This year sees the 40th anniversary of the founding of Huddersfield based bearing manufacturer HB Bearings.
The company was founded by Norman Hirst in Milnsbridge, Huddersfield in 1972 with the purpose of modifying and manufacturing bearings. Hirst had previously had 20 years experience working with companies such as Ransome & Marles, Pollard and Hoffmann. It grew rapidly and in 1977 moved to new larger premises in Honley near Huddersfield where it is still situated. Today it is jointly owned by Norman Hirst, chairman & Graham Hirst MD, who has been in the family business for 28 years.
HB Bearings has pursued a path of steady growth over the 40 years, expanding on the Honley site four times. On-going investment in machinery and trained staff has helped it keep pace with the demands of its ever increasing customer base. HB employs over 50 people involved in the manufacture of special bearings. HB Bearings was initially set up as a bearing modification company: with this type of accounting for around 90 per cent of its output. Over the years the company has come full circle with manufacturing now accounting for 90 per cent of its output. A wide range of modifications to bearings are available, and the company regularly undertakes work for the major bearing manufacturers.
