Robert “Bob” Rowan, Jr., passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at the age of 93.
Bob was known for his knowledge of industrial foundations and traveled the world as a consultant. He was a member of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, The American Society for Testing and Materials, The American Concrete Institute, the International Concrete Repair Institute, and the American Petroleum Institute.
He attended the University of Virginia, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1948. After college, Bob went to work for the Rowan Drilling Company and later went to work alongside his father at Robt. L. Rowan & Assoc. Bob, with his father, developed the use of epoxy grouts for the rotating equipment industry, a technique that remains a standard for industrial foundations. Bob had several patents, including his own private label grout, which later became Ceilcote grout.
Since 1953, Robert L. Rowan & Assoc. has specialized in repair designs and anchoring materials for large equipment foundations such as reciprocating compressors, pumps, fans, blowers, mills, crushers, and skid mounted equipment. Headquartered in Houston, the company continues under the leadership of Bob’s son, Charlie Rowan.
