Our History

Since 1945, We Have Focused on custom engineered components

In 1945, Halpin D. Burke set out on a mission to expand access to custom components, create value, and deliver improved service to the manufacturing sector. A product of the Great Depression, he embraced demanding work and risk. Confident he could enhance the relationship between supplier and customer, he forged his new business as a Manufacturer’s Rep. Halpin formulated a business plan that would create a dedicated network of component manufacturers to serve the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) market. Service would be the foundation of his new business.

Halpin rented a desk and a phone from a company located in downtown St. Louis and began his journey. He traveled the Midwest, growing the business one customer at a time, and quickly proved his ability to the manufacturers he represented.

In 1953, after returning from the Korean war, Halpin’s son Halpin T. or “Hap” as he was known joined the company, establishing Halpin D. Burke & Son.

Continuing the father-son lineage, David Burke joined the company in 1991 and now leads the company, known as HD Burke.

HD Burke Today

Today, HD Burke maintains its heritage rooted in lasting relationships and service but has evolved into a company constantly advancing change to improve our customer’s products and delivery to market. Beyond 75 years of operations, we are a work in process and the third generation of family leadership is committed to growth for our manufacturing partners and a trusted voice to our customers.

Our culture provides the backbone of our organization and delivers meaningful results to our clients and manufacturers alike. We take a personal and proactive approach to understanding every aspect of a project to create the best solutions. Communication is the bedrock of our work.

Since our inception in 1945, our business has endured many changes, including difficult recessions, overseas competition, a pandemic, and how business is conducted. However, from generation to generation, our commitment to uncompromising service has sustained us through each challenge.

We believe this dedication to serve has fostered lasting relationships, many of which date back over sixty years.

No one moves business alone but through the collective efforts of many. Our role is to simply help our clients succeed.

David Burke
President