Our Story

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

BILL HISS

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 "Bill' Hiss

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.

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 the oil cooler/line flusher.

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.

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.

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.

2000

IN-LINE CLEANING

By 2010, Better Engineering has established itself as a premier manufacturer of complex in-line cleaning systems.

2010

AUTOMATION INTEGRATION

Today, BE designs and manufactures a broad range of machines from compact, single-stage systems to complex systems with automation integration.

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:

Our Company is

Customer Focused

Commitment to Quality

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

Our services

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.

FIND OUT MORE

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.

Continual Improvement

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

FIND OUT MORE

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.

Services We Offer

engineer icon

Engineering Capabilities

Helping solve tough cleaning applications is what we do. We have the highest caliber engineering staff in the industry. Utilizing innovative design software, we are able to build great, unique parts washing systems to solve any particular cleaning problem.
View All Services
beaker flask

Test Cleaning & Laboratory

Not all cleaning applications are the same so we work closely with you to make sure that the system we build for you suits your specific needs. We have a complete Engineering Process Lab and Machine Demonstration Test Center to evaluate your parts and cleaning process.
customer service headphones

Customer Support

Outstanding customer service is a big reason why Better Engineering has been in business for 60 years. We are committed to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations.
gearwheels

Technical & Field Service

Our Field Service Technicians are expert at installing new systems, reconditioning existing equipment after years of hard use, and modifying & modernizing existing systems to meet operational growth and change.