However, the Danish imports were restricted during the World War II, forcing L&T to start a small workshop that provided servicing and undertook small jobs.
The imports stopped after the German invasion of Denmark, forcing L&T to start manufacturing dairy equipment indigenously, a move that was successful.
Seeing opportunity in ship repair during wartime, Larsen and Toubro formed a new company called Hilda Ltd. Around this time, L&T also started two repair and fabrication shops.
The internment of German engineers who were supposed to build a soda ash plant for the Tatas provided L&T another new opportunity.
1944
In 1944, Larsen and Toubro established Engineering Construction & Contracts (ECC).
L&T started collaborating with international companies around this time.
1945
In 1945, it signed an agreement with the Caterpillar Tractor Company of USA for marketing earthmoving equipment.
L&T also started representing British manufacturers of equipment used to manufacture a variety of products including biscuits, glass, hydrogenated oils and soaps.
At the end of the World War II, the war-surplus Caterpillar equipment were available in bulk at low prices.
However, L&T lacked the money to purchase them.
1946
Therefore, Larsen and Toubro decided to raise additional equity capital, and as a result, Larsen & Toubro Private Limited was established on 7 February 1946.
1947
After India gained independence in 1947, L&T set up offices in Calcutta, Madras and New Delhi.
Larsen and Toubro gradually transformed L&T into a large business house with diverse interests, and went on to become one of the most successful Indian companies.
He later wedded his wife Karen at the Church of St Andrew and St Columba.
After retirement, Holck-Larsen served as the chairman emeritus of the company.
He used to call India his "adopted homeland" and divided his time between Denmark and India.
2003
He died in 2003 at the Breach Candy hospital, Mumbai.
He is survived by his daughter Jeannette Findlay and grandchildren Lucy and Toby who all live in London.