From a Barn Workshop to a Global Marine Equipment Manufacturer

A Century of Innovation and Growth

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The story of Hawboldt Industries begins with one man’s vision and ingenuity.

At the turn of the 20th century, Forman Charles Hawboldt operated a small jewelry and watch repair shop on Queen Street in Chester, Nova Scotia. Recognizing that repairing watches alone would not provide a sustainable future, he turned his attention to the emerging technology of the internal combustion engine.

A gifted mechanic and inventor, Forman believed powered boats would revolutionize the Atlantic fishing industry. In 1902, he designed and built a two-cycle gasoline engine in his backyard barn and installed it in a small boat. According to local legend, he piloted the vessel around Chester Harbour, astonishing residents who had only ever seen boats powered by sail or oars. Upon returning to shore, he was carried on the shoulders of an excited crowd—a symbolic beginning to what would become one of Canada’s longest-running marine equipment manufacturers.

Building a Manufacturing Legacy

In 1906, Forman partnered with Harry Evans to establish Hawboldt & Evans, laying the foundation for a manufacturing company dedicated to marine propulsion systems.

The company quickly gained a reputation for producing dependable gasoline engines, and by 1912 regular production was underway. Hawboldt’s engines helped modernize fishing fleets throughout Atlantic Canada, replacing traditional sail-powered vessels with reliable motorized boats.

Beyond marine engines, Forman contributed significantly to the development of his local community. Hawboldt participated in installing Chester’s first municipal water system in 1914, and in 1924 helped establish Chester Light & Power, constructing a small hydroelectric generating station on the East River to bring electricity to the growing town.

Rebuilding and Expanding

In 1921, Forman assumed full ownership of the company, renaming it Hawboldt Gas Engines. That same year, a devastating fire destroyed the company’s primary manufacturing facility. Rather than abandon the business, Forman immediately rebuilt, demonstrating the resilience and determination that would define the company for generations.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Hawboldt engines became trusted throughout Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Their durability earned the company a loyal following among commercial fishermen.

Recognizing another growing need within the marine industry, Hawboldt entered the marine propeller business in 1935, establishing another product line that would eventually become one of the company’s core specialties.

A New Generation

When Forman retired in 1948, leadership passed to Bruce Hawboldt, Frank Hawboldt, and Ray Armstrong.

During this period the company diversified beyond marine propulsion, manufacturing domestic water pumps, including shallow-well piston pumps and deep-well jet pumps, while continuing to expand its marine propeller capabilities.

Hawboldt products became synonymous with reliability throughout Atlantic Canada and played an important role in the mechanization of the inshore fishing fleets of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Becoming Hawboldt Industries

In 1966, the company was purchased by Fred Porter, who renamed the business Hawboldt Industries.

Over the following decades, Hawboldt continued to build its reputation as a trusted Canadian manufacturer of marine equipment. However, like many companies serving the commercial fishing industry, it also faced significant challenges.

1985 – 2005

Between 1985 and 2005, the company experienced multiple ownership changes, several changes in executive leadership, and the devastating collapse of the Atlantic cod fishery. Hawboldt entered receivership in 1989 and was forced to search for new markets beyond traditional fishing applications.

Despite these challenges, the company continued to innovate. During this period Hawboldt expanded into oceanographic research equipment, strengthened its marine propeller business, and invested in a modern manufacturing facility at 220 Highway 14 in Chester, Nova Scotia.

Joining Timberland Group

A defining milestone came in 2005, when Hawboldt Industries was acquired by Timberland Group.

The acquisition marked the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s history. Backed by Timberland’s engineering expertise, manufacturing resources, and global reach, Hawboldt was positioned to expand beyond its traditional markets and evolve into an internationally recognized manufacturer of engineered marine equipment while preserving the craftsmanship and innovation that had defined the company since Forman Hawboldt’s first engine-powered boat sailed across Chester Harbour in 1902.

Timeline

1902
• Drives a circuit around Chester Harbour

1906
• Forman Hawboldt partnered with Harry Evans to establish Hawboldt & Evans, laying the foundation for a manufacturing company dedicated to marine propulsion systems.

1908
• They move the company from the site of the old barn onto the site of an old lumber mill at the location on Highway #3 in Chester.

1910
• Developed “Canadian Standard” (Model of their first gas engine.)

1912
• Begins regular production

1914
• Forman was keen to diversify his business so as not to be too dependent on a single industry.  He started laying pipes radiating out from the main plant in Chester to various houses and businesses in town in order to supply domestic water. 

1921
• Forman acquires control, renames Hawboldt Gas Engines
• Fire destroys main building; rebuilds

1924
• Incorporated Chester Light & Power with 5 other local businessmen
• Built small scale hydro-electric generating plant at East River
• Had 73 customers that year

1935
• Begins propeller manufacturing

1948
• Foreman retires
• Bruce and Frank Hawboldt assume control along with Ray Armstrong
• Domestic water pump business established
• Shallow well B-4 piston pump
• Deep well jet pumps
• Propeller production continued to evolve

1966
• Sold business to Fred Porter
• Changed the name to Hawboldt Industries
• Helped mechanize and build-up of inshore fishing fleet in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia
• Established Hawboldt name as a local market leader

1985 – 2005

Lows:
• Ownership changed 4 times, 6 GMs
• Collapse of the cod fishery
• Receivership in 1989
• Struggled to find new markets

Highs:
• Research equipment
• Propellers
• New Facility, 220 Highway 14
• In 2005 purchased by Timberland Group

2005
The acquisition by Timberland Group marked the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s history. Backed by Timberland’s engineering expertise, manufacturing resources, and global reach, Hawboldt was positioned to expand beyond its traditional markets and evolve into an internationally recognized manufacturer of engineered marine equipment while preserving the craftsmanship and innovation that had defined the company since Forman Hawboldt’s first engine-powered boat sailed across Chester Harbour in 1902.

2026
Today, Hawboldt Industries is a globally recognized designer, engineer, and manufacturer of mission-critical marine equipment, delivering innovative solutions to commercial, research, naval, and offshore customers worldwide.