Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

Hillrom’s roots as a medical innovator date back to 1915 when Dr. Francis Welch and William Noah Allyn developed the world`s first handheld, direct illuminating ophthalmoscope and established Welch Allyn. Their innovation paved the way for more advancements to help provide better patient care. Twelve years later, William (Bill) A. Hillenbrand revolutionized the industry with the idea to `bring the home into the hospital` with warmer, more comfortable wooden furniture. In October 1929—just as the U.S. was plummeting into the Great Depression—Bill founded Hill-Rom and convinced hospitals to furnish their private rooms with his furniture for six months free of charge. After the trial period passed, the only things Bill received were orders for more!