11/07/2023
Hi all,
I just wanted to let you know the Raymond Harris passed away October 20, 2023. Ray was the founder of Harris Machine Products Inc. The company was started in 1979. He went to Richmond Technical school, then completed his apprenticeship and became a Master Machinist.
Ray started with a small shop in Powhatan Virginia with one lathe and a small welder. He moved to Richmond in the 80’s, added more customers and more equipment, then moved the shop to Goochland Industrial Park in Oilville where it currently operates.
I, John Hakala, started working for Ray in 1995. My first impression of the shop was how clean and precise it looked. Ray’s dad a retired Sergeant Major of the Army, Hunter Harris was also working at the shop. Hunter always impressed me with his incredible work ethics. Ray would never admit it but I believe some of Hunter’s high standards rubbed off on Ray. If the finished job wasn't perfect Ray would never let it be sent to a customer.
I came to HMP with a welding and fabrication background and 10 years of experience in the metal field . Becoming a machinist was a completely new ground for me and for 3 years I practically had to keep my mouth shut and watch and learn. Ray was a wonderful teacher with incredible patience. I took over the shop in 2014 when Ray retired.
I had lunch with Ray a few weeks ago, we talked about HMP and projects that he planned to work on at his home shop. Ray after retirement turned a part of his garage into a small workshop complete with a lathe and mig welder.
This year marks the 44th year that Harris Machine Products has been in business. Since taking over I try my best to keep the torch burning that Ray left me in charge of. I will always feel him standing next to me and watching to make sure that the project is crafted to the highest standards.
