Washburn-Garfield, central Massachusetts’ most innovative PVF wholesaler is celebrating its 139th year in business. The company, located in Worcester, was founded in 1872 by John E. Washburn and Silas Garfield. In 1889 the business became a Massachusetts corporation under the name of the Washburn & Garfield Manufacturing Company. Beginning as steam fitters, Washburn & Garfield later became jobbers and wholesalers of pipe, steam fittings, and tools.

The business remained family-owned and operated for over a century, with Washburn’s great grandson Bruce A. King serving as President from 1961 to 1986.  The company was expanded in 1979 with the purchase of Waites Hardware Company, a central Massachusetts industrial hardware business that was founded in 1880.  The operating assets were sold in 1987 by B.A. King and a family trust to a new entity formed for that purpose, Washburn-Garfield Corporation, in a management group buyout led by Richard F. O’Hearn, Jr.  

In 2008, Mr. O’Hearn proudly sold Washburn-Garfield Corporation and its subsidiary Waites Company, Inc. to his employees via an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).  Washburn-Garfield and Waites are now currently 100% employee owned.  The ESOP was adopted to enable eligible employees to share in the growth and prosperity of the Company. The corner stone of the companies’ success has always been a strong commitment to its customers, suppliers and employees.