COMPANY HISTORY
Hand Industries, Inc. was established in Warsaw , Indiana in 1956 as Hand Polishing Shop. William F. Hand started the business to provide metal finishing services to the orthopedic industry and eventually became the largest outside processor of orthopedic metal finishing in the United States .
In 1963, the company was incorporated so that managers and outside investors could help raise capital for future growth. Within the next few years a new division was created named Quality Manufacturing Company, this division specialized in screw machining, and other types of general lathe work.
In 1971, the company’s name was changed to Hand Industries, Inc., to reflect increasing diversification.
In 1972, this diversification included acquiring the assets and many of the employees of The Dirilyte Company, a Kokomo-based manufacturer of bronze flatware and hollowware. In the same year, the company expanded into metal plating with the purchase of a small operation in Warsaw .
In 1978, Terry E. Hand joined the company and the following year was promoted to Vice President and General Manager.
The company opened Warsaw Travel Agency in 1981. Managed by division President Leon Horn, the travel agencies expanded into five northern Indiana cities and grew to employ 40 people, before being sold in the late 80’s. This same year Ronald W. Hand joined the company in charge of quality control.
In 1982, the company retooled Dirilyte’s product line, creating a new line of golden-hued plaques and recognition awards sold nationwide.
Also in 1982, the company stayed ahead of the curve in employee pensions with the introduction of a 401K profit-sharing and savings program for employees.
In 1984, Terry E. Hand became President and Jerry L. Richardson was promoted to Executive Vice President. That same year John G. Hand joined the company as IT Manager.
During 1986, Hand Industries’ metal finishing services expanded to include aerospace metal finishing.
A new agricultural division, known as Acorn Ridge Highlands, was opened in 1990, raising crops and livestock throughout Kosciusko County . At its peak, 1200 acres and 1100 cow and calves are raised annually. Acorn Ridge continues to sell Highland cattle, beef and agricultural products on the Internet at www.acornridge.net
In 1997, the company invested in WaveOne Communications, LLC, a local Internet Service Provider. Over the next 3 years, WaveOne provided local Internet dial-up access in small communities where it had not previously been available, helped to link the local school system’s 15 elementary and secondary school locations to the Internet with microwave wireless Internet technology and provided high-speed broadband Internet access to businesses and individuals throughout the county, years before it was locally available through any other provider.
WaveOne Enterprises, Inc., now a wholly-owned subsidiary, continues to provide broadband Internet access and web hosting services.
In late 1998, Hand Industries opened a web site detailing the performance specifications of aircraft. Later, the company began selling training materials and other products for pilots through the Internet and now owns and operates the Internet’s largest pilot shop through the AvShop web site, located on-line at www.avshop.com.
In 2000, John G. Hand was promoted to President, while Terry E. Hand became CEO of the company.
On August 22nd, 2006, Paragon Medical acquired the Hand Industries’ orthopedic metal finishing division. This acquisition was only for the orthopedic metal finishing operations and did not include operations for the aerospace and automotive industries.
On March 22nd, 2007, PILOTMALL.COM, INC. acquired the Hand Industries’ aviation division, AVSHOP.COM. All operations of AVSHOP.COM were moved to PILOTMALL.COM’s headquarters located at the Albert Whitted Airport (SPG) in St Petersburg, Florida.
On December 31st, 2009, WaveOne Enterprises ceased operations.
On March 30th, 2010 Hand Industries received their ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100 B certification from American Systems Registrar with the scope of metal finishing services including polishing, buffing, sandblasting, cutting and inspection.
On March 6th, 2012 Hand Industries received their ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100 C certification from American Systems Registrar with the scope of metal finishing services including polishing, buffing, sandblasting, cutting and inspection.
On February 14th, 2018 Hand Industries received their ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 D certification from American Systems Registrar with the scope of metal finishing services including polishing, buffing, sandblasting, cutting and inspection.