Cowan was established in 1973 at Warners Bay and is recognised worldwide as a recompression chamber specialist.

Cowan recompression chambers are today used by police forces, rescue organisations, commercial diving companies, hospitals and the navies of several countries. More than 155 Cowan chambers are in operation worldwide. Products include the highly successful Transportable Recompression Chamber System, used extensively by the US and Australian Navy, and a Double Lock Chamber System now being exported to the US Navy.

In addition to recompression chambers, Cowan's projects involve a wide range of stainless steel and aluminium fabrication and sheet metal work. This includes pressure vessels, shipbuilding repairs and refits, rail components and equipment for the food and beverage industry.

Mr Cowan completed eight years as a member of the Small Business Development Corporation. The Corporation is part of the NSW Government's strategy to assist small business, with attention to business costs, support for export firms and high quality information services to increase the skills and knowledge of owners and managers.

Mr Cowan is also a leading advocate for the Hunter region as a business location. He cites the advantages of an efficient, transport network, plentiful and low-priced greenfield land, and easy access to Sydney, Australia's largest regional market.