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Our History

Mr. OJ Harper, the founder of Harper Engineering Co.

Following Mr. OJ Harper's graduation from the University of Washington and successful career at The Boeing Company, he retired in 1967 with the ambition of founding what would eventually become the esteemed Harper Engineering Company. When founding his company, Mr. OJ Harper had a vision to address technical challenges in aircraft interiors. Since then we have evolved into a leading producer of mechanically engineered devices for aircraft interiors.

1968

Mr. OJ Harper establishes Harper Engineering Co., followed by Walt Cook joining the company as its inaugural Senior Design Engineer, contributing essential expertise to the newly established company.

1992

We set up our initial machining capability, laying the foundation for our manufacturing operations.

1997

We acquired our first CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine, marking a significant advancement in our machining capabilities.

1998

We appointed Richard LaConte to the position of Senior Design Engineer, bringing valuable expertise and experience to the team.

2002

In response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, our team undertook the mission of designing, manufacturing, and certifying bulletproof cockpit door latches, prioritizing the safety and well-being of passengers and crew onboard.

2006

We successfully designed and supplied a range of interior products for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, including stowage bin latches, ceiling latches, crew rest latches, seat track fittings, and more.

2009

We relocated to a new facility in Renton, WA, expanding our operational capabilities and accommodating growth.

2011

We expanded our facility in Renton, WA, to meet increasing demands.

2012

We are honored with The Boeing Company's prestigious Supplier of the Year 2011 award, recognizing our outstanding contributions and excellence as a supplier.

2014

We further expanded our facility in Renton, WA, to meet increasing demands and support our continued growth.We opened a new facility in Kent, WA, dedicated to composites manufacturing, further enhancing our capabilities in this field.

2015

Upon the passing of Mr. OJ Harper, a group of dedicated employees takes on the full ownership of the company, continuing his legacy and guiding Harper Engineering Co. into the future.

2018

We made our debut appearance at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, DE, showcasing the innovative Harper Panel Fasteners to the entire industry.

2019

We achieved a remarkable feat by developing and manufacturing stowage bin latches for the Boeing 777X in a record time frame, demonstrating our expertise and commitment to meeting critical project demands.

2022

We participated in the JEC Composites show in Paris, FR for the first time, showcasing our expertise and advancements in the field of composites manufacturing.

2023

We unveiled our innovative new concept of the Secondary Barrier Screen at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, DE, showcasing our commitment to enhancing onboard safety and security.We are honored to receive The Boeing Company's prestigious 2023 Supplier of the Year award in Supply Support and Services, recognizing our dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.

2024

We announced the retirement of our esteemed president, Valentin Khlevnoy, after years of dedicated leadership, and welcomed Carlo Mears as our new president, ushering us in a new chapter of innovation and growth.