gas customers. While the tire business remains, the welding supply business is significantly larger bolstered by comprehensive range of welding, gases, safety, integrated mro supplies and automation services.
In addition to building a strong business, contributing to IWDC as a committee member and advocate of several key IWDC programs, Dave has generously given back to his surrounding community as a long-term Prince of Peace Catholic schools supporter. He has also been instrumental is starting up Cub Manufacturing and Cub Engineering businesses, both which are work-based learning program at Madison Consolidated High School. He also was part in launching two high school programs at the Ivy Tech Community College, in Madison. This includes a 2-year Welding Program and a 2-year Industrial Maintenance Program. Students from 5 local schools are part of these programs. Within all these Programs, students have the opportunity to do paid Internships within the local manufacture while attending high school.
The IWDC is a cooperative, formed in 1994, which leverages the strengths of its independent welding distributor Members across North America. IWDC Member companies collectively represent over $2.9B in sales, serving a wide range of industries. The common denominator is that these industries look to them for industrial, specialty, and medical gases as well as related equipment, welding hardgoods, and consumables. End-use customers served by IWDC Members benefit from having the unparalleled expertise of a local Member distributor who has access to national-scale purchasing and marketing programs.