Our History

illiam Horberg (1906-1981) was the second son of ten children by Swedish emigrant parents. He attended a one-room school until 6th grade, going to work at age 12. When a State trade school opened in Danbury, CT he enrolled and subsequently worked at the Ball & Roller Bearing Company where the centerless grinder was invented. Horberg was captivated by this machine tool and its revolutionary technology.

In 1935, Horberg decided to set up shop as Centerless Grinding Works in the shipping department of a machine tool company in Bridgeport, CT. He worked long hours and gradually the business grew. As more space was needed, the company moved to 70 Knowlton St., sharing the building with Bridgeport Pattern and Model Works (later to become Bridgeport Machines). The present location (19 Staples Street) was purchased in 1938 and shortly thereafter the Company changed its name and became incorporated as Centerless Grinding Company.

For many years the company offered contract precision grinding services to a primarily local and loyal customer base, eventually introducing complete parts fabrication to its line card in response to customer requests. In 1953, the name was changed to Horberg Grinding Industries to more accurately reflect the changing needs of its customers and the Company’s expanding capabilities.

As the Aerospace and Defense industries grew and evolved, so did their need for critical tolerance fasteners made from “high-temperature” materials. This was a tailor-made job for Horberg Grinding Industries. With the advent of the precision centerless ground taper pin, widely used in guidance systems, Horberg quickly became the go-to source for precision dowels, taper pins, and shafts. In 1993, the company changed its name to Horberg Industries, Inc., now providing precision components to Aerospace, Defense, Medical and Industrial enterprises, as well as Government, Public, and Private industries.

From its inception in the shipping department of a machine tool company to becoming one of America’s top suppliers of precision pins, it’s clear that precision has always been in Horberg’s DNA. Today the uniquely qualified team at Horberg Industries continues to provide innovative and high-quality solutions to your precision pin needs. How may we help you?