Time Tested. Industry Trusted: 130 Years of Quality and Service
Supporting the foundry, concrete, and die casting industries since 1896.
This year, Hill & Griffith celebrates 130 years of working alongside the industries we serve. From early innovations that helped shape the modern foundry supply house to decades of partnership built on consistency and trust, our history reflects a simple belief: do the work right, and stand behind it.
What follows are key moments from that journey, milestones that reflect how Hill & Griffith has evolved while staying true to the principles that have guided us since the beginning.
TIMELINE
2023 - Present
Stewardship for the Future
2023
Mike Lawry and Ryan Canfield, long-term executives of The Hill & Griffith Company, complete the purchase of all company assets, along with HG Logistics, ensuring continued independent ownership and long-term stewardship.
2015 - 2018
Continued Growth
2018
A joint venture is established in India to support high-pressure die casting markets.
2015
The Del Sol product line is established to support core room equipment needs, including blowers, sand mixers, and sand heaters.
2010 - 2014
Global Partnerships
2014
Hill & Griffith enters an exclusive partnership with Vemek Precision Engineering for chaplets, chills, vents, and other foundry consumables.
2010
An international channel partner is established in Mexico, expanding regional support.
2005 - 2009
Broadening Solutions
2009
The Metalworking Fluids division was created to address several different metalworking and processing industries such as automotive and steel.
2005
Hill & Griffith acquires Rostine Manufacturing to create a more diverse portfolio of release characteristics to the Release Agents product line.
1995 - 1998
A Century of Service
1995
Hill & Griffith opens its Griflube hydraulic fluids line
1996
Hill & Griffith celebrates 100 years serving as a leader in casting solutions for the foundry and concrete industries.
1998
Hill & Griffith releases GrifLube Bio-Syn, its high-performance biodegradable hydrualic fluid.
1985 - 1990
Expanding Markets & Capabilities
1985
Hill & Griffith begins expanding products to support the concrete market.
1987
The New London Core Plant is constructed, producing Warm Box and No-Bake cores.
1990
Conreaux Co. is acquired, forming the company’s chemical division.
1975 - 1980
Strengthening Standards
1980
During a period of rebuilding, customer orders continue without disruption.
1979
Development of Premix begins, introducing custom-blended, one-package additives tailored to customer needs.
1977
Mar Cam is acquired, forming the Resin division.
1975
Hill & Griffith formalizes its Quality Pledge and quality mission.
1946 - 1960
Half a Decade
1960
Hill & Griffith expands State Avenue office with enlarged laboratory.
1950
The expansion of more efficient warehousing capabilities begins in Cinncinati.
1946
Hill & Griffith celebrate 50 years of serving the foundry industry.
1938 – 1943
Innovation Under Pressure
1938
Hill & Griffith begins marketing Lav-O-Bon, a one-package blend that restores bond and carbon to sand for reuse.
1939
H&G becomes a charter member of the Southwestern Ohio Chapter of the American Foundrymen’s Society.
1941
During World War II, Hill & Griffith is permitted to purchase all necessary materials to supply foundries producing war castings.
That same year, Shurbake is developed as an oil extender to address wartime shortages.
1943
To support new foundry processes, patented Carbonite and new liquid core binders, core pastes, and mudding compounds are developed.
1920 – 1927
Growing Reach
1927
An H&G representative calls on an international customer for the first time, marking early global engagement.
1921
Property is purchased to construct a new grinding mill for coal and pitch, and the Birmingham operation is expanded to enhance production.
1920
A new warehouse facility opens in Cicero, Illinois, expanding distribution and operational capacity.
1908 – 1916
Expanding Capability
1916
Hill & Griffith handles the first carload of bentonite ever shipped, supporting the advancement of foundry processes and materials.
1908
A new building is constructed in Birmingham, Alabama, strengthening Hill & Griffith’s ability to serve southern markets.
1896 – 1902
The Fundation
1896
John Hill and T.L. Griffith launch The Hill & Griffith Company with a clear objective: create the first truly complete foundry supply house.
1900
Hill & Griffith purchases the sole rights to the Peerless Perforated Chaplet, reducing metal usage while maintaining structural integrity.
1902
The company develops the first successful parting compound manufactured in the United States — the silica-based Faultless Parting.
Why Foundries Still Count on Us
Foundries don’t rely on partners because of longevity alone. They rely on partners who understand their process, respond when it matters, and deliver solutions that work on the floor, not just in theory.
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Hill & Griffith is counted on today for practical problem-solving, deep technical experience, and a collaborative approach built around real operating conditions. From custom blending to process support, the focus is on consistency, performance, and service customers can depend on day after day.​
My plan was to organize a Foundry Supply House whose fundamentals were based on Quality and Service.
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John Hill,
Founder of The Hill & Griffith Company
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