About Hanna Cylinders
About Hanna CylindersHydraulic & Pneumatic Cylinders
Hanna Cylinders traces its origins to 1900, when Elmer Hanna, who had moved to Chicago to lead engineering and manufacturing at Gates Iron Works, received permission from the company's president to start his own venture and opened E. Hanna Company. The business was incorporated the following year as Hanna Engineering Works, and in 1903 Elmer Hanna invented and patented the Hanna Riveter, a product that drove the company's early growth.
As Hanna produced the cylinders and valves used in its own riveting machinery, company leadership recognized that cylinders and valves represented a stronger long-term growth opportunity than riveters alone, and the business pivoted toward manufacturing hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and valves for other manufacturers starting in 1914. Hanna introduced its T750 air cylinder line in 1954, and in 1994 acquired T. Brooks Company of Milwaukee, adding a line of welded and mobile cylinders to its catalog.
Now based in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin following a 2013 relocation from Libertyville, Illinois, and under the ownership of private equity firm Pelican Energy Partners, Hanna Cylinders continues to manufacture under its original name, mission, and leadership team. ChatMRO connects fluid power buyers directly to Hanna's cylinder and valve catalog, matching exact bore size, stroke length, and mounting style against verified stock.
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Frequently asked questions
Who founded Hanna Cylinders?
Hanna Cylinders was founded by Elmer Hanna, who opened E. Hanna Company in Chicago in 1900 after leaving Gates Iron Works. The business was incorporated as Hanna Engineering Works the following year.
What was the Hanna Riveter?
The Hanna Riveter was a riveting machine invented and patented by Elmer Hanna in 1903, which drove much of the company's early growth. Hanna manufactured the cylinders and valves used in its own riveters before shifting focus to selling cylinders directly to other manufacturers.
When did Hanna shift its focus to cylinders and valves?
Hanna began manufacturing and selling hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders and valves to other manufacturers starting in 1914. Company leadership made this strategic shift after recognizing riveters alone did not represent a strong long-term growth market.
What did the T. Brooks acquisition add to Hanna's product line?
Hanna acquired T. Brooks Company of Milwaukee in 1994, which added a line of welded and mobile cylinders to its existing hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder catalog. This broadened Hanna's offering beyond its traditional tie-rod cylinder designs.
Who owns Hanna Cylinders today?
Hanna Cylinders is owned by Pelican Energy Partners, a private equity firm, following its acquisition of the company. The company's name, mission, and leadership team have remained in place since the transition, and it now operates from Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.