The Hillman Group
The Hillman Group is a Cincinnati-based provider of hardware, fasteners, protective solutions, and robotic key-duplication products, serving 46,000+ retail locations across North America through major retailers including Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, and Walmart via a 1,200+ person field sales team and 22 distribution centers.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1964
- HeadquartersForest, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The Hillman Group does
The Hillman Group is a Cincinnati, Ohio-based provider of hardware products and related merchandising services, founded in 1964 and publicly traded on Nasdaq under ticker HLMN since a 2021 SPAC merger. The company operates three business segments—Hardware Solutions (fasteners, builder's hardware, door hardware, rope and chain), Protective Solutions (work gloves, jobsite storage, cleaning textiles under Gorilla Grip, Firm Grip, Grease Monkey, AWP, Digz, and the Intex brand), and Robotics and Digital Solutions (MinuteKEY robotic key-duplication kiosks at ~7,000 retail locations, plus engraving and knife sharpening). Hillman sells through enterprise retail channels including Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply, Walmart, PetSmart, Orgill, Do It Best, Amazon, and Canadian Tire, with 111,000+ SKUs delivered direct-to-store from 22 distribution centers across North America.
Hillman's go-to-market is a hybrid enterprise field-sales and channel-partner model: a 1,200+ person field sales team manages product assortment, merchandising, and in-store execution for retail partners, supported by direct-to-store distribution that can reach 85% of the US population within two business days. Revenue is generated primarily through wholesale hardware sales (Hardware and Protective Solutions) plus transaction-fee revenue from MinuteKEY kiosks; pricing is not publicly disclosed and is quote-based across B2B and retail channels. The company reports approximately $1.5 billion in annual sales, has completed 30+ acquisitions over its history, and recently extended its portfolio via Koch Industries (rope/chain, January 2024), Intex DIY (cleaning textiles, August 2024), Delaney Hardware (door hardware, April 2026), and Campbell Chain & Fittings (industrial chain, April 2026), while launching the OTR Carry direct-to-consumer line in 2025.
Hillman maintains manufacturing and distribution operations in the US and Canada, with HQ in Forest Park/Cincinnati, OH; customer-service offices in Boulder, CO and Tempe, AZ; a Toronto office for Canadian operations; a new 305,000 sq ft Belton, MO hub; a 715,000 sq ft Forest Park facility under construction (groundbreaking June 2026); and Campbell Chain manufacturing in York and Sumter, PA. Leadership transitioned on January 1, 2025, with Jon Michael Adinolfi (formerly COO) assuming the President and CEO role and Doug Cahill moving to Executive Chairman.
The Hillman Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Hillman Group
- Legal name
- The Hillman Group, Inc.
- Website
- https://hillman.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1964
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- The Hillman Group is a Cincinnati-based provider of hardware, fasteners, protective solutions, and robotic key-duplication products, serving 46,000+ retail locations across North America through major retailers including Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, and Walmart via a 1,200+ person field sales team and 22 distribution centers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where The Hillman Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Forest
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices9 records
Markets served
The Hillman Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Solutions: Sale of fasteners (power screws, nuts, bolts), builder's hardware, rope and chain, accessories through retail and pro distribution channels
- Protective Solutions: Sale of work gloves, job site storage, protective gear including Firm Grip, Gorilla Grip, Grease Monkey, AWP, and Digz brands
- Robotics and Digital Solutions: Key duplication services through MinuteKEY kiosks, auto keys, engraving, and knife sharpening services
- Cleaning Products: Sale of wiping cloths, rags, and cleaning textiles through Intex acquisition
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels9 records
The Hillman Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Hillman Group manufactures and distributes a 111,000+ SKU portfolio of hardware products, fasteners, work gloves, protective gear, and rope/chain products to over 46,000 retail locations across North America. The company also operates ~7,000 MinuteKEY robotic key duplication kiosks in retail stores and offers branded everyday carry products direct-to-consumer through OTR Carry. Hillman serves retailers through a direct-to-store distribution model backed by a 1,200+ member field sales team.
Product overview
The Hillman Group is a leading provider of hardware and home improvement products offering an extensive portfolio of 111,000+ SKUs across three main categories: Hardware Solutions (fasteners, power screws, nuts, bolts, picture hangers, decorative hardware, door hardware), Protective Solutions (work gloves under Gorilla Grip, Firm Grip, Grease Monkey, AWP brands, jobsite storage, cleaning products via Intex), and Robotics & Digital Solutions (MinuteKey key duplication kiosks with 7,000 locations, key fob copying via InstaFob, engraving services, ReSharp knife sharpening). The company operates a direct-to-store distribution model with a 1,200+ field sales and service team, serving over 46,000 retail locations across North America. Recent acquisitions (Koch Industries for rope/chain, Campbell Chain for industrial chain, Delaney Hardware for door hardware, Intex DIY for cleaning products) have expanded the product portfolio into adjacent categories.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Power Pro: Fastener brand featuring power screws, structural lag screws, multi-material screws, and metal lath screws
- MinuteKEY
- Gorilla Grip
- Firm Grip
- Grease Monkey
- AWP
- Digz
- InstaFob
- QuickTag
- OTR Carry
- Big Time Products
- Koch Industries
- Intex
Products and services
- MinuteKEY Key Duplication Kiosks Robotic key duplication kiosks located in retail stores throughout the United States, providing automated key copying services with approximately 7,000 kiosk locations.
- Power Pro Fasteners Performance-engineered fasteners including structural lag screws, multi-material screws, metal lath screws, and premium wood screws. Features patented dual-thread design and self-starting tips.
- Hillman Brand Fasteners Core line of fasteners including power screws, nuts, bolts, picture hangers, and decorative hardware for retail and professional use.
- InstaFob Key Fob Copy Key fob duplication service available through MinuteKey kiosks. Allows customers to copy key fobs for vehicles and other devices.
- Gorilla Grip Work Gloves High-performance work gloves featuring textured grip for secure tool handling at height. Machine-washable with touchscreen-compatible fingertips.
- Firm Grip Work Gear Work gloves and tool rigs including the Build-A-Rig system. Firm Grip Hybrid Carpenter Tool Rig combines military-grade nylon and premium leather for durability.
- Grease Monkey Gloves Work gloves designed for automotive and industrial applications with superior grip and protection.
- AWP Work Gear Work gear and protective equipment for professional and DIY use.
- Digz Gardening Products Gardening accessories and outdoor products including gloves and tools for gardening enthusiasts.
- QuickTag Engraving Tracking and identification label products for various applications.
- OTR Carry Everyday Essentials Everyday carry essentials including knives, pocket tools, carabiners, keychains, and pet accessories. Hillman's first all in-house fulfilled direct-to-consumer product line.
- Koch Industries Rope and Chain Rope, twine, chain, and wire rope products. Acquisition in January 2024 added 2,300 SKUs. Serves traditional hardware and farm/fleet channels.
- Campbell Chain & Fittings Industrial chain and chain-related products including welded and weldless chain, forged fittings, overhead lifting, and lifting clamp products. Grade 70, 80, and 100 chain products.
- Delaney Hardware Door Hardware Door hardware including entry locksets, deadbolts, door handles, digital and smart locks, and builder's hardware for residential, multifamily, and commercial construction.
- Intex DIY Cleaning Products Wiping cloths, consumable rags, and cleaning textiles. Operates from 275,000 square foot manufacturing facility near Atlanta. Expected 2024 revenue approximately $55 million.
- ReSharp Knife Sharpening Service Knife sharpening service offered through retail locations.
- Ozco BP Building Products Building products and fasteners for construction applications.
- Ooks Hardware and Fasteners Hardware and fastener products for retail and professional use.
Quantifiable outcome
- Direct-to-store delivery to over 46,000 retail locations across US, Canada, and Mexico
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The Hillman Group
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Hillman Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
The Hillman Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Hillwood Investment PropertiesflagshipDevelopment partner for Forest Park multipurpose facility at former Forest Fair Mall site. Hillwood is developing the property for Hillman to lease and fully occupy as sole tenant.
- American Nurses FoundationcoreThree-year partnership raising over $400,500 through nurse key sales to support nurses during COVID-19 pandemic.
- Home DepotflagshipMajor retail partner for hardware and home improvement products. Hillman provides extensive product portfolio including fasteners, hardware, and protective solutions through this channel.
- Lowe'sflagshipMajor home improvement retailer partner. Hillman provides product assortment and merchandising solutions.
- Ace HardwarecoreHardware store partner distributing Hillman products to independent hardware retailers.
- Tractor SupplycoreFarm and fleet retail partner for hardware and related products.
- WalmartcoreMass merchant retail partner for hardware products.
- PetSmartcorePet supply retail partner.
- OrgillcoreHardware wholesale distributor partner.
- Do It BestcoreHardware wholesale distributor partner serving independent hardware stores.
- AmazoncoreE-commerce retail partner for hardware products.
- Canadian TirecoreCanadian retail partner for hardware and home improvement products.
- Home HardwarecoreCanadian hardware retail partner.
- RonacoreCanadian home improvement retailer partner.
- TimberMartcoreCanadian retail partner.
- CastlecoreCanadian retail partner.
- City of Forest ParkcoreLocal government partnership for Forest Fair Mall redevelopment project.
- JobsOhiocoreState economic development organization supporting Forest Fair Mall redevelopment.
- REDI CincinnaticoreRegional economic development organization supporting Hillman's Cincinnati operations and redevelopment project.
- FC Cincinnaticore5-year partnership to strengthen community impact in West End and surrounding neighborhoods. Joint community projects including public benches, trade school workshops, and DIY sweepstakes.
- Habitat for HumanitycorePartnership with Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program for community building initiatives.
- Military Makeover with MontelcorePartnership to renovate homes of deserving veteran families through product donations and support.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Hillman Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Apex Tool Group: Apex Tool Group is a global hand tool and industrial chain manufacturer whose Campbell Chain & Fittings business Hillman acquired in April 2026. Comparable in product categories (industrial chain, fittings, lifting) and in serving hardware retail and industrial MRO customers.
- Fastenal: Fastenal is the largest U.S. fastener distributor, selling nuts, bolts, screws, and related industrial supplies through a mix of direct-to-customer and Onsite locations. Highly comparable to Hillman's Hardware Solutions business in product mix, target customers, and direct distribution model.
- Hilti: Hilti is a global manufacturer and direct-seller of high-performance anchors, fasteners, and installation systems for construction professionals. Comparable to Hillman's Power Pro structural lag and multi-material screws targeting Pro Distribution customers.
- MSC Industrial Direct: MSC Industrial is a U.S. metalworking and MRO distributor with a catalog-driven model and dedicated field sales force, comparable to Hillman's pro distribution and industrial MRO offerings. Overlap is strongest in fasteners, fittings, and chain sold to industrial customers.
Broad incumbents
- W.W. Grainger: Grainger is the largest U.S. industrial MRO distributor with a broad catalog that overlaps with Hillman's Industrial MRO segment (Campbell Chain) and pro distribution offerings. Both companies operate large direct-to-customer distribution networks serving facilities, contractors, and industrial accounts.
- Stanley Black & Decker: Stanley Black & Decker is a global tool and fastener manufacturer with deep relationships across retail and pro channels. Jon Michael Adinolfi (Hillman's current CEO) and other Hillman leaders came directly from Stanley's U.S. Retail and Hand Tools divisions, and Hillman's Power Pro line competes head-on with Stanley's DEWALT and Stanley branded fasteners.
- Masco Corporation: Masco is a major U.S. manufacturer of home improvement and building products, including specialty hardware and plumbing products, sold through home center retailers. Comparable to Hillman in retail channel exposure and product categories overlapping with Hillman's hardware and protective solutions.
- Fortune Brands Innovations: Fortune Brands Innovations owns multiple home and security product brands (locks, hardware, water management) and sells through home improvement retailers. Comparable to Hillman's Door Hardware (Delaney) and builder's hardware businesses in distribution and customer base.
- Spectrum Brands: Spectrum Brands owns consumer hardware, home and garden, and pet care brands sold through major retailers, including pet supply partners that overlap with Hillman's PetSmart relationship. Comparable to Hillman in retail distribution model and owned-brand portfolio approach.
- Illinois Tool Works (ITW): ITW is a diversified industrial manufacturer with multiple segments selling fasteners, construction products, and hardware through retail and industrial channels. Comparable to Hillman's Hardware Solutions and Industrial MRO businesses in product mix and customer overlap.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Hillman Group social profiles
Digital presenceThe Hillman Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Hillman Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
The Hillman Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries6 records
The Hillman Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Hillman Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Hillman Group
What does The Hillman Group do?
The Hillman Group manufactures and distributes a 111,000+ SKU portfolio of hardware products, fasteners, work gloves, protective gear, and rope/chain products to over 46,000 retail locations across North America. The company also operates ~7,000 MinuteKEY robotic key duplication kiosks in retail stores and offers branded everyday carry products direct-to-consumer through OTR Carry. Hillman serves retailers through a direct-to-store distribution model backed by a 1,200+ member field sales team.
Is The Hillman Group a public or private company?
The Hillman Group is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was The Hillman Group founded?
The Hillman Group was founded in 1964. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is The Hillman Group based?
The Hillman Group is headquartered in Forest, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Hillman Group make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Solutions are the primary driver. The others are protective Solutions, robotics and Digital Solutions and cleaning Products.
Who are The Hillman Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Apex Tool Group, Fastenal, Hilti and MSC Industrial Direct. Broad incumbents are W.W. Grainger, Stanley Black & Decker, Masco Corporation, Fortune Brands Innovations, Spectrum Brands and Illinois Tool Works (ITW).
Does The Hillman Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Hillman Group.