Inside Kittyhawk Albany: Our Newest HIP Facility

When Kittyhawk acquired Stack HIP last year, the mission was about more than adding simple capacity. It was about uniting great teams and combining our experiences to better serve the growing number of organizations that depend on Kittyhawk to enhance their manufacturing processes. Built from the ground up in 2019, the Albany facility is a true testament to innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP).

The Albany, Oregon, facility first broke ground in March 2019 under the supervision of the General Manager, Brice Winney. By November of that same year, one of the largest HIP vessels in the United States was being installed, and by February 2020, the facility had achieved Nadcap certification. What typically takes well over a year was accomplished in less than 12 months, thanks to the team’s dedication and expertise.

Brice reflects on those early days with pride. “Many in the industry were surprised when we hit our early target. That was a good feeling, to accomplish something we were told we couldn’t do.”

Participating in building a new facility from scratch and commissioning machinery gave Brice and his team a deep understanding of the equipment and processes. With their hands-on experience, the team created the first recipes for their HIP equipment and quickly established a culture focused on safety, quality, and continual improvement.

Being acquired by Kittyhawk in 2023 was a milestone for the Albany team, and a recognition of their hard work. Joining an organization that focuses exclusively on Hot Isostatic Pressing with a long history of excellence has opened new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

At the heart of Kittyhawk Albany’s achievements is a team of 23 skilled professionals. Operating across four shifts, every team member plays a critical role in delivering high-quality results for clients in demanding industries such as aerospace, space, oil & gas, automotive, and more.

Alongside the leadership of General Manager Brice Winney, the Albany success is also credited to Bob Lewis, the facility’s Quality Manager, who joined as the first employee and led the team to achieve Nadcap Certification in record time. His leadership has been instrumental in securing the facility’s current two-year Nadcap Merit status, a significant accomplishment in the HIP industry.

Brice Winney
General Manager, Albany

Bob Lewis
Quality Manager, Albany

Robert Comer
Operations Manager, Albany

Another key contributor is Robert Comer, recently promoted to Operations Manager. Robert ensures smooth operations on the production floor, maintaining productivity and meeting customer demands with precision.

Behind the scenes, the Maintenance Team, Planning Team, and Operators work tirelessly to maintain the high standards that define Kittyhawk. “Every person is key in a small company,” Brice emphasizes. “Our success is truly a team effort.”

The Albany facility houses some of the most advanced HIP equipment in the industry including:

These capabilities allow Kittyhawk Albany to process larger and more complex parts than most facilities, making it an essential part of Kittyhawk’s broader service offerings. With the ability to handle high-pressure requirements and shorter cycle times, the process is not only more productive but also more cost-effective for customers.

The future is bright for Kittyhawk Albany. With room for equipment expansion in both Albany and the nearby Canby facility, the team is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the HIP market. Throughout the journey, the goal has always remained clear: to become an industry leader in Hot Isostatic Pressing services and process-related technical support.

“We always challenge ourselves,” Brice shares. “We support each other, and stay focused on quality and safety. Growth and culture aren’t one-time initiatives—they’re ongoing efforts that we nurture every day.”

The Albany Facility & Brandon Creason | President, Kittyhawk Inc

“The Albany team has been a fantastic addition to the Kittyhawk family,” said Kittyhawk President Brandon Creason. “Their deep knowledge of HIP technology and dedication to customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our mission. We’re proud to have them on board and excited for what’s ahead.”

Through teamwork, innovation, and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Kittyhawk Albany team is helping drive the future of HIP forward—one cycle at a time.