Cletus James Collom had a keen interest in electronics which he developed early in his life. While attending St. Norbert College in Wisconsin USA, he built one of the country's first commercial radio stations which is still in operation in Green Bay, WI.

In 1938, Collom founded Weltronic Company, a resistance welding controls pioneer, which grew to world leadership by 1960. During World War II, he developed the Magnaflux process and the first walkie-talkie for the U.S. Army. He developed other businesses which used the principles of radio electronics, pioneering the use of radio frequency for industrial heating and developing radio-controlled garage door openers and amateur radio transmitters. Welduction Corporation and Multi-Elmas Corporation were established as a result. He also built Powertrain, Bay Products, Weltronic England, Weltronic Belgium, and Worldtronic Clare.

Collom had more than 50 patents covering various aspects of industrial electronics. He received numerous awards for his success, notably: The American Welding Society George N. Singer Award in 1962; Honorary Doctor of Science from St. Norbert University in 1976; the AWS District 11 Meritorious Award in 1991; and the Elihu Thomson Resistance Welding Award in April 1993.

Many of the original patent cerificates adorn the walls of the corridors at WTC.