Our Story
Surfacing Alloys - Making Metals Work Harder Since 1938
Since its founding in 1938 by Albert F. Wall, Wall Colmonoy has led the way in surfacing technology – beginning with the breakthrough Colmonoy® nickel-based alloy invented a year earlier by metallurgists, Norman Cole and Walter Edmonds.
This laid the foundation for a company dedicated to metallurgical innovation – to ‘make metals work harder’. From protecting U.S. Army tank parts in WWII to improving drill bits in the oil industry, our alloys have driven industrial progress worldwide.
Today, still family-owned and led into its fourth generation, Wall Colmonoy operates across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Asia – built on a legacy of trust, innovation, and metallurgical expertise. Whether strengthening glass molds, energy turbines, or automotive braking systems, our mission remains the same: to deliver high-performance, wear-resistant solutions.
And as we look ahead, Wall Colmonoy continues investing in advanced alloy manufacturing, R&D, and its team members to meet tomorrow’s industrial wear challenges.
Our Story
Wall Colmonoy’s story is one of innovation, partnership, and progress. Explore our timeline to see how we’ve grown from a breakthrough alloy to a global leader in surfacing solutions.
1930s
Colmonoy® Origin
Metallurgists, Norman Cole and Walter Edmonds, invent Colmonoy®, a nickel alloy with chromium borides offering diamond-like hardness and exceptional wear and corrosion resistance, founding Colmonoy, Inc. in California.
1938
Wall Colmonoy Corporation
A.F. Wall purchases the assets and rights to Colmonoy® and forms Wall Colmonoy Corporation in Detroit, Michigan.
1939
Colmonoy® 6 Rod
One of the first commercial alloys, it sets new standards in wear, corrosion, and heat resistance and is sold as oxyacetylene rods for rebuilding pumps and valves for the petroleum industry.
1942
Colmonoy® in WWII
During WWII, Colmonoy® extends the life of U.S. Navy arrestor hooks used in aircraft carrier landings and restores Army tank grousers, treads, and drive sprockets.
1943
Rod to Powder
Colmonoy® Rod is crushed in ball mill to make spray powders - enabling faster, more efficient application and uniform coating coverage.
1945
The Spraywelder™ System
“Simple, yet rugged enough to withstand the environment of a typical repair shop”. Used in industries such as glass manufacturing, oil & gas, and plastics.
1946
Spraywelder™ Alloys
Colmonoy® 4 and 5 Spraywelder™ Powders are developed for applications needing machinability over hardness. Additional alloys are developed for the Sprayweld™ Process.
1949
Wallex® Cobalt-Based Alloys
1950
London Sales Office Opens
To Distribute Colmonoy® products to the UK and Europe.
1960
UK Manufacturing Begins
Manufacturing of Colmonoy® alloys in Motherwell, Scotland.
1963
Fusewelder™ Torch
Four models are developed with different powder spray output to make spray-repair and surfacing of smaller, more detailed work possible. Used extensively in the glass container, agriculture and other industries.
1964
UK HQ Moves to England
Moves from Scotland to Brackley, England.
1965
Fusewelder™ Powders
Special mesh Fusewelder™ powders are developed for the Fusewelder™ Torch, designed for hand powder spraying and simultaneous fusing.
1969
UK HQ Moves to Wales
Pontardawe, Wales manufacturing facility is opened with support from the Welsh Government -ideally located near key metal suppliers and metallurgical and engineering expertise.
1970
Wallex® 40 and 50
Excellent resistance to a combination of abrasion and corrosion at high temperatures.
1973
Isleta, New Mexico
Alloy Products Foundry established in Isleta, New Mexico.
1975
Tungsten Carbide Bearing Alloys
As Colmonoy® evolves, tungsten carbide alloys are developed by adding varying amounts of tungsten to the original nickel based.
1977
Colmonoy® 56 and 83
For the plastic and rubber extruder industry
1980
Model J Spraywelder™
One of the most advanced evolutions for this product, the pistol is redesigned to be more lightweight, compact and easily repaired. The Model J improves powder flow through on/off switch and a single-lever multi-gas valve.
1980s
Colmonoy® 88
An enhanced form of Colmonoy® 6 and 72, this unique alloy offers superior wear resistance for parts like pump plungers, valve seats, thermowells, and capstans—greatly extending service life.
1987
Move to Madison
US Headquarters moves from Detroit to Madison Heights, Michigan
1991
Colmonoy® 200-Series
Responding to the industry’s changing demands for the repair and protection of glass container mold components.
1999
Move to Los Lunas
A new $5 million, 55,000 sq ft facility featuring the addition of new solid-state-melting furnace.
2005
Accreditation & Expansion
Wall Colmonoy Ltd. (UK) earns ISO 14001 certification and begins a 20,000 sq ft expansion, growing to over 70,000 sq ft and increasing powder production capacity by 25% with new furnaces and an atomizer.
2009
40th Anniversary in Wales
Wall Colmonoy Ltd. (UK) celebrates 40 years in Wales with guest of honor First Minister Rhodri Morgan, joined by local Mayors Pam Thomas, Emlyn Williams, and Deputy Mayor Jean Bowen.
2013
75 Years of Technical Expertise
2018
80 Years of Making Metals Work Harder
2020
50 Years in Wales
2021
Wallex® CoCr AM Powders
Production of Additive Manufacturing Powders starts with Wallex® CoCr for biomedical applications, such as Orthopedic and Dental implants for use with CAD/CAM ceramic applications.
2022
$2.5M Investment at New Mexico Facility
Expanding capacity, upgrading furnaces and R&D.
2023
85 Years
July 2024
Acquisition of Indurate Alloys Ltd.
Expanding its Canadian presence, hardfacing and additive manufacturing product offerings.
December 2024
WallCarb™ HVOF Carbide Powders
Ideal for high-wear surfaces - such as pump seals, piston rings, and valve components.
June 2025
Wall Colmonoy (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. is Opened
In Changshu City, Suzhou, China to strengthen local support for growing Asia-Pacific Market.
November 2025
Wall Colmonoy (Canada) Inc.
Consolidation of Windsor into our Edmonton facility. Indurate Alloys Ltd becomes Wall Colmonoy Canada.
December 2025
Advanced AM Powders
Design and produce advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) metal powders including Colferoloy™ SS 316L, 420, 430, Colferoloy™ 17-4 PH, Colferoloy™ D2, H13
