Willard Tool & Grinding was founded in Hayward, California by Paul Willard on April 10, 1962. Paul grew up on an Illinois farm before joining the US Navy during World War II, learning the machinist trade while serving his country. After the war, Mr. Willard became a tool grinder in the San Francisco Bay Area, working for several firms before starting his own company. Initially a form tool and grinding enterprise, the scope of Willard Tool's work grew over the decades to include fabrication and screw machine work for the computer, medical, electronic, and aerospace industries.

In 1984 Willard Tool merged with R. Willard Manufacturing, a CNC production shop owned by Rick Willard (Paul's son). Rick took over as president and began expanding the corporation.

Advances in communications and freight services enabled the company to transfer its base of operation to Shasta County in 1990. The move resulted in reduced overhead without loss of "next door" service.

In 2007 Willard Tool moved into a new 10,000 square foot plant located just one mile north of the Redding Municipal Airport. The expansion has afforded the space to add new machines, continue to upgrade existing services, and provide a more comfortable working environment for our valued employees.

Willard Tool, now entering it's third generation of ownership, is focused on lean manufacturing, increased automation, and industry standardization.