Crofton Industries
After serving in the Navy during World War II, Juan F. Crofton returned to Hampton Roads and went to work as a diver for Submarine Engineering Company. In June of 1949, Juan decided to start a business with a friend, Ernest “Duke” Morris. Together, Juan and Duke founded Crofton and Morris Diving and purchased a 50-foot wooden workboat, the Cromo, so named because Juan won the toss of a coin. Crofton and Morris Diving serviced the Hampton Roads harbor for 19 years. In 1968 Duke decided to leave the diving business and Crofton Diving Corporation was born. Setting up shop on the Norfolk waterfront, Crofton Diving Corporation worked for every shipyard in the area in addition to serving the numerous utilities and industries that kept the area thriving. By 1983, all four of Juan’s children were working in the family business. In 1984, Crofton Diving Corporation expanded its services to include marine construction and in 1986, having grown out of its half-acre facility in Norfolk, moved across the river to Portsmouth with a 7 acre facility and 9000 square feet of office and warehouse space. Today, Crofton offers comprehensive solutions including heavy lifting, barge & tug services, and specialized hauling in addition to commercial diving and marine construction. Crofton is proud to still be a family owned and operated business and serves as an employer to over 120 individuals including many third generation family members.