June 19, 2025A Built-in-America Story
HFW is now in its fourth generation of family ownership, but the pioneer spirit of our co-founder lives on today.
HFW is now in its fourth generation of family ownership, but the pioneer spirit of our co-founder lives on today.
By Jack Watson
Our story is about as American as they come.
HFW Industries, Inc. opened its doors in 1950.
At the time, my great grandfather, Harold, was the maintenance superintendent of a foundry in Buffalo, NY. When he came across some new high technology, a flame spray gun to add material back to worn equipment, he was taken.
After asking his boss to buy one and being told no, Harold took matters into his own hands: he quit and bought one himself.
The business started out of the back of my great grandfather’s car.
HFW went on to become one of the pioneers in the application of hard facing and thermal spray technology. My great grandfather is listed as a technical advisor in some of the earliest industry standards.
Through assimilation and decades steeped in the industry, my grandfather and father have become leading experts in the prevention of wear and corrosion in precision industrial equipment. We have built a whole business around being able to solve challenging manufacturing issues.
A fun story: one time a metallurgist at a then Fortune 100 company was amazed at my grandfather’s materials expertise and asked where he received his metallurgy degree. I think my grandpa would tell you his degree came from the school of hard knocks, which is just about the hardest program you can ask for.
HFW today is proud to offer full turnkey solutions to our customers.
HFW has long history, stretching back to 1950. Pictured above is one of the many employees from over the years who have helped HFW get to where it is today.