Forged in Tradition, Fueled by Innovation
W.H. Bagshaw Inc., the oldest pin manufacturer in the U.S., is just getting started!
The company was founded in 1870 in Lowell, MA, by Walter Henry Bagshaw. Recognizing a need in the textile industry, he brought a specialized pin-manufacturing technology from Europe to the U.S., a forward-thinking move that set the foundation for over 150 years of precision manufacturing.
Today, W.H. Bagshaw is proudly in its fifth generation of family leadership, with President Aaron Bagshaw and Vice President Adria Bagshaw at the helm.
With cutting-edge advanced technology and a skilled workforce, they uphold the same standards of dedication and quality that the company was founded on over 150 years ago. One of the oldest companies in New Hampshire, they’re a leading manufacturer of precision-machined components specializing in Swiss-style CNC turning for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defense, medical devices, electronics, and industrial automation.
A modern vision rooted in tradition
Having worked at Bagshaw (in sales on the West Coast) during grad school, Aaron stepped into a leadership role in the early 2000s while the company was going through a transition. With her own manufacturing experience and expertise, Adria joined the team to provide “temporary” assistance. And as so many temporary stories go… she hasn’t left since!
They first connected with the NH SBDC in 2008 as they were beginning the process of buying out a portion of the ownership. Their advisor, Hollis McGuire[1] , provided them with expert guidance and surgeon-like precision as they navigated the purchase.
Adria and Aaron were blown away by the effective, relevant, and tailored support of the SBDC.
Hollis helped navigate loan packages as they obtained a bridge loan, foresaw problems, and offered deep experiential knowledge. Despite both having an MBA, Adria and Aaron share that it’s something “You don’t fully understand until you’ve gone through it a few times!”
The next major challenge: COVID-19
During COVID, the Baghshaws, like many other companies, struggled to stay open while keeping their employees safe and comfortable. They relied heavily on the SBDC to keep them up to date on rules, data, and more. During the pandemic, W.H. Bagshaw didn’t just manage to keep their doors open, they stepped up.
They produced essential ventilator components and experienced major growth. Hollis was by their side as they increased their workforce by 30% and added three new machines to meet the demand. The company didn’t just take off; it soared. Adria shares that the experience was, “Like sprinting off a cliff!”
A new chapter (or perhaps a new book entirely!)
At the height of their capacity with sales and production, they knew they needed to move to a larger facility. Having called Nashua’s Millyard home since 1949, they needed a building that could adapt to their growing vision as it took the company forward for decades to come.
Hollis assisted by discussing and reviewing financing proposals, assessing the pros and cons of each, and providing recommendations along the way. She was also there to listen at every turn and help them make decisions on impactful details. They celebrated the opening of the newly renovated 40,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility in Hudson, NH, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, where Hollis joined their supportive community cheering them on in their success.
The new facility gives them the capacity to grow and operate their machines with efficiency and precision. This directly impacts both sales and their employees, whom both Adria and Aaron are quick to praise for helping them achieve this milestone.
Family and community at the forefront
Adria and Aaron have always strived for an impeccable company culture and uphold the values of family, empowerment, “make it happen”, courage, and perseverance.
“Family is at the center of every decision we make.”
Employees enjoy autonomy, trust, and even free healthcare. They recently added “gratitude” to their core values, fostering an even more collaborative spirit across the company.
Looking ahead, with gratitude
Adria and Aaron share effusive thanks for the support of the NH SBDC and Hollis’ guidance over the years.
As they look to the future, Aaron and Adria are excited to invest in AI in order to digitize documentation and streamline operations. They're renovating additional space, hiring new talent, and continually adapting to meet modern needs, all while staying true to the company’s historic roots.
“Make sure you have people in your corner who believe in you and are willing to fight for you,” says Adria. “That’s what the SBDC has been for us.”
Aaron and Adria are continuing a legacy as they reimagine and redefine what it means to be a manufacturing company in America today. With a firm foundation, a forward-thinking mindset, and the right partners, W.H. Bagshaw Company is poised for another century of innovation.