100 Years Strong: TC Wilson’s Legacy of Innovation, Integrity, and Industry Leadership

 

In an era when companies come and go, reaching a 100-year milestone is no small feat.

For Thomas C. Wilson, Inc. (TC Wilson), this anniversary is more than a number. It’s a celebration of a legacy built on ingenuity, resilience, and a deep understanding of the boiler industry.

Founded in 1925 by Thomas C. Wilson, a naval engineer for the USS Leviathan, the company was born out of a practical need: to create reliable, American-made tools that innovated and improved demanding industrial boiler maintenance.

Guiding this enduring legacy today is Stephen Hanley, TC Wilson’s CEO and the third generation to lead the company. With deep roots in every department and a commitment to hands-on leadership, Hanley has guided the company into a new era of innovation while staying true to its founding values.

Today, TC Wilson continues to lead with the same spirit of purpose and performance they set out with. From their home base in Long Island City, New York, they’ve grown into a global provider of specialized tools and equipment, earning the trust of customers in more than 40 countries. The company’s century-long story is one of adaptation, family leadership, and innovation rooted in real-world application.

From Navy Roots to Industry Pillar: The TC Wilson Origin Story

TC Wilson was founded in 1925 and formally incorporated as Wilson Petty in 1928. Thomas C. Wilson, with firsthand experience aboard marine vessels, saw the inefficiencies and dangers associated with boiler tube maintenance and envisioned a better way. His early designs prioritized safety, durability, and simplicity—principles that continue to define the company’s engineering approach today.

By 1940, TC Wilson acquired the Richard Didgeon Corporation, expanding their capabilities just as global tensions gave rise to World War II. In 1945, the company published its first boiler tube cleaning catalog and was honored with a Certificate of Achievement for its industrial contributions—a recognition of its early and ongoing impact on the industry.

Women at the Helm: TC Wilson’s Legacy of Leadership

As the U.S. entered WWII in 1941, much of the male workforce was called to serve. At TC Wilson, the machines didn’t stop. Women stepped in to keep operations running.

Between 1940 and 1945, women made up approximately 80% of the workforce, operating lathes, mills, and grinders with skill and precision. This era not only sustained the company but laid the foundation for a culture of inclusion and resilience.

In 1950, following the passing of Thomas C. Wilson, his wife Martha Wilson (pictured here) became Chairman of the Board, ushering in a new chapter of leadership.

She guided the company for a decade through growth and diversification, until her passing in 1960. Her daughter, Jane Wilson Hanley, then stepped into the role, becoming another driving force behind the company’s continued success.

The influence of these women cannot be overstated. Their leadership and keen personnel decisions, choosing the right people to continue driving the company forward during pivotal moments, ensured TC Wilson stayed not only operational but also competitive.

Their contributions still echo today in the company’s continued focus on structure, employee development, and values-based leadership.

Built to Last: How Purpose-Built Products Redefined the Boiler Industry

For nearly a century, TC Wilson has engineered solutions that reflect the real needs of the boiler and heat exchanger industry. Instead of forcing off-the-shelf tools into complex applications, the company collaborates directly with customers to develop purpose-built products that work in the field and not just on paper. 

This approach has led to some of the most influential tools in the industry, many of which are still in use today.

By prioritizing customer feedback, pressure testing new tools in real-world environments, and rapidly adapting to industry changes like the use of rifled and stainless steel tubes, TC Wilson has redefined what quality and customization look like in boiler maintenance.

 

Listening First: Customer-Driven Product Design

TC Wilson’s product development process starts in the field. Customers bring real-world problems to the team, and the company responds with custom prototypes. These tools are tested under working conditions—sometimes to failure—so engineers can make improvements based on actual performance.

This iterative process results in tools that don’t just meet theoretical standards; they solve tangible problems in demanding environments. 

That close relationship with customers continues to be one of the company’s most valued differentiators.

TC Wilson’s commitment to problem-solving has resulted in a long list of innovations, including:

Many of these tools are still widely used today, testifying to their reliability and relevance.

 

Custom Solutions for a Changing Industry

The industry hasn’t stood still, and neither has TC Wilson. 

As boiler tubes have evolved, with smaller diameters, new materials, and rifled designs (XID tubes) the company has continued to create tailored tools. Rifled tubes, in particular, presented challenges in cleaning and expansion. 

TC Wilson responded by developing a new line of cutters and beading expanders designed specifically for these applications.

In collaboration with major manufacturers like Cleaver-Brooks, Victory Energy, and Superior, TC Wilson continues to respond to market shifts with agility and insight.

 

In-House Mastery: Precision Manufacturing that Sets TC Wilson Apart

One of TC Wilson’s most valuable assets is its fully in-house production process. From cutting and turning to milling, heat treatment, and grinding, every critical operation happens under one roof. 

This vertical integration not only allows for rapid innovation and quality control, but also supports the company’s hallmark feature: a ground finish that enhances performance and durability.

This level of craftsmanship is only possible thanks to a team of highly skilled machinists, many of whom have decades of experience with the company. TC Wilson’s investment in training and internal knowledge transfer ensures that its tools are not only well-designed but exceptionally built.

 

A Culture of Loyalty: The Power of People and Open Communication

TC Wilson’s strength lies in its people. With many employees staying for 20 to 40 years, the company has built a culture grounded in appreciation, open communication, and shared goals. Every quarter, the company hosts employee recognition events, celebrating milestones such as perfect attendance, quality awards, and above-and-beyond contributions.

Leadership shares company updates and strategic direction through these gatherings, helping employees understand how their work fits into the broader mission. This transparency creates a deep sense of ownership and team cohesion that translates directly into performance.

That culture of loyalty starts at the top. CEO Stephen Hanley, the third generation to lead the company, has worked in nearly every department—from engineering to outside sales. His hands-on experience fosters mutual respect and a leadership style that values input from every corner of the organization.

TC Wilson is Celebrating 100 Years of Trusted Performance

Innovating Forward: TC Wilson’s Vision for the Future

TC Wilson’s approach to the future isn’t rooted in reinvention, but in purposeful evolution. The company recognizes that the boiler industry is being reshaped by energy efficiency goals, new materials, and digital expectations. Rather than react, TC Wilson stays ahead of these changes by remaining closely connected to both manufacturers and end users.

Recent innovations include tools tailored for rifled and stainless steel tubes—both of which are critical in energy-efficient boilers. As manufacturers push for more effective heat transfer and fuel efficiency, TC Wilson responds with adaptable equipment designed to match these specifications.

Digital transformation is also front and center. In 2024, the company launched a dynamic e-commerce website, offering customers the ability to research, quote, and order tools online. Behind the scenes, integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems allow for efficient communication and streamlined operations.

The long-term goal is simple: stay relevant by staying connected. That means listening, evolving, and investing in tools that matter—both mechanical and digital.

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Global Reach, Local Roots

While TC Wilson remains firmly rooted in Queens, NY, its reach extends far beyond. The company has participated in U.S. Department of Commerce trade missions since the 1980s, building relationships and opening distribution in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Today, they serve customers in more than 40 countries. Yet, despite their global footprint, they’ve maintained a close-knit, community-focused approach to operations. Their location in a rapidly evolving industrial neighborhood underscores their commitment to American values of determination, honesty, and hard work.

 

Final Thoughts: A Legacy That’s Just Getting Started

As TC Wilson celebrates its 100-year anniversary, it does so with pride, not just in its products but in its people, partnerships, and perseverance. From pioneering boiler tools to adapting with technology, from wartime resilience to global expansion, the company’s story is a testament to the power of purpose.

For a century and counting, Thomas C. Wilson, Inc. has stood as a partner to the boiler industry. Under Stephen Hanley’s leadership, the company remains steadfast in its mission to deliver purpose-driven innovation, support its people, and adapt with integrity. Having worked in every department and learned to operate every machine on the floor before taking the helm, Hanley’s hands-on approach to leadership keeps him connected to both the craft and the customer. His deep operational understanding and forward-thinking mindset have been key to TC Wilson’s technological transformation and continued relevance in a fast-changing industry. 

The next century promises new challenges and new breakthroughs. But if the last 100 years have proven anything, it’s that TC Wilson will continue to lead with integrity, ingenuity, and a relentless commitment to solving the problems that matter most.

And the best, as they say, is yet to come.