From one end of town to the other, the Hilbert Family has a tight grasp on the evolution of the manufacturing industry in the Erie area. Ask Bill Hilbert Sr. what goes into creating a successful business, and he'll talk about things like commitment to a vision, teamwork, a willingness to change with the times, integrity and trust in each other's decisions.

The second generation of Hilberts are continuing this nose-to-the-grindstone entrepreneurial spirit that first manifested itself nearly 50 years ago when Bill Hilbert, Sr., jumped at the opportunity to apprentice at Kerner Tool & Die, thus beginning the legacy of entrepreneurship currently entering its fifth decade. The first opportunity to become an owner was in 1971 with the purchase of Rite Precision Co. A partnership was formed with other local entrepreneurs, which began a steady pursuit of acquiring several local manufacturing firms now known as PHB, Inc. Today, the Fairview based corporation, whose roots in die casting go all the way back to 1906, is a fully integrated supplier of products and services to a wide range of industries; an employer of over 500 highly skilled professionals; and an enterprise that generates more than $100 million in annual sales. Hilbert's sons now carry on this legacy of entrepreneurship while Bill Sr. currently serves as the Chairman of both PHB and Reddog Industries.

John Hilbert Sr. currently serves as President of PHB, Inc. John began his career with Reddog Industries in 1986 following graduation from Alliance College. All through high school and during his college studies, John worked in plant maintenance, began serving his apprenticeship and following graduation from Alliance, worked in Engineering, Sales, Purchasing and ultimately as President for several years before making the move to PHB, Inc. in 2006. As President of PHB, Inc. John oversees the operations of all divisions including die-casting, CNC machining, tool and die, injection molding, assembly and contract manufacturing.

On the east side of Erie, Bill Hilbert Jr. currently serves as President of Reddog Industries Inc., a global supplier of tooling and specialized machining. Bill Jr. began his career with the company in 1981 following graduation from the University of Dayton. At Reddog Industries, diversification has undoubtedly been the key to success. As the economy changed over the years the Hilberts had to continually reinvent, and this has kept Reddog relevant and competitive. The company continues to be a critical supplier to many fortune 500 companies, providing a vast array of engineering and machining capabilities.

Joseph Hilbert, who currently owns and operates Pulakos Chocolates, a company separate from the family businesses, served a key role during his tenure at Reddog Industries. Joe states that the confidence he gained from implementing an ambitious expansion and renovation plan, upgrading systems, and instituting a new contract buying program during his 17-year tenure as the Reddog Industries Vice President of Purchasing, gave him ample training to tackle this new venture.

“We are committed to quality and success when it comes to the shape of our business,” says Bill Hilbert Sr. “We are recognized as a major player in American manufacturing, not only when it comes to our success, but also in our efforts to give back to the community.” The Hilbert family has always been happy to share their time and resources with area organizations.

Ranked within the top 25 largest manufacturers within their respective industries, PHB, Inc. and Reddog Industries put Erie on the map — as home to one of the largest privately owned industrial assets in the United States. From one end of town to the other, the Hilbert Family has a tight grasp on the evolution of the manufacturing industry in the Erie area. Ask Bill Hilbert Sr. what goes into creating a successful business, and he'll talk about things like commitment to a vision, teamwork, a willingness to change with the times, integrity and trust in each other's decisions.

The second generation of Hilberts are continuing this nose-to-the-grindstone entrepreneurial spirit that first manifested itself nearly 50 years ago when Bill Hilbert, Sr., jumped at the opportunity to apprentice at Kerner Tool & Die, thus beginning the legacy of entrepreneurship currently entering its fifth decade. The first opportunity to become an owner was in 1971 with the purchase of Rite Precision Co. A partnership was formed with other local entrepreneurs, which began a steady pursuit of acquiring several local manufacturing firms now known as PHB, Inc. Today, the Fairview based corporation, whose roots in die casting go all the way back to 1906, is a fully integrated supplier of products and services to a wide range of industries; an employer of over 500 highly skilled professionals; and an enterprise that generates more than $100 million in annual sales. Hilbert's sons now carry on this legacy of entrepreneurship while Bill Sr. currently serves as the Chairman of both PHB and Reddog Industries.

John Hilbert Sr. currently serves as President of PHB, Inc. John began his career with Reddog Industries in 1986 following graduation from Alliance College. All through high school and during his college studies, John worked in plant maintenance, began serving his apprenticeship and following graduation from Alliance, worked in Engineering, Sales, Purchasing and ultimately as President for several years before making the move to PHB, Inc. in 2006. As President of PHB, Inc. John oversees the operations of all divisions including die-casting, CNC machining, tool and die, injection molding, assembly and contract manufacturing.

On the east side of Erie, Bill Hilbert Jr. currently serves as President of Reddog Industries Inc., a global supplier of tooling and specialized machining. Bill Jr. began his career with the company in 1981 following graduation from the University of Dayton. At Reddog Industries, diversification has undoubtedly been the key to success. As the economy changed over the years the Hilberts had to continually reinvent, and this has kept Reddog relevant and competitive. The company continues to be a critical supplier to many fortune 500 companies, providing a vast array of engineering and machining capabilities.

Joseph Hilbert, who currently owns and operates Pulakos Chocolates, a company separate from the family businesses, served a key role during his tenure at Reddog Industries. Joe states that the confidence he gained from implementing an ambitious expansion and renovation plan, upgrading systems, and instituting a new contract buying program during his 17-year tenure as the Reddog Industries Vice President of Purchasing, gave him ample training to tackle this new venture.

“We are committed to quality and success when it comes to the shape of our business,” says Bill Hilbert Sr. “We are recognized as a major player in American manufacturing, not only when it comes to our success, but also in our efforts to give back to the community.” The Hilbert family has always been happy to share their time and resources with area organizations.

Ranked within the top 25 largest manufacturers within their respective industries, PHB, Inc. and Reddog Industries put Erie on the map — as home to one of the largest privately owned industrial assets in the United States.