Johnson Hilliard

Located in Kingsport, Tennessee, Johnson Hilliard is a third generation, family-run business focusing on sheet metal fabrication and supply. With almost 75 years of experience in Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City, Johnson Hilliard has become the leader in efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. From small custom orders to high volume commercial orders, our crew of talented craftsmen is well equipped to handle your fabrication needs including stainless steel, copper, aluminum and other custom needs.

Our History

Johnson Hilliard was established in 1938. After serving as a Navy Pilot during World War II, B.O. Ripley was hired as a furnace salesman for the company. He later became President and a stockholder. In 1977, Mr. Ripley and his son, Richard Ripley, became the sole owners of Johnson-Hilliard. Ben Ripley is now the third generation of this family to operate and carry on this 75-year tradition.

What We Do

Johnson Hilliard’s commitment to quality has always translated to its clients. From large, industrial projects to small, detailed designs, the company offers fair pricing to clients, caters to their needs, and works to establish – and maintain – strong relationships.

In our early years, Johnson Hilliard focused mainly on fabricating furnaces, stokers, ductwork, heating, and sheet metal. As we grew, we became a metal shop. Now, we are moving into metal manufacturing, industrial, and architectural endeavors.

Where We’re Going

As Johnson Hilliard looks to the future, it does so with Ben Ripley at the helm. Ripley, the third generation of the Johnson-Hilliard brand, is ready to take what the metalwork company does best – and make it even better. With his crew of master craftsmen, he is prepared to do precisely that.

The company plans to capitalize upon the social media boom and pursue new travel opportunities to expand its brand. Modern technologies – including updated operating systems – have been implemented to help Johnson Hilliard and its workers move in this new direction.

It’s a move that can’t, and won’t, be made without Johnson Hilliard’s foundation: its workers, and their commitment to quality metal fabrication and design. With these pieces in place, Johnson Hilliard is crafting a new generation.