Following the conclusion of World War I it was difficult for the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company to acquire contracts for the construction of new ships. To keep the shops busy and thousands of workers employed, the company made modifications to their shops to allow for locomotive and car repair. Charles West was a true business leader and approached railroad companies to gauge the potential acquisition of this new business line. A number of Chicago-based rail lines and lumber companies in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota were on board. With this new business opportunity, there was enough repair of locomotives and rolling stock to keep the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company’s shops and employees busy for three years.