History
EHM’s history runs deep when it comes to designing and fabricating custom systems for the industrial marketplace. Steve & Mike gained their knowledge of hydraulics and controls in the training and work experience they received at Circuit Engineering, Inc. where they worked for 25+ years. Their father Raymond Hanley and his brother Arnold (Bud) started Circuit Engineering in 1959 as an industrial distribution company that specialized in hydraulic systems and controls. They represented several prestigious manufacturers like Sundstrand and Rexroth. Circuit Engineering was renowned for supplying large custom fluid power systems to a variety of industries. Mike and Steve were a big part of that success.
Ray Hanley (1926 – 2015) was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania. At age 17, he entered the Navy and was stationed on destroyer escort “USS McGinty” in the South Pacific. Ray’s duties on the ship included ship’s photographer, mailman, and helmsman. He served in the Navy from 1943-1946.
After his service in the military, Ray earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, at the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated in 1949 . His first job after earning his degree was with Westinghouse Airbrake Company, in their industrial pneumatics division. After initial WABCO training in Wilmerding Pennsylvania, Ray was transferred to Dallas, TX where he designed pneumatic systems for the control of large engines, 3-4000hp railroad trains, offshore drilling rigs, cruise liners and cargo vessels.
While in Texas, Ray was promoted to District Sales Manager with a territory covering 11 states and western Canada. Ray met Ercel Dean Thomas in Dallas and they married in 1950. In 1956, WABCO promoted him to Regional Sales Manager so he & Ercel moved to Arlington, Virginia where Ray’s territory was everything east of the Mississippi River.
Within a few years, Ray decided to go into business for himself. He collaborated with his brother Bud, an accomplished machinist, in his development of a fluid power distributorship that would offer design/build and service capabilities. To escape the snowy northern winters, they decided the business would be located in the Florida. In 1959, Ray and his brother Bud, moved their families to Jacksonville, FL and opened Circuit Engineering, Inc.
Ray joined the International Fluid Power Society in 1960. He was asked to serve on the Board of Directors in 1984, and served as President 1986-1987. As a business owner, he understood the importance of training his staff in the technical intricacies of fluid power. He encouraged the Fluid Power Society to adopt a certification program to facilitate other businesses in their endeavors to educate staff on the importance of proper procedures for effective, efficient hydraulic systems. The Fluid Power Certification Program began through a generous initial contribution by Mr. Buck Charleson of Minnesota, inventor of the Charlynn orbit motor, and the determination and perseverance of Ray Hanley.
Having retired from Circuit Engineering in 1996, Ray wanted to give back to the Fluid Power Industry. He has devoted his time to the continued development of the certification program with the Fluid Power Society. To date, there are nine certifications now available, and more getting added all the time. Ray has authored two books, Fluid Power Essential Practices and Fluid Power Math of Certification as well as many manuals.
International Fluid Power Society Honors:
Honorary Director since 2006
IFPS Emeritus Certification Holder of the following:
Connector & Conductor
Hydraulic Specialist
Pneumatic Specialist
Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic
Industrial Hydraulic Technician
Mobile Hydraulic Mechanic
Mobile Hydraulic Technician
Pneumatic Mechanic
Pneumatic Technician
Electronic Controls Study Manual
Books Ray Hanley authored:
Fluid Power Essential Practices
Fluid Power Math for Certification
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Bud Hanley History:
Bud Hanley (1924 – 2014) was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania. After graduating from high school, he took a job with Westinghouse Air Brake Company, as an apprentice machinist.
In 1943 Bud entered the military and served until 1946, in the Army Construction Battalion, a.k.a. Sea bees, 71st Airborne Engineers. His military service took him to Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines.
Bud returned to his job with Westinghouse Air Brake Company after the war as a machinist. He also taught machine shop classes to those at the apprentice level at WABCO.
Bud married Jean Furman, July 8, 1949, in Pennsylvania. Ten years later, Bud, Jean and their daughter Nancy moved to Jacksonville Beach to begin work with his brother Ray at their new company Circuit Engineering, Inc.
Bud managed the fabrication, installation, service, and repair work for Circuit Engineering. His expert skills in machine fabrication and repair quickly made Circuit Engineering well known for their capabilities with large complex hydraulic systems.
One of the more memorable projects, because of the shear size, that Bud worked on was an aircraft carrier docked at the May Port Naval Station in Jacksonville. They rehabilitated the low and high pressure air system and tested it to 5000 psi.
Bud retired from Circuit in 1984.