AN engineering firm is celebrating 40 years in business – with a full order book.
HB Bearings, based at Honley, has grown to become a leading name in the special bearings industry.
The company was founded in 1972 in Milnsbridge by Norman Hirst with the purpose of modifying and manufacturing bearings.
Mr Hirst had previously had 20 years experience working with companies such as Ransome & Marles and Pollard and Hoffmann.
The company grew rapidly and in 1977 moved to new larger premises in Honley where it is still situated. Today, it is jointly owned by Norman Hirst, chairman and Graham Hirst, managing director, who has been in the family business for 28 years.
Graham Hirst said: “The future looked excellent with a healthy demand for our products.”
HB has pursued a path of steady growth over the 40 years, expanding on the Honley site four times.
Ongoing investment in machinery and trained staff has helped HB keep pace with the demands of its ever increasing customer base.
HB employs 40 people involved in the manufacture of special bearings.
At the outset, bearing modifications accounted for about 90% of its output. Over the years, the company has come full circle with manufacturing now accounting for 90% of its output.
A wide range of modifications to bearings are still available – with the firm regularly undertaking work for major bearing manufacturers.
Said Mr Hirst: “Keeping abreast of changes in Industry and developing the manufacturing capabilities has helped HB Bearings attain the position it holds today.
“Indeed such is the demand for HB’s services that during the last few years of austerity, overtime working has never once been cancelled!”
Last year, Norman Hirst, celebrated his 80th birthday by treating family, friends employees and their partners to a weekend break in Bruges, staying in four-star hotels.
