About Washburn-Garfield

Washburn-Garfield was founded in 1872 by John E. Washburn and Silas Garfield. 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 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.  Together Washburn-Garfield and Waites have the most experienced and knowledgeable staff in the local market; providing timely and cost effective solutions for our customers’ technical and commercial needs. We have one location that services New England and beyond.   From customized assemblies and fabrications to vendor managed inventory to supply contracts utilizing automated point-of-use dispensing technology, Washburn and Waites have the experience, knowledge and ability to provide unique customized solutions. 

Washburn-Garfield is here to serve you. We understand how important quality and reliability is to your business. As your supplier, we make sure that everything we offer is of the highest quality available, affordable, and that you get what you need, when you need it. Our reputation depends on it, and in our industry, reputation is everything! If you would like to find out more about how Washburn-Garfield can help advance your success, get in touch today.