The Hilsinger

Hilsinger was founded in 1956 in Attleboro, MA by Arthur Hilsinger Sr., Arthur Hilsinger, Jr., and Herbert P. Nelson. In its initial phase the company’s business was the design and manufacture of decorative aluminum and plastic parts for eyewear frames. Soon thereafter, the company began to manufacture molded plastic nose pads for metal frames and developed a series of optical accessories products, repair parts, and tools for eye care professionals. In 1961 the company acquired the Evans Case Company, a manufacturer of gift products and accessories, and operations were relocated to the company’s current headquarters facility in Plainville, MA. In 1975 it began manufacturing aluminum eyeglass frames under the Evans brand. During the 1980’s the company transitioned away from the decorative eyewear components, gift products, and frames product lines and became focused exclusively on consumer and professional optical accessories, categories that remain important components of the modern Hilco business. The business has grown and diversified substantially over the past 15 years through a combination of internal growth and several key business acquisitions, most notably Wilson Ophthalmic (1998); Shield Lens Care (1999); Leader Sports (2001); Quality Accessories (2006), OnGuard Safety (2007), and Sadler Optical Tools & Findings (2007). ith each acquisition Hilsinger has increased its value to existing customers, capitalizing on numerous product synergies and operating efficiencies.