In 1950, Clarence Arthur Rawls, Sr. and his brother-in-law, Terry Dickens, relocated from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to Washington, North Carolina. Getting into the scrap iron business which became popular in the years following World War II, they founded Washington Iron and Metal Company. Seeing that times were good and business was booming, Clarence and Terry purchased cranes to move the scrap metal into rail cars. The cranes led to further expansion and demands. Washington Iron and Metal Company began to drive piling, erect steel and install cofferdams.
Hard work and dedication developed the small scrap metal company into a full metal building dealership. Clarence Rawls, known not only for being an incredible businessman, carried a good name in Washington. Described as being a good neighbor and friend, he served his community as a city councilman and a deacon at the local Baptist Church.
Continuing their father's legacy, Clarence Arthur ("Artie") Rawls, Jr. and Jeryl Rawls purchased the company from their father in 1972. Washington Iron and Metal Company became WIMCO Corp. Artie Rawls served as president of WIMCO from 1972 until his retirement in 2006. Artie continues to enjoy coming to his office, offering his considerable business experience to the growing company and current president Kevin Rawls. Jeryl Rawls currently serves as CEO.
