01Outdoor product
Camp Table
A fabricated outdoor cooking system integrating storage, work surfaces, and a compact burner.
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Product development for growing product brands
Engineering products from concept to production.
Hilgard partners with growing brands and manufacturers to develop new physical products without the need for an in-house engineering team. We lead the mechanical development from early concept and prototypes through production design and manufacturing launch.
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Products we've helped develop
Consumer productsOutdoor equipmentVehicle accessoriesCommercial productsFabricated assemblies
Who we work with
You know your customer. We help build what comes next.
The best product opportunities often come from small teams that understand their market deeply. Hilgard brings the engineering and manufacturing experience needed to turn those opportunities into well-developed physical products.
01You see an opportunity to expand your product line.
02Your customers have revealed a problem worth solving.
03You have a concept or early prototype that needs experienced engineering.
04You want to improve an existing product or develop its next generation.
05You need one partner to lead the product from concept through production.
Our role
Your product development capability—without building an engineering department.
Hilgard leads the mechanical development of new and existing products. Clients remain focused on their customers, brand, and business while we manage the engineering details required to create, prototype, refine, and manufacture the product.
Because the same engineering lead remains involved throughout development, product intent stays connected to manufacturing decisions from beginning to end.
Selected work
Physical products developed for manufacturing.
Selected examples across consumer products, outdoor equipment, vehicle accessories, and fabricated assemblies.
02Vehicle accessory
Van Shower
A deployable system developed for compact vehicle storage and use.
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03Consumer packaging
Auto Fluid Applicator
A custom dispensing package developed around controlled automotive fluid application.
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04Sporting equipment
Wave Skate
A portable curved riding surface engineered as a fabricated frame and formed deck.
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05Consumer product
Coloring Station
A mobile product developed around everyday use, organization, and manufacturability.
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06Architectural product
Deployable Awning
A cable-supported shade structure developed for fabrication and installation.
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07Fabricated assembly
Steel Staircase
Structural detailing for a fabricated steel stringer stair assembly.
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08Sheet metal product
Stainless Steel Shower
A compact stainless fixture engineered around formed sheet metal, drainage, and component integration.
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09Mechanism design
Ski Bracket
An adjustable bracket assembly developed for secure mounting and repeatable fabrication.
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10Sheet metal mechanism
Van Bracket
A compact mechanism engineered for repeatable fabrication and assembly.
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11Consumer product
Ice Tool Holder
A molded storage component developed around secure retention and quick access.
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Capabilities
Build the next product in your line.
New product development
You bring the market opportunity and customer understanding. Hilgard leads the engineering required to turn that opportunity into a functional, manufacturable product.
Product improvement
Improve a successful product, resolve problems discovered through real-world use, reduce manufacturing cost, or develop the next generation.
Production preparation
Move from a working design to a product suppliers can confidently manufacture, with production CAD, drawings, assemblies, bills of materials, and launch support.
Philosophy
Great products begin with a real customer need.
Engineering turns that need into something functional, manufacturable, reliable, and valuable. Hilgard works across those priorities throughout development so the finished product makes sense for the customer and the business behind it.
Your next product
What does your brand want to build next?
Areas of expertise
Where the work gets specific.
01
Product development
02
Mechanisms
03
Sheet metal
04
Weldments
05
Injection molding
06
Blow molding
07
Assemblies
08
Consumer products
09
Outdoor products
10
Design for manufacturing
Process
From concept to production.
The sequence is adjusted to the product, its current stage, and the manufacturing method.
- 01
Discovery
Define the product, market, constraints, manufacturing methods, and priorities.
- 02
Development
Develop the product while balancing function, cost, assembly, reliability, and manufacturing.
- 03
Prototype
Evaluate fit, function, assembly, production methods, and user experience.
- 04
Production
Deliver the drawings, documentation, and support required for manufacturing.
Why Hilgard
A small practice by design.
Hilgard intentionally remains a focused engineering practice. Clients work directly with the lead engineer throughout every stage of development, maintaining continuity from concept through production.
Instead of layers of project management and design handoffs, each project receives direct technical involvement, manufacturing experience, and engineering judgment. The goal is to build long-term client relationships around clear communication and dependable product decisions.
Industries
We frequently support.
- Outdoor recreation
- Consumer products
- Vehicle accessories
- Commercial equipment
- Architectural products
- Industrial products
Start a conversation
What does your brand want to build next?
Tell us about your customers, the product opportunity you see, and where the idea stands today.
Start a conversation