L.E.C. founder, Jim Lewis, started the company in 1979. He worked in the marine industry for thirty two years. He started at Johnson and Towers in 1956, as an apprentice mechanic. He was seventeen years old. In 1962 and 1963, two years in a row, he was awarded the Detroit Diesel Craftsman Guild "TOP MAN" award for the Eastern Division. He took a great interest in the marine engine industry. In 1964, he attended the Detroit Diesel Factory for training for the "All Series Engines". In 1966, he gained the position of assistant engineer for Johnson and Towers. He then attended a course at DeVry Institute for "Electronic Operations Technology" and "Computer Control".

Then, in 1975, he became Chief Engineer for Johnson and Towers. It was at that time, while working for Johnson and Towers, modifying their engines, that he had an idea for the cooling systems of the marine engines. He noticed that the cooling systems were braised units that could not be taken apart for cleaning, servicing, or even draining for winter storage. Also, the raw water covers were mostly made of cast iron which were heavy and would eventually rust and or corrode in sea water. In doing some research he found better, light weight, materials and a way of assembling the coolers to accommodate the winterizing of the engines.

In 1979, with a few ancient milling machines and a few old drill presses in the garage of his home, he started L.E.C. Incorporated. After building and extensively testing his prototype, which passed with flying colors, he began to market his coolers. In 1980, he went to the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan to attend a course in turbochargers. It was called "Turbochargers, Design and Application". He retained his position as Chief Engineer at Johnson and Towers until June of 1988 when he decided that L.E.C. needed his full attention. Over the years, L.E.C. has grown and supplies to other types of industries such as the generator and firepump industries. Some of the O.E.M.s we supply include: Johnson and Towers, Covington Diesel, Peninsular Engines, Detroit Diesel, American Marine Diesel, Marine Corporation, Clarke Fire Protection, Positech International, Global Heat Transfer, and Saraga Industries to name a few.

Although, L.E.C. Coolers is no longer that small shop in the garage, and Jim Lewis has passed on, his name still remains very well known in the industry, and L.E.C. is still, and will remain, family owned and operated. In today's competitive market place L.E.C. coolers is committed to providing the best quality products at the lowest possible prices.

Order now or call 856-227-3953.