In 1979, deep in the Appalachian Basin, Cogar Mine Supply opened its doors as a small mining parts business. We built our reputation by supplying reliable components to operators and maintenance crews who counted on us to keep their equipment running.
But we didn’t stop there. When the second generation—John Cogar—stepped in, he saw a bigger opportunity. We weren’t just capable of supplying parts; we could design, build, and sell the equipment those parts went into.
That decision changed everything.
A Family-Owned Legacy of Growth
From day one, family values have driven Cogar Manufacturing’s growth. John’s vision transformed a regional parts supplier into an OEM equipment manufacturer with a bold mission: to build rugged, custom-designed mining equipment that operators could trust.
In 2008, we made it official. We changed our name to Cogar Manufacturing to reflect what we had become—a full-scale manufacturer serving not just coal mining, but a diverse range of industries.
Today, three generations of Cogars have been part of this legacy, each building on the foundation laid in the hills of Appalachia.
From Parts Supplier to OEM Equipment Builder
Our first big step was the Cogar OEM Feeder Breaker—a machine designed from the ground up with the same hands-on insight we brought to parts manufacturing. As the feeder breaker gained traction, the door opened to even more opportunities.
We realized we weren’t defined by the coal industry alone. Our capabilities allowed us to build so much more than mining equipment. We expanded into:
- Reclaim feeder breakers and underground feeder breakers
- Roll crushers, undercutters, and custom conveyors
- Patented barge and underdrum dewatering systems
- Precision machining and rebuild services
Expanding Beyond Coal
That vision took us far beyond our original market. Today, Cogar Manufacturing serves customers across the United States and globally, with facilities in Virginia, Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas. We’ve become a trusted partner to industries as diverse as aggregates, salt, oil and gas, quarries, barge terminals, and bulk material handling.
Custom Manufacturing at Our Core
What sets us apart is the same principle that started it all: custom manufacturing. We don’t build one-size-fits-all machines. We listen to our customers, understand their challenges, and design solutions that deliver performance, reliability, and serviceability.
Our CNC machine shop in Pearisburg, VA supports that mission with large-capacity machining, quick turnarounds, and precision craftsmanship—helping us respond faster and build smarter.
Looking Ahead
What began as Cogar Mine Supply is now Cogar Manufacturing, a global provider of family-owned, custom-built mining and material handling equipment. We’ve evolved, but we’ve stayed true to our roots—solving problems for operators and maintenance crews, standing behind our work, and building equipment designed to last.
And with three generations of Cogars shaping the future, our story is still just getting started.
Learn more about our history and how we’re building the future:
About Cogar Manufacturing