Tribute Customer Spotlight: The Hope Group
Today we turn the spotlight on one of our premier partners - The Hope Group - a division of KLX, Inc., and based in Northborough, MA.
Acquired in 1933 by Francis "Doc" Rhoten when he bought Fitchburg Rubber Company as it was then known – Fitchburg Rubber was a branch of the Hope Rubber Co. of Providence, Rhode Island [named for Providence - the city of Hope] and continues to be led by the Rhoten family.
The Hope Group has grown successfully over the past few decades through a combination of market penetration and acquisition of regionally significant companies. The Hope Group acquired The Leen Company, Bosworth Fluid Connectors, Sprague Fluid Connectors, and Webster Engineering and all companies are now under the Hope Group umbrella.
Partnering with Parker Hannifin since 1960
The Hope Group became a partner with Parker Hannifin in 1960 and today, helmed by Carey Rhoten, the company has eight locations, all with full-service ParkerStores, carrying 3,000 hose and fitting items designed to meet the immediate requirements of customers seeking parts or replacement of any ruptured hydraulic hose assembly.
A full line Parker distributor, they have access to the latest technologies in hydraulics, pneumatics, automation, hose & fittings, seals, and instrumentation.
In addition, they represent a number of leading manufacturers in other product areas, including Kaeser Compressors, GE Intelligent Platforms, Cutler-Hammer, T-Slots, Balluff, Enerpac, and many others. Combined, these sources permit THG Corporation to provide OEM and MRO customers with components, sub-systems, and complete packaged system solutions across many industries.
Specializing in Motion Control Components & Systems
Over the past 25 years, THG Corporation has grown into a complete source for motion and control system solutions, incorporating its core competencies in hydraulics, pneumatics, fluid connectors, automation, filtration, electrical & electronic control systems, sealing solutions, and compressed air packages.
The establishment of Hope Air Systems, LLC in 1970 and the acquisition of Sorensen Systems, LLC in 1985 has solidified its position as the premier provider of motion & electrical process control systems in the northeast.
With numerous engineers, assembly technicians and AutoCAD operators on staff, The Hope Group has the following design/build capabilities:
- PLC and Operator Interface
- Industrial Control Panels
- Hydraulic Power Units
- Lubrication Systems
- Valve & Test Stands
Their expertise ranges over a wide variety of global industries and you can see a number of engineered systems solutions case studies by clicking here.
Helping Customers Facilitate the Supply Chain
The Hope Group has several tools to help facilitate the supply chain. Through iPower New England, they provide supply chain solutions for OEM customers by consolidating supply bases and reducing material costs, as well as custom kitting packages. With barcode scanning technology, they offer Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) solutions.
Through Hope Direct, they offer speedy order processing, invoicing and shipping, plus an electronic shopping cart service with next day delivery of in stock items.
Offering technology training is deemed important and is provided in their 3,000 sq. ft. showroom and training facility, covering topics such as electro-hydraulics, hydraulic plumbing, mobile electro-hydraulics, pneumatic/vacuum automation, and o-ring sealing.
Using Tribute Software since 1997
A Tribute customer since 1997, key members of The Hope Group staff have been integral in Tribute’s Program Review board, helping determine the direction of software innovation, ensuring that Tribute, Inc. remains a leader in the fluid power distribution and systems integration industry.
In business over 85 years, The Hope Group has grown to over 120 employees and eight stocking locations. In Jan 2018, the Hope Group was acquired by KLX, Inc. and is now a division of that company. Despite their phenomenal growth, they’re still customer focused - from the ParkerStore counter sales staff to Carey Rhoten, the Chairman.
Through the application of Engineered System Solutions, designed and fabricated by its in-house engineering and ISO 9001:2015 Certified manufacturing facility, The Hope Group has become a premiere motion and control system provider.
The Hope Group
A Division of KLX, Inc.
Motion-Control Components & Systems