60 Years of Sheet Metal Fabrication
From a Welding Venture to ISO 9001 Excellence
Founded in 1966 by Walter L. Howler, HFI has grown from a part-time welding operation into a 65,000 sq ft ISO 9001 certified fabrication facility serving four industries.
Our history is one of steady growth — expanding facilities, evolving capabilities, and a commitment to quality that has never wavered.
Walter L. Howler learned quickly that service and quality are the keys required to build a solid foundation for a growing company. These business practices allowed his customers to request Howler Welding to expand into different aspects within the manufacturing industry. Today, under the ownership of Bryan McCusker, HFI Manufacturing maintains exceptionally low turnover, with over a third of employees having 10+ years of tenure.
1966
Founded
65,000
Sq Ft Today
ISO
9001 Certified
Our Journey
1966 – Present
A Part-Time Welding Venture
What started as a one-man welding operation in the Chicago area would grow into a regional fabrication powerhouse. Walter L. Howler’s dedication to quality and service laid the groundwork for six decades of growth.
Custom Welding Founded
Walter L. Howler founds HFI, under the name of Custom Welding, as a part-time venture.
H & H Welding
The company becomes H & H Welding — the first of several name changes as the business evolves.
Howler-Rice Welding
Company renamed as the partnership structure evolves.
Sheet Metal Fabrication Begins
The pivotal moment — Walter hires experts, researches fabrication, and renames the company Howler Fabrication & Welding, Inc.
1974
Howler Welding Inc.
Logo Experimentation
The 70’s spirit of experimentation inspired some new logo designs.
1979
Howler Fabrication & Welding, Inc.
Diversifying Into Sheet Metal
Walter researched sheet metal fabrication, hired experts, and pivoted the company into an entirely new discipline. This decision set the course for the next 60 years of HFI’s growth into a full-service fabrication house.
Outgrowing Addison, Moving to West Chicago
By the mid-1980s, Howler Fabrication had outgrown its 12,000 sq ft building in Addison. In 1988, Walter relocated to a 30,000 sq ft facility in West Chicago — most equipment was upgraded and the company name officially changed to HFI.
Relocation to West Chicago
30,000 sq ft facility, upgraded equipment, and a new name — HFI is born.
- 12,000 Sq Ft (1985)
- 30,000 Sq Ft (1988)
1993
HFI Branding Refresh
Expansion to 48,000 Sq Ft
An additional 18,000 sq ft added, bringing the total facility to 48,000 sq ft.
- 30,000 Sq Ft (1988)
- 48,000 Sq Ft (1995)
West Chicago Facility
Expanding to 48,000 Square Feet
HFI again outgrew capacity. An additional 18,000 sq ft was added to the West Chicago location, bringing the total to 48,000 sq ft. The facility photo below shows the footprint that would serve the company through the next era of stability.
Growth, Innovation, & Expansion
Since the early 2000s, HFI has continued to expand its capabilities, strengthen its reputation for precision manufacturing, and invest in new technologies and facilities. From the 2018 rebrand to the 2024 building expansion, the company remains focused on quality, innovation, and long-term customer partnerships.
Growth & Stability
HFI expanded its capabilities and strengthened its reputation for precision manufacturing across the restaurant, medical, telecom, and data center industries. During this period, the company focused on continuous growth, quality, and building long-term customer relationships.
New Ownership — HFI Manufacturing
Under Bryan McCusker, fresh branding and a renewed market presence while maintaining a strong connection to six decades of history. 58 cross-trained employees deliver consistent quality across four industries.
New Building Expansion
HFI Manufacturing expanded its facility to support continued growth, increased production capacity, and enhanced operational efficiency. The expansion reinforces the company’s commitment to serving customers with advanced manufacturing capabilities and long-term scalability.
HFI Celebrating Sixty Years in Business
60 Years. Countless Parts. One Commitment to Quality.
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