Honoring over fifty years of guidance, creativity, and metallurgical dedication that shaped Fisher Barton’s evolution
“By dedicating this facility to Dick Wilkey, we reaffirm the principles that have steered Fisher Barton for more than five decades—inventiveness, skill, constant betterment, and a focus on our people.”— Scott Hoffman, President and Chief Executive OfficerWATERTOWN, WI, UNITED STATES, August 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Fisher Barton today revealed that its Technology Center now bears the name Richard L. Wilkey Technology Center, a tribute to the firm’s founder and acknowledging more than five decades of leadership, groundbreaking work, and devotion to metallurgy that transformed Fisher Barton into a global manufacturing powerhouse.
“When we announced the 100% Employee Purchase of the company in early June, we realized it was essential to pay homage to the individual who launched our organization 53 years ago, ensuring his legacy endures. Christening the Richard L. Wilkey Technology Center is a suitable homage to a man whose enthusiasm for metallurgy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit laid the groundwork for everything Fisher Barton represents today,” said Scott Hoffman, CEO of Fisher Barton.
“Dick believed that a thorough grasp of materials could resolve our clients’ most difficult issues, and that mindset stays central to our company. As we move forward writing the next chapter of Fisher Barton’s narrative as an employee‑owned enterprise, this dedication honors our past while motivating future generations to expand on the legacy he established,” added Hoffman.
Founded in 1973 by metallurgical engineer Richard L. Wilkey, Fisher Barton initially operated as a small manufacturer of lawn mower blades serving OEM clients across the Midwest. Under Wilkey’s direction, the business expanded from a startup into the world’s leading producer of lawn mower blades, simultaneously branching into advanced materials, surface engineering, industrial components, and manufacturing solutions that serve clients globally.
The newly designated Richard L. Wilkey Technology Center stands as a representation of the company’s lasting dedication to metallurgy, innovation, and client‑focused problem solving. Opened in 2015, this cutting‑edge facility functions as Fisher Barton’s corporate headquarters and houses its applied research and development team, metallurgical laboratory services, and advanced manufacturing and automation experts. The center supports all Fisher Barton divisions by delivering product development, testing, prototyping, process innovation, materials analysis, and engineering know‑how that assist clients in overcoming complex manufacturing hurdles and speeding new technologies to market.
Situated on the historic site that has been integral to the company’s manufacturing heritage for over a century, the Technology Center connects Fisher Barton’s current innovation efforts to a tradition stretching back to the original Washington Cutlery operation established in Watertown in 1906. The facility embodies the company’s long‑standing expertise in materials science and metallurgy while serving as a collaborative hub for advancing customer solutions across industries.
The renaming also reflects Wilkey’s enduring commitment to the Watertown community. His influence extends well beyond manufacturing, including support for local economic development, workforce advancement, and community initiatives. The Richard L. Wilkey Performance Plaza at Watertown’s Town Square remains another lasting reminder of his family’s and Fisher Barton’s dedication to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
“Employee ownership gives every member of our organization a direct stake in our future,” Hoffman added. “By naming this facility after Dick Wilkey, we reinforce the values that have guided Fisher Barton for more than 50 years—innovation, craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and a commitment to people. Those values were established by Dick and remain the driving force behind our success today.”
For more information about Fisher Barton visit www.fisherbarton.com.
About Fisher Barton
Fisher Barton is a premier manufacturing innovation partner renowned for high-wear components. Our expertise is deeply rooted in the skills of our world-class talent, who are not only masters in material behavior, but also develop and apply proprietary heat treating and thermal spray solutions. This trans-formative approach extends the lifespan of components well beyond our core manufacturing capabilities of stamping, bending, forming, cutting, welding, machining, and casting. Fisher Barton sets itself apart with a rich history of over 50 years of manufacturing expertise. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our nine locations across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Vietnam. We continually innovate wear solutions for a variety of industries from cutting components in the turf, agriculture, recycling, and pulp and paper industries, to bronze gears, pumps, wear parts, close tolerance components, thermal barriers, and antimicrobial solutions serving the energy, food processing, transportation, and medical markets. Fisher Barton is your partner for the highest quality solutions found —anywhere.
Tiffany Jaske
Fisher Barton
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