Our foundational business was Pioneer Farm Service in Carnation from 1936 to 1948. George Somerville repaired tractors and automobiles. George’s son Richard was 13-years-old in 1948 when the family relocated to Corona, California. The business went through name changes – Corona Iron Works to Corona Welding. At one point, the business branched off into pumping Flying A Gas at the Somerville Service Station. Richard learned welding, fabrication, and how to install mufflers.

In 1958, Richard lived in Connecticut with other family members and worked as a welder. He was the blond-haired, blue-eyed, 23-year-old boy from California when he got invited to a party and met Peggy. Peggy was a high school senior. Picking her up from school in his 1956 Pontiac Chieftan was the highlight of her day! Richard moved back to California, Peggy followed, and they married in March of 1959.

Wanting to start something new, Richard moved the family to Washington. He worked for a time at Glens Welding in Lynnwood. Richard had a small plane parked at Harvey Airfield. A hanger was built to store the airplane and start a welding shop. Intending it to be temporary, he launched Airport Welding in 1972. Richards’ father, George Somerville, did the books. Richard’s son, Rick, worked with his dad until leaving high school to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Richard hired more help as the business continued to grow. The name was changed to Airport Welding & “Muffler”. Dad was always proud of how the business provided jobs to support local families. Over the years, his wife Peggy, and daughters Beverly and Lucinda, got involved in bookkeeping and day-to-day operations.

Richards’ son Rick, returned to the business in 2010. Ricks’ son Matt had long wanted to be part of Airport Welding and joined up the day after graduating high school in 2011. The slow transition of the business had begun to future generations. Rick and his daughter Sam are now co-owners. Matt continues to work on the floor, and Sam’s husband, Jonny, is the assistant manager. Our other technicians, Curt and Karl, have been with us for many years.

Every customer becomes part of our family and every job is an opportunity to uphold our tradition of top-quality work. Dad would be proud.

WE SCHEDULE TIMED APPOINTMENTS ON A LIMITED BASIS.  IF POSSIBLE PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE WITH US FOR THE DAY.

We are open Mon / Fri  8:30 – 5:00