Inaugural awards program honors area businesses for financial success, commitment to community
HOUSTON, MAY 9, 2023 — The Houston Business Journal named Woven Metal Products (WMP) a winner in the first annual Family-Owned Business Awards. Founded in 1967, WMP is a third-generation family-owned business in Alvin, Texas, specializing in reactor and tower internals and custom fabrication for several industries, including energy, petrochemicals, renewables and more.
Richard Hillenburg started WMP more than 50 years ago, focusing on manufacturing wire mesh internals for Dow Chemical. As WMP’s customers’ products and needs changed, Richard evolved the company’s products and approach. He eventually passed the business down to his son Roy, and now Richard’s grandson Russell Hillenburg holds the top management position.
“When I became president over a decade ago, I made sure to carry on the traditions from my father and grandfather when it came to a focus on our team, client service and new offerings,” said Russell Hillenburg, president of WMP. “Our team is honored to receive this recognition, and we look forward to carrying on a tradition of excellence and living out our mission of reliable quality, partnership attitude and attention to detail for years to come.”
The award recognizes multigenerational, family-owned businesses that have distinguished themselves with their business accomplishments and contributions to the local community. WMP is one of 68 local, family-owned businesses to receive this distinction. Hillenburg continues his family legacy of evolving and transforming WMP’s offerings to meet the demands of today’s customers. At the end of 2022, WMP unveiled its updated 125,000-square-foot facility, featuring a remodeled workspace and some of the latest automated equipment, including an automated laser and a robotic welding arm, both of which help to increase throughput and accuracy.
“Since we’ve kept our business in the family, we’ve had the freedom to do what’s smart for the business with an eye for the future,” said Hillenburg. “That means we’ve been able to bring on the right people, even at the beginning of their career, and train them to reach their full potential.” Hillenburg and the WMP team are not only investing in the business, but also in their community.
Through Woven Together, the company’s community engagement program, WMP is helping grow the future workforce for manufacturing skilled labor opportunities by spotlighting the benefits of a trade skills career through an annual scholarship program, student visits and advisory opportunities and more. On June 15, 2023, the Houston Business Journal will recognize recipients of the Family-Owned Business Awards at the Marriott Marquis Houston.
ABOUT WOVEN METAL PRODUCTS Woven Metal Products (WMP) is a state-of- the-art fabrication facility in Alvin, Texas. Established in 1967, WMP has grown with its customers. With that growth has come increased expertise, capabilities, and state-of- the-art equipment. Known for reactor and tower internals for the oil and gas industry, WMP can also custom fabricate for any application and need across multiple industries. For a quote or more information, contact WMP at wovenmetal.com or call 281-331- 4466. For the latest news and announcements, follow WMP on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/wovenmetalproducts and on Facebook at facebook.com/wovenmetalproducts.