Engel & Gray, Inc. was formed in 1946 as a partnership with Carl W. Engel and Joe W. Gray, who were both working with Union Oil Company of California. Carl was in production and Joe in marketing when Union Oil decided to discontinue their trucking operations.

The first truck was bought, and Engel & Gray was in business. Soon cranes and construction crews were added as the company expanded along with the growth of Central Coast oilfields.