Koppl was founded by Leo T. Koppl in 1925. This environmental systems company began as a family business when Koppl, his brother, and a cousin opened a blacksmith and machine shop in Huntington Beach, CA. They built tools and welded for the growing Southern California oil industry.

In 1929, Koppl struck out on his own, following the oil boom to Santa Fe Springs and then to Montebello, where he built his machine shop at the corner of Poplar and Beverly Boulevard. He continued to build equipment and provide services in the local oil fields. During the slow times of the Great Depression, Mr. Koppl developed and patented his Hot Tap machine.

Mr. Koppl used his Hot Tap device for 12 years after its invention before manufacturing the machine for the open market.

During World War II, Mr. Koppl supported the war effort by providing daily welding services to the shipyards in Long Beach, CA, and the local oil industries by night. During this time, the importance of Koppl’s tools became apparent to refineries, and demand for his services increased.

The housing boom in Southern California after the war brought Koppl to the forefront in the water industry. As housing developments grew and the need for expanded water services increased, Mr. Koppl put his hot tap equipment to new use. Using his patented machines, he could easily connect new pipeline systems to the existing lines without interrupting service to residents.

As the company continued to grow, it remained a family-run business. Since Koppl began, its services have expanded, with service locations throughout the United States. What started as an oil field–oriented blacksmith shop has evolved into a nationwide company known for its specialty of tapping and line stopping into pressurized lines