HORST Engineering has announced the start of its 80th anniversary celebration-eight decades of continuous family ownership, and manufacturing innovation. In addition, the company enters 2026 with expansion plans and a strengthened executive leadership structure designed to support continued growth.
"Our short-term goal is to sharply increase production to meet the growing needs of our customers as they ramp up in the aerospace industry," said HORST Engineering President Scott Livingston. "Longer term, we plan to add new capabilities, including an extra focus on aircraft fasteners-now an important need in the industry."
To support continued growth, the company is adding advanced manufacturing equipment and expanding regional recruiting efforts, reinforcing its long-term commitment to advanced manufacturing. The company now is looking to hire more than 15 people, just in the coming months.
"We are looking beyond just our local pool of candidates due to the tight market," Livingston added. "We have been successful in attracting and retaining people because of our family ownership, company stability, and our state-of-the-art factory."
The company has also announced its new executive team:
- Scott Livingston, President
- Michelle Lane, Vice President, an eight-year veteran, recently promoted
- Anthony Luis, Director of Human Resources, recently promoted
- Craig Woodward, Director of Manufacturing, recently joined the company with more than 25 years in aerospace manufacturing
- Daniel Selander, Director of Planning & Customer Relations, recently joined the company, having spent most of his career in aerospace manufacturing
- Tim Olson, Director of Engineering and Quality Assurance, recently promoted.
The company also launched an in-house precision machining training program to help students become skilled manufacturing talent and eventually full-time employees. Two graduates have already completed the program and are now in full-time roles. HORST Engineering is recruiting for its next class. The program will also help upskill current employees, boosting their career potential.
Founded in 1946 by Harry Horst Livingston, born Horst Rolf Liebenstein, the company's story began long before its first machines were installed. Livingston fled Germany, arriving in the United States in October 1938, eventually settling in Hartford, CT, where he met and married Sylvia Hurwitz. He launched his business from the second story of a Hartford barn.
"I entered the business in 1964 after an active-duty stint in the Army," said Stanley Livingston, Harry's son and second-generation president. "We had 11 employees and were struggling to stay viable. We invested in machinery, my brother Steven joined me, and we went from there."
Steven and Stanley were joined by daughter-in-law Adeline Livingston, and the business evolved into an advanced manufacturer of precision machined components for the aerospace and defense industry. Through each generation, the Livingston family has remained committed to long-term stewardship, reinvestment, dedication to employees, and community.
"My grandfather never envisioned such growth when he started the company with few machines and many big ideas. It is hard to know what the future will bring, but we are incredibly proud to remain family owned. We have a fantastic team," said Scott.
In recent years, fourth-generation family members experienced entrepreneurship firsthand, continuing a tradition of hands-on learning and leadership development. The company's legacy extends far beyond one family name. Over the past eight decades, dozens of families have built careers at HORST Engineering.
Scott noted: "What makes 80 years possible is not just the machines or buildings. It is the people. Our employees, our customers, and our suppliers have shaped who we are today. We remain committed to continuing to build on that legacy for generations to come."
For more information contact:
HORST Engineering
141 Prestige Park Road
East Hartford, CT 06108
860-289-8209
www.horstengineering.com