The 1940s
During World War II, Henry L. Broan was forced to scale back Midwest Mfg. Co. since materials became scarce and home construction had come to a near halt. Motors and steel went to the war effort. During this time, Broan worked for the government as an expediter, but kept a scaled-down version of Midwest Mfg. Co. alive in his garage.
With the prosperity on the horizon again following the end of World War II, Broan and his wife Edna formed a limited partnership, purchased a building in downtown Milwaukee and Midwest Mfg. Co. moved full speed ahead.
In July 1946, Broan converted the company to a corporation and Midwest Mfg. Co. officially became Broan Manufacturing Co., Inc.
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