There once was a time when “family” companies were a dime a dozen. And in 1949 – when Al Hutchins filed his first patent for a pneumatic sander – he had no way of knowing just how far his family company would come.
Al started in the body shop business, and it wasn’t long before his passion for innovation and his need for a more comfortable sander coalesced with the invention of what would eventually be known as the Hutchins Model 800, which is still in production today. Al wanted something that wouldn’t vibrate so much or force him to breathe harmful dust and chemicals. And if innovation is truly born of necessity, so is what you do with it: In this case, he had a family to support, and that family would prove to support him right back.
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Made in America is a new show from IEN that recognizes U.S.-based companies who remain committed to manufacturing in the United States.
IEN gained exclusive access to tour some incredible facilities in the nation, and speak with the key figures crucial to the companies' success.
The show is now in its second season. To recommend your company for an upcoming episode, email Tom Lynch at tom@ien.com.
