This Rigger's Handbook is dedicated to Theodore C - Igor Chudov

This Rigger’s Handbook is dedicated to Theodore C. Hanes, the founder of Hanes Supply.
Ted left us on August 11, 1997. We Know it is appropriate that the history of Hanes Supply
should be told by Ted. His hard work, common sense and dedication enabled Hanes Supply
to move forward into the next millennium.
"It all started when Tex McLaughlin taught me how to splice cable in order to obtain
my Federal A and E Aircraft Mechanics License #8867 on May 1, 1930. After leaving
American Airways August 20, 1936 to become a Professional Firefighter, I soon
learned that splicing cable for local contractor friends like Herb Darling and
Howard Stimm put extra bread on the table.
Soon we had to take operations into larger quarters at 23 Poplar Avenue. In 1962 we
moved to the warehouse at 1294 Seneca Street, giving us the space for a larger Sling
Shop and also the ability to be an Allied Products Supply House with more products
and quicker, better service.
Our new 55,000 square feet warehouse at 55 James E. Casey Drive enables us to
stock even more products to better service our customers. The increasing number
of Hanes Supply customers in Central New York State convinced us to open our
new Rochester Warehouse. Hanes Supply is committed to making the moves to give
the best possible service to all of our customers.
On October 1, 1975 I retired as a Battalion Chief from the Buffalo Fire Department
enabling me to devote more time to the company until my son Bill could take the
wheel. Bill graduated in June 1980 as a Civil Engineer from the State University at
Buffalo and is now President of Hanes Supply, Inc. Having been around watching
Dad since he was 9 years old, he thoroughly knows the wire rope business.
In association with his friends Dennis St. Germain and Jim Boyco, Bill and the
Hanes Supply Crew have learned many modern improvements in sling productions.
Many thanks to our hard working staff led by our Operations Manager and
son-in-law Dave Learn, Retired Office Manager Hermine Bruno, my other son
Ted Hanes, II and my late wife Nellie C. Hanes who have all been very valuable
assets to our business."
Ted Hanes, 1996
Ted had many other accomplishments including being a Buffalo Firefighter for 39 years,
retiring as Battalion Chief in 1975. During WWII, Ted served in the Coast Guard Reserve. Ted
was Commodore of the Buffalo Yacht Club in 1957 and Master of his Masonic Lodge in 1950.
Ted and Nellie had five children in the 1950’s. When most couples would be thinking of
retirement, they were busy providing the best home and education for their children.
Work was never a four letter word to Ted. Long days and nights of working at Hanes Marine
and Cable and the Buffalo Fire Department were common. He spent countless hours making
slings by walking around the rigger’s vise. His strength and determination built Hanes Supply
into what it is today. He also had the strength to pass the company to the next generation.
Your memory and leadership will never leave us. Special thanks to a great man who we are
proud to have had as our father. God bless you.
Thank you,
Bill Hanes/Dave Learn/Ted Hanes II