The Koppel Industrial Car & Equipment Co. was built in 1905 on a parcel of ground that was sold by Charles F. Mount to Arthur Koppel Industries of Germany. Railroad cars and switches were made there. Koppel was incorporated in 1912, named after Arthur Koppel, the plants founder. The late Herman G. Wittmer was sent to Koppel from Germany to oversee construction of the plant. In 1919 the firm was sold to the Pressed Steel Car Co. of Pittsburgh by the U.S. government. In 1938 the plant, office buildings and all properties were sold at public auction.