Our History

Hill & Smith Holdings PLC, which can trace its history back for over a century and a half, is an innovative world leader primarily serving the infrastructure, galvanizing, building and construction industries. On September 5, 2008, Hill & Smith Holdings PLC announced an exciting development in its strategy for expansion of its operations into the US market. With the objective of mirroring the success of its Infrastructure Products Group in the UK, a new Company was formed in the US, Hill & Smith Inc.

The first of several planned American manufactured products at Hill & Smith Inc. was Zoneguard, a steel portable barrier system.  While portable steel crash barrier has been used for decades throughout Europe, it is still relatively new to America’s highways. Zoneguard underwent extensive crash testing and received Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) acceptance for use on the National Highway Systems.

In the past three years, Zoneguard has been approved by state DOT’s throughout the country and has been used on over one hundred highway and bridge projects, from Maine to Hawaii. All over the US,   contractors are enjoying the cost savings that accompany the ability to haul 750LF on one truck.  Specifiers are finding project situations in which highly mobile and/or light weight barrier is more efficient than heavy concrete barrier, and therefore specifying steel barrier.  DOT officials have been receptive of a safe (NCHRP TL-3 & TL-4) alternative barrier that provides added competition in the bidding process.

Having developed the nation’s leading steel barrier system, Hill & Smith Inc. is now introducing new products to the highway industry, such as Edgerail™, an innovative aluminum bridge rail system that offers TL-4 protection at only 19 lbs per foot.

As our market reach and product line continue to expand, one thing stays constant, Hill & Smith Inc. is dedicated to Positively Protecting America’s Roads™.

Our Mission

Develop innovative road safety systems that offer the highway and road construction industry products that meet maximum safety standards and protect roadworkers and drivers while providing our customers with efficient and cost-effective solutions that enable DOT’s, engineers, and contractors to meet timelines and tight budgets.

Our Team

Hill & Smith Inc. is not only dedicated to providing the industry with the most innovative and efficient barrier safety systems. We also strive to provide our customers with the best possible buying experience. We understand the complexities and challenges involved in highway and bridge construction, and we pride ourselves in our hands-on efforts to help our customers find the best possible solutions. Hill & Smith Inc. is devoted to developing long-lasting relationships, but first, allow us to introduce ourselves.

Gary Lallo

General Manager

Gary has an extensive history in the highway industry. Gary is a graduate of Youngstown State University and received his Masters at Cleveland State University. As a Professional Engineer, Gary began his career at Syro Steel Co. in production. Gary also served for 10 years as an engineer at Trinity Industries in the Highway Products division. In 2008, Gary became the first General Manager of Hill & Smith Inc., providing the new company with engineering expertise and a wealth of industry knowledge.

Mike Francis

Controller

With a history that includes 21 years of accounting experience with large corporations such as Honda USA, Huntington Bank and Mettler Toledo, Mike Francis brings a ton of financial know-how to our team. Mike is in charge of coordinating, planning, and reporting on the financial activities of Hill & Smith Inc. Mike is a graduate of The Ohio State University and spent 24 years in the U.S. Air National Guard. He has been with Hill & Smith since 2009.

Cecil Brown

Regional Sales Manager
Marketing Coordinator

Besides effectively lowering the company’s median age, Cecil oversees all of Hill & Smith’s marketing efforts and serves as the Regional Sales Manager for a territory that includes Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Tennessee, etc.. A graduate from Ohio University, Cecil received a degree with an emphasis in Marketing. Cecil joined Hill & Smith in 2010.

Jennifer Sheehan

Regional Sales Manager

Beginning her career in 2001 in sales with the largest guardrail and end terminal provider in the U.S., afforded Ms. Sheehan both knowledge and experience from production to delivery issues, from manufacturing facilities to roadways. Having spent the past 2+ years working for the sole Zoneguard contractor distributor in Texas, Ms. Sheehan successfully sold the first Zoneguard and first steel barrier project in the state and continues adding new projects. Utilizing this experience to sell to large general contractors, Departments of Transportation and Toll Road entities, Ms. Sheehan has helped bring the companies she represented a reputation for excellence and performance. Serving on the Public Affairs Committee with the Associated General Contractors of Texas has helped Jennifer gain not only company recognition, but also knowledge of the industry in which she participates. Ms. Sheehan has a wide range of experien ce in all facets of heavy highway construction and will continue to be an active participant as our infrastructure continues to face challenges and seek solutions in the 21st Century.

Ed Bame

Yard Manager

Ed Bame supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in assembling, organizing and loading Hill & Smith Inc.’s various products, primarily Zoneguard. Ed has an extensive background in logistics with such companies as The Limited Brands, PepsiCo, and Ryder Integrated Logistics. Ed is a graduate of The Ohio State University and spent 22 years in the U.S. Air National Guard. He joined Hill & Smith in 2010.