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Our Story

BE develops innovative solutions to build critical automated cleaning systems for virtually every industry.

Three Generations of Excellence

Our Founder, Bill Hiss, exemplified “the greatest generation.” Born in 1924, he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific during WWII. Bill went on to establish Better Engineering (BE) in 1960 with the invention of the patented “Torque Converter Flusher,” used by transmission shops to clean torque converters during rebuilding. Bill was the father of three, a community activist, and the patriarch of Better Engineering until his death in 2000.

Bill’s children, Keith Hiss and Denise Hussar, followed in his footsteps and are the second-generation owners of the company. Keith succeeded his father as president and general manager, and took Better Engineering to a completely new level. Under his direction, we became one of the first manufacturers of automated, aqueous-based parts cleaning systems. Three of Bill’s grandchildren later joined the company, continuing the legacy Bill began 60 years before.
William Hiss Founder of BE parts washers

60

Years
Experience

For three generations, BE has manufactured rugged, well-engineered automated parts washers, utilizing spray, immersion and ultrasonic technologies. Headquartered in Joppa, MD, Better Engineering now builds a full spectrum of fully automated cleaning systems including: turntable washers, conveyor washers, drum washers, immersion washers, as well as customized parts cleaning systems and systems that incorporate robotic integration.

There are over 15,000 BE parts cleaning systems in service in more than 35 different countries, which are utilized in virtually every sector of the economy. Industries served include aerospace, food/beverage, pharma/medical, automotive, defense, print, fabrication, and general manufacturing.

Our History

THE BEGINNING
BE was founded upon the invention of a machine called the “Torque Converter Flusher.” This patented machine was used by automatic transmission repair facilities to gauge and clean torque converters during the rebuilding process.
1970
AQUEOUS CLEANING
BE manufactured their first water-based parts cleaning system – a small jet washer designed for auto repair facilities. At the time, nobody could have foreseen the impact this product was to have on BE’s future.
1990
CUSTOMIZATION
BE now has over 50 standard parts cleaning systems, a large engineering staff for customized machinery, a parts-cleaning-lab/chemistry division, a full line of water-based detergents, and distribution throughout the world.
2010
AUTOMATION INTEGRATION
Today, BE designs and manufactures a broad range of machines from compact, single stage systems to complex systems with automation integration like this robotically loaded conveyor washer.
1960
STARTING TO GROW
Between 1960 and 1980, BE sold over 8,000 of their patented torque converter flushers. BE developed other tools and equipment for the auto rebuilding industry like this oil cooler/line flusher.
1980
EXPANSION
By this time, BE was the largest producer of aqueous parts cleaning systems. BE had distributors throughout the US and they were now producing larger and more sophisticated systems for industry.
2000
IN-LINE CLEANING
By 2010, Better Engineering has established itself as a premier manufacturer of complex in-line cleaning systems.
TODAY

Our Mission

We are committed to providing products and services that meet or exceed our customers’ expectations.
In order to effectively carry out this policy, we make the following commitments:

Customer Focused

We understand our customers’ needs and track their level of satisfaction.

Continual Improvement

We strive for continuous improvement of our designs, processes and overall quality management system.

Factual Decision Making

We establish measurable quality objectives that clearly indicate the level of continuous improvement.

Leadership & Teamwork

We keep all employees informed about our direction and quality objectives and help one another to be positive and make positive changes.

Sustainability

We are committed to being socially and environmentally responsible. Our operations are conducted fairly and support environmental sustainability to help reduce our collective environmental impact.

Commitment to Quality

Better Engineering is committed to the highest quality standards and is ISO-9001 certified.
Click to view our ISO-9001 Certification