HFI Pyrotechnics – Turned 150 Years Old in August

A World Leader in Training and Search and Rescue Pyrotechnics

Prescott – On August 24th of this year, HFI Pyrotechnics celebrated 150 years in business. HFI has evolved from small beginnings as a commercial fireworks manufacturer to a global leader in search & rescue, and military training pyrotechnics.

HFI President – Rhiannon Iles says: “For over 150 years, HFI has provided product performance and value that our clients have come to expect. We are now Canada’s premier producer and supplier of military quality, specialty pyrotechnics products and services for the defence sector.”

From Fireworks to Specialty Defence Pyrotechnics Founded in Canada in 1873 by William Hand, HFI made history with the first fireworks display in Canada, to celebrate the 54th birthday of Queen Victoria. Through two World Wars, HFI took its expertise in manufacturing pyrotechnics and transitioned into a specialty supplier for the Military.

As a result, HFI now develops a wide range of specialty pyrotechnic products to meet the defence and security needs of allies around the world.

Growing a Culture for Success HFI has steadily grown in revenue and employees. This has been driven by a strong, people-based workplace culture, a dedication to quality, and responsible stewardship in environmental, health, and safety management. In 2020, HFI was selected as the first company in 40 years to be added to the Canadian Munitions Supply Program, where HFI serves the role of being Canada’s Strategic Source and Centre of Excellence for Pyrotechnics. This accolade, together with additional US sales and a growing customer base in NATO and allied nations, has brought HFI a long way from where it started.

The company is building on its base of being the sole supplier of marine location markers for Canada and the U.S. Navy, to bringing its pyrotechnic expertise to a broader array of military training products for Canada, the U.S. Navy and other global allies.

Looking Forward

With a long and enviable track record in the development and supply of pyrotechnics for training and search and rescue, HFI is looking forward to a promising future with new solutions and new markets, where safety, steadfast reliability, and cost-effective performance are essential. Here’s to the next 150 years….