Hilliard Precision Archive: Preserving the Legacy of E.C. Hilliard Company
This archive preserves the historical record of E.C. Hilliard Company and its successor, Hilliard Precision Products, LLC, as documented in company materials. It is not a live vendor and does not offer current quoting or services.
Founding and Early Years
E.C. Hilliard Company was founded in 1903, establishing a long tradition of excellence in precision metal fabrication. From its early days, the company built a reputation for achieving the most demanding fabrications at the lowest possible cost, guided by a commitment to uncompromising integrity and quality workmanship.
The company's mission emphasized meaningful, challenging employment for its people and a promise of quality that was integral to every step of every project. This foundation set the stage for decades of service in the metal working industry.
Acquisition and Renaming
On May 18, 2006, E.C. Hilliard Corporation was purchased by Sanweld Industries of Worcester, MA. Founded in 1999, Sanweld Industries specializes in acquiring and managing companies that provide exceptional products at competitive prices.
Upon taking ownership, Sanweld changed the company name to Hilliard Precision Products, LLC, bringing together all the former divisions of E.C. Hilliard: Van Noorden Company, Van Noorden Gate Systems, Van Noorden Detention Equipment, and Allcraft Marine Water Heaters. It was the intention of the new company to continue providing the high-quality products for which it was known.
Capabilities and Equipment
Hilliard Precision Products, LLC offered custom crafted precision metal fabrication for a growing, continually diversifying marketplace. The company invested in advanced equipment and technology, including a Trumpf B 200 Press Brake, V855 Press Brake, HE&M Saw, Global Shop ERP Software, Robotic Welder, and Automated Large Capacity Laser Cutting.
A notable installation was the Bystronic 3500 Watt Laser metal cutting machine, described as the largest and fastest laser in New England at the time. It featured a totally automated load and unload cell, minimal operator assistance, and a huge cutting capacity of 5 foot by 10 foot sheet size. It could cut thicknesses from 0.10-inch shim stock to 7/8-inch plate, with cutting speeds up to 280 inches per minute.
Quality and Certifications
Hilliard Precision Products, LLC was an ISO 9001:2000 company, with quality manuals available upon request. Quality was an integral element of every step of every project, beginning with design, engineering, incoming materials, and tool calibration, through in-process and final inspection.
The company's commitment to quality encompassed continual training and the pride of workmanship shared by its employees. This dedication ensured that Hilliard Precision Products, LLC would be ready to meet customers' needs well into the future.
Divisions and Product Lines
The former divisions of E.C. Hilliard brought together under Hilliard Precision Products, LLC included Van Noorden Company, Van Noorden Gate Systems, Van Noorden Detention Equipment, and Allcraft Marine Water Heaters. These divisions represented a range of fabricated metal products and systems.
The company also produced architectural and ornamental metalwork, serving diverse markets. This consolidation aimed to continue the tradition of high-quality products for which the divisions were known.
Sales Conditions and Business Practices
Historical sales conditions stated that quotations were valid for 7 days after the date of quotation, with stenographic and clerical errors subject to correction. Quantities allowed overruns or underruns not to exceed 10% of the quantity ordered, except on orders of under 10 pieces where the overrun could be up to 2 pieces unless stated otherwise.
Deliveries were made with every effort to ship by the promised date, though the company did not accept responsibility for damages due to delays. Packaging, crating, and wrapping were handled to avoid damage during shipping. These practices reflect the company's approach to customer transactions.