About the Hildebrans
John D. Hildebran, President/Metallurgical Engineer
John D. Hildebran is a graduate metallurgist from Virginia Tech (1969) and has worked in investment castings and the foundry industry for over 40 years. His experience spans multiple casting disciplines, including vacuum-cast aircraft engine components at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, thin-walled aluminum avionic packaging at Uni-Cast Inc., and multi-alloy commercial and industrial castings at Hitchiner Mfg. Inc., among others.
In 1984, John founded his own investment casting company, New England Castings, Inc. The company grew steadily until 1998, when it was acquired by a Maine-based firm. John then served for three years as President and Metallurgist before pursuing his long-term goal: creating a state-of-the-art solid-mold foundry specializing in bronze and brass castings. After several years of new building construction and the design and fabrication of specialized foundry equipment, Hildebran Designs, Inc. opened for business in 2006.
Janice V. Hildebran, Office Manager & CFO
After sixteen years in office and customer service management in commercial retailing, Janice V. Hildebran joined New England Castings, Inc. as Office and Customer Service Manager. At Hildebran Designs, Inc., her role has expanded to include both day-to-day leadership as Office Manager and CFO as well as hands-on production responsibilities.
As husband and wife, Janice and John have found their close working relationship — and their shared passion for the foundry business — to be a powerful source of creative energy.
