Bird Precision Remains Sole
Glass Jewel Maker After 89 Years
From the first landing on the
moon to World War II battleships to 20th century fiber optics and
fluidics, Bird Precision, makers of precision jewels (low friction,
high precision components) since 1913, continues to keep tiny-but
important-wheels, hands and dials of the world moving.
As they have been for over
85 years, Bird Precision is the only precision glass jewel manufacturing
plant in the United States and is still the forerunner in new applications
for the precision jewel industry-specifically micro miniature precision
orifices, nozzle and restrictors for the hydraulics and pneumatics
industry.
Founded over 80 years ago by
Richard H. Bird after he left the famed Waltham Watch Company, Bird
Precision originally manufactured jeweled bearings for pocket watches.
In 1938 Bird was joined by Randall P. Cameron, Sr., and together
they pioneered method of using economical hard glass in applications
that formerly used only synthetic sapphire and ruby, revolutionizing
the precision jewel industry.
With this knowledge, Bird Precision
has played an integral role in the advancement of state-of-the-art
technology. Through applications of precision jewels, Bird Precision
has made possible watt hour meters, avionic instrumentation (for
which they won the coveted Army-Navy “E” award), panel
meters, marine compasses and parts for computer operated machinery.
Competition from foreign markets,
emergence of glass replacing the sapphire and ruby jewels and most
markedly, diversification of the market in instrumentation and controls
has encouraged Bird to continue to move in different directions.
Bird Precision maintains an impeccable reputation for precision
component fabrication, repeatability and economy of high quality
production.
Today, the competitive and
innovative spirit remains solid. Under the direction of President
Carl J. Cunningham, a 36 year veteran, and Paul
Baillio, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, with over 30
years experience at Bird, Bird Precision continues the tradition
of seeking out new applications, yet never losing sight.
Bird Precision – setting the standard of excellence
since 1913.
