Hendrick reasoned that a metal sheet, properly perforated, could replace the canvas-and-wire filter, giving it a longer life.
Several tries at drilling holes, first individually, then in a multiple drill-press proved that the concept was sound, but the production process was too costly.
The metal-punching machine he developed was a pilot for the modern perforating press and the foundation upon which Hendrick Manufacturing Company was started in 1876.
Three new, multi-punch, all-across presses were added to product custom perforated sheets that were being purchased at the time from Hendrick's Carbondale plant.
When the lease on the San Francisco facility expired in 1982, Hendrick moved the Cal-Perf operations to Visalia, California, in order to be closer to the Los Angeles market.
At the same time, in order to gain warehouse space and a sales office, Hendrick purchased Berglund Perforated Metal in Los Angeles.
Hendrick Manufacturing Company first entered the profile screen market in the early days of World War II.
Hendrick Manufacturing Company began to import fine wire screens from Aumeca, a Belgian firm.
Since then, Hendrick Screen Company has expanded into other markets such as wastewater treatment, water intake, petrochemical, dewatering, and architectural.