The Hoskin’s Line of Industrial Coatings
In 2010, Powell Butte father and son, Gene and Grant Hoskin, looked to exit from the building industry and go into business together. Gene, a former building developer, and Grant, a former home designer, decided to move towards water transfer printing and custom coatings. They learned the business by traveling to Meridian, Idaho to train with Hydro-dip, one of the nation’s top water transfer printing organizations.
By October that year they formed High Definition
Hydrographics LLC. The two chose a 2,300 square foot location at NE Ninth and Hemlock Streets in Redmond and opened up shop in January 2011. The Hoskins began their venture with two businesses, High Definition Hydrographics and Skull-adermy, but have grown to add Northwest Ceramic Coatings and recently, Pro Auto Skinz.
High Definition Hydrographics uses water transfer printing to transfer a printed ink design to wood, plastic, metal or glass. The design is originally printed on a sheet of polyvinyl and placed on a large water tank, able to accommodate objects up to seven feet long. A chemical activator is applied, the polyvinyl dissolves, and the ink is left behind on the surface. A gloss or matte finish top coat is then applied to add durability.
Initially, High Definition Hydrographics catered to individuals interested in coating their firearm stock. While wood grain and camouflage designs are the most common, High Definition Hydrographics is able to handle any custom desired.
Because they already had the equipment, a local taxidermist suggested they also offer hunters cold metal plating for the skulls or antlers of their conquests and Skull-adermy was born. By adding a coat of brass, bronze, copper, pewter or silver, the Hoskins can transform skulls or antlers into lasting pieces of art.
In the summer 2011, a customer picking up a coated firearm, mentioned he then had to take the gun somewhere else to have the barrel coated. Recognizing the business opportunity and the fact they had most of the equipment, the Hoskins decided to add that service as well.
“We had all of the equipment, except the oven,” explains Gene.
So the team headed to NIC Industry Manufacturing in White City Oregon to learn the process, bought an industrial oven and Northwest Ceramic Coatings was on its way. In September, they took over surrounding bays and increased their facility to 9,500 square feet.
Northwest Ceramic Coatings specializes in high performance firearms coatings. They use Cerakote Firearm Coatings to provide corrosion protection, abrasion resistance and durability to your weapon.
Although the Hoskins’ main clientele was individual walk-ins, 80 percent of their business is manufacturers now. Crimson Trace Lasers, Montana Rifle Company, MOA Rifles are a few of the firearm companies they work with. They also do interior upgrades for Motor Coach Industries.
“One of the interesting things about the industry is the internet sales,” says Gene. “But, manufacturers still want to come check out your facility to make sure you can do the job.”
In 2014, the Hoskins added Pro Auto Skinz to their roster of companies. Pro Auto Skinz uses a new technology of, “Plasti-dip” to update or customize the look of your car, in a non-permanent manner. The plastic coating also protects the car from weather, road debris and general wear and tear. While the product lasts up to three years, it is also easily changed by simply peeling it off.
Gene saw the technology on the internet, and determined the growth potential for the product was big. A dealer in Florida is having great success with it, and they hope to follow the trend.
“I think the plastic dip part of the company, once we get the word out, will be very good business for us,” says Gene. “It is very big on the East Coast right now.”
Since opening, the Hoskins have enjoyed progressive growth in their businesses and have taken the opportunity to expand with it. They have grown from a father and son operation to employing seven. Their manufacturing space has expanded over seven thousand square feet and they have gone from targeting individuals to manufacturers. In addition, as they have watched the industry trends, their line of coatings has increased from one to five varieties.
“We expect even more growth,” says Gene. “Every week, we get more calls, and new clients.”
High Definition Hydrographics
810 NE Hemlock Avenue ste 106, Remond, Oregon
541-548-5033
www.hdhydro.com, www.proautoskinz.com, www.nwceramiccoatings.com, www.metalizedskulls.com
Owners: Gene and Grant Hoskin
Employees: 7
Year established: 2010
Products: Plastic and ceramic coatings for everything from guns to cars.
Hot News: Recently added a Plasti-dip line to their roster of coatings.
Outlook for Growth: The Hoskins have experienced continual growth and added new products and businesses. Their latest, Pro Auto Skinz, seeks to capitalize on its East Coast success, here on the West Coast.
