Harper Engineering Company: Pioneering Aircraft Interior Innovation
Harper Engineering Company stands as a distinguished leader in mechanically engineered devices for aircraft interiors, evolving from founder OJ Harper’s vision to address technical challenges into a comprehensive solutions provider serving the global aerospace industry.
Based in Renton, Washington, this employee-owned company has established itself as the go-to manufacturer for aircraft-certified products including stowage bin latches, ceiling latches, door locks, oxygen bottle brackets, and seat track fittings.
Their expansion into polymer composites and reinforced thermoplastics demonstrates their commitment to innovation while their vertical integration capabilities enable rapid design, testing, certification, and manufacturing that consistently delivers flawless parts on time.
Core Services & Expertise
Harper Engineering specializes in comprehensive aircraft interior solutions spanning mechanical devices, polymer composites, and custom-engineered systems.
Their product portfolio includes innovative panel fastening systems that eliminate fixtures and adhesives through furniture-in-a-box assembly concepts, molded-in locking inserts for space-limited applications, and advanced seat track fittings originally developed for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner with capabilities exceeding 14,000 pounds.
The company manufactures CFRTP (Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic) stowage bin covers for 787, 747-8, and 777X aircraft from their Kent, Washington composites facility.
Their expertise extends to security solutions including secondary barriers for flight decks, high-security door latching systems with ballistic protection, and sophisticated latching systems for bins, ceilings, and doors with specialized features like decompression release and anti-rattle mechanisms.
Geographic Reach & Manufacturing Excellence
From their Renton headquarters and composites facility in Kent, Washington, Harper Engineering serves customers worldwide, shipping thousands of products monthly while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate both high-volume OEM projects and one-off VIP aircraft configurations.
Their vertical integration encompasses design, engineering, testing, certification, and manufacturing capabilities that enable extremely short time-frames from concept to delivery.
The company’s employee ownership structure ensures that every team member is invested in delivering exceptional customer satisfaction while maintaining their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Their dedicated leadership and innovative culture drive continuous improvement across all aspects of operations.
Industry Innovation & Product Development
Harper Engineering’s innovation leadership is exemplified by their development of unique solutions addressing real-world challenges in aircraft interiors. Their panel fastening system revolutionizes assembly methods by enabling flat-pack shipping and eliminating traditional bonding requirements, reducing rework costs and improving manufacturing efficiency.
The company’s seat track fittings surpass market alternatives in both strength and weight reduction, while their secondary barrier solutions address post-2018 Saracini Aviation Safety Act requirements.
Their commitment to solving intricate technical problems extends across diverse applications from decorative washers and universal interior products to sophisticated 6-bar hinge mechanisms and dampened constant force shelf bin door hinges that maximize luggage capacity.
Client Benefits & Competitive Advantages
Harper Engineering delivers exceptional value through their comprehensive approach to aircraft interior solutions:
- Vertical integration enabling rapid design-to-delivery timelines that exceed industry standards
- Aircraft-certified products meeting rigorous aerospace quality and safety requirements
- Custom engineering capabilities accommodating unique specifications and challenging requirements
- Employee ownership structure ensuring personal investment in every project outcome
- Innovative solutions like furniture-in-a-box assembly concepts reducing manufacturing complexity
- Dual manufacturing facilities supporting both mechanical devices and advanced composites
- Comprehensive product range from standard brackets to sophisticated security systems
- Global shipping capabilities with consistent monthly delivery of thousands of products worldwide
For aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and interior completion centers seeking reliable partners for mechanically engineered interior solutions, Harper Engineering Company represents the optimal combination of innovation, quality, and rapid delivery.
Quick Facts
- Founded: By OJ Harper with vision to address aircraft interior technical challenges
- Headquarters: Renton, Washington, USA (700 SW 7th St, Renton, WA 98057)
- Additional Facility: Kent, Washington (composites manufacturing)
- Ownership: Employee-owned company
- Specialization: Mechanically engineered devices for aircraft interiors
- Notable Projects: Boeing 787 Dreamliner seat track fittings, 777X stowage bin covers
Contact Information
Location: 700 SW 7th St, Renton, WA 98057
Phone: 1 425 255 0414
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.harperengineering.com
