Our Founder
Bo Erik Ingemar Hollsten
Bo Erik Ingemar Hollsten was a visionary Swedish mechanical engineer whose pioneering spirit laid the foundation for Cobeal's global reputation. Born in Sweden, Hollsten’s expertise in HVAC systems and marine engineering led him from Sweden to England, where he design and engineered submarines. Hollsten later moved to the United States, to become a key contributor to the development of critical filtration and dehumidification technologies developed at the Manhattan Project, showcasing his commitment to leveraging groundbreaking innovations for civilian applications.
In 1963, Hollsten founded Ventilación Industrial S.A. (VISA), which later evolved into Cobeal. The company’s first major client was Ericsson, supporting telecommunications infrastructure development in Mexico. Over time, Cobeal expanded its expertise, taking on specialized engineering and construction projects that spanned industries such as oil and gas, energy, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
Under Hollsten’s leadership, Cobeal became synonymous with precision engineering, environmental stewardship, and innovative problem-solving. His ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with practical applications helped Cobeal set the gold standard in industrial and environmental engineering.
Hollsten's legacy lives on in Cobeal's unwavering dedication to excellence and sustainability. His contributions to the fields of engineering and environmental sciences continue to inspire future generations, solidifying Cobeal’s place as a leader in its industry.
OUR HISTORY
The Manhattan Project and the Foundation of Cobeal’s Innovation
After World War II (1945), the U.S. government began declassifying technologies developed during the Manhattan Project, a top-secret initiative originally created for nuclear weapons research. Among these innovations was the Absolute Filter, a groundbreaking filtration technology designed to contain hazardous biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological particles.
Recognizing the broader industrial and public health applications of this advanced technology, the U.S. government tasked the Cambridge Corporation, based in Syracuse, NY, with serving as the licensing arm of the Manhattan Project.
Cambridge Corporation's "Absolute Filter"
Cambridge Corporation issued only five worldwide licenses for the Absolute Filter, and one of these was awarded to Bo Erik Ingemar Hollsten, a Swedish mechanical engineer with extensive expertise in HVAC systems for marine engineering and critical environments.
This exclusive license laid the foundation for Hollsten’s career and the establishment of his company, Ventilación Industrial S.A. (VISA®), which would later become The Cobeal Group.
The Absolute Filter
The Absolute Filter revolutionized industrial filtration, providing the highest level of particle containment and control ever achieved. Initially developed to address the critical safety needs of nuclear research, this technology was adapted by Hollsten to improve indoor air quality and environmental control systems across a wide range of industries.
Hollsten's filtration applications spanned hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, food production, and industrial processing, ensuring sterile and sustainable environments critical to public health and industrial efficiency.
From the Manhattan Project to Modern LIfe
Technology for Today's Lifestyle
By integrating this cutting-edge technology into global markets, Hollsten and Cobeal not only advanced the engineering capabilities of HVAC systems but also contributed to the development of sustainable indoor environments.
These systems have become essential for modern life, supporting industries that require precise control of air quality, temperature, and humidity to meet stringent safety and efficiency standards.
Supporting Healthcare
The Absolute Filter's influence on global environmental standards cannot be overstated. It set a new benchmark for air filtration and containment systems, directly supporting advancements in healthcare (reducing hospital-acquired infections), pharmaceuticals (enabling sterile drug production), semiconductors (providing particle-free environments for chip manufacturing), and many other critical sectors.
This legacy of innovation remains embedded in Cobeal’s ethos and continues to drive the company’s mission to deliver sustainable solutions for industrial and environmental challenges worldwide.
Indoor Air Quality
Through Hollsten’s vision and the adoption of Manhattan Project technology, Cobeal not only built its reputation as a leader in engineering and construction but also helped shape the standards for environmental sustainability and indoor air quality that we rely on today.