The Harris History

Four Generations of Excellence

This family-owned and operated business started in 1946 as the Barnes Aluminum Foundry. There have been many changes, improvements, and growth over the years, but one thing that has not changed is the heart and hard work at Harris Manufacturing. Continuing on the Legacy are 3rd generation Donald Barnes (President and Owner) along with his two daughters, Haley and Mikell (4th Generation). For over 70 years Harris has focused on the shared success of its customers and employees. Please read below to get a little more information about our company and its roots.

1946

The Barnes Aluminum Foundry was founded by brothers, Harold & Bernard Barnes, in Greenfield, MA.

1951

Barnes Aluminum Foundry acquires their once customer, Harris Manufacturing. Having previously manufactured a majority of Harris’ castings, the brothers decided to maintain the name sake. As the company grew, Harold and Bernard partnered with Roger Hamlett and moved the business to Orange, MA, where they expanded the manufacturing space and capabilities with a brand new shop and added bronze casting to the repertoire.

1962

Leslie Barnes became president of the company maintaining his father’s legacy when, founder, Harold Barnes passed away.

1985

Harris Manufacturing’s continued growth eventually lead to the need for further expansion of the current shop. The new facility ushered in a new era for Harris with the addition of drilling and machining equipment for post processing castings, an expanded pattern shop, main office, conference room, and a much needed loading dock to accommodate the increase in shipments.

1991

After working in the foundry and shop for over 18 years, President Leslie Barnes’ son, Donald Barnes was voted in as the next president of Harris Manufacturing.

1998

Harris started investing more in machining with the addition of CNC milling and swiss turning. This was a new revenue stream for the company as we had previously only been machining castings that were made in the foundry.

2004

Harris acquires Regal Engineering, a former customer of Harris Manufacturing. The President of the company, Donald Barnes took this opportunity to expand the business and product and develop a new product lines.

2014

Harris continues to grow and a new addition was built in order to make room for new equipment.

2021

As a result of the pandemic, the difficult decision to close the foundry and focus solely on the machining side of the business was made. As, the focus of the business changed, Don became the sole shareholder of the company, bringing his daughter Haley back to the business she grew up in to manage operations as Vice President. Utilizing her business expertise from her previous experience in public accounting and auditing, and her MBA, to drive business growth and lean manufacturing for Harris..