E&C’s interview with EZG Manufacturing, leading OEM and contract manufacturing company known for its innovative “Hog” product line digs into how this Ohio-based manufacturer has revolutionized equipment for masonry, fencing, hardscape, and precast industries.
E&C: Let’s start from the beginning. How did EZG Manufacturing get started?
EZG: EZG Manufacturing began in 1998 when our founder, a former mason contractor himself, realized the equipment on the market simply wasn’t designed for the real-world demands of the jobsite. What started as a way to improve his own workflow quickly evolved into a broader mission: build smarter, safer, and more efficient equipment for contractors everywhere. Our Grout Hog® set the tone for everything that followed. Today, we serve multiple industries including masonry, fencing, hardscape, and precast and refractory, with a product line that’s been built directly from contractor feedback and jobsite necessity.
E&C: What sets EZG apart from other OEM and contract manufacturing companies in the market?
EZG: One of the things that truly sets us apart is that we’re a manufacturer founded by contractors, for contractors. We’re not just producing equipment based on theory, we’re solving real problems. We do everything in-house in our 185,000 sq. ft. facility, including welding, laser cutting, machining, and powder-coating. This gives us full control over quality, speed, and customization. Our engineering team works closely with our sales team and often with customers to continuously improve our equipment. It’s important to us that our customers get equipment that works well and lasts. We make sure it’s backed by top-notch service, and that’s what keeps them coming back.
E&C: Your product line is pretty extensive. What are some of your most popular pieces of equipment?
EZG: Our most popular products are our Mud Hog mixers and Grout Hog delivery systems. These machines were built to handle the toughest mixing and placement jobs, and they’re known across the industry for their power and reliability. Lately we’ve seen a lot of interest in our Hog Crusher® due to it’s ability to turn larger debris on the jobsite into reusable rubble which helps contractors save a ton on hauling. Some of our customers have seen up to 75 percent in savings. For fencing contractors, the Fence Hog and Stretch-N-Go have become game-changers in how quickly and safely crews can get the job done.
E&C: How does EZG incorporate customer feedback into its product development?
EZG: Customer feedback drives everything we do. Every improvement starts with a conversation, whether it’s on the trade show floor, at a jobsite, or over the phone with our service team. We listen to what’s slowing contractors down or putting them at risk, then prototype solutions in-house. Once a prototype is ready, we often get it back into the hands of the contractor who inspired it to test it in real conditions. That feedback loop makes sure what we ship isn’t just built to work but built to work better than anything else out there. A great recent example is our new mini Barbwire Hog and Cement Hog, created for customers who loved our standard units but needed something for tighter spaces.
E&C: Let’s talk about your manufacturing facility. What capabilities does it offer?
EZG: Our manufacturing facility in southeastern Ohio is more than 185,000 square feet and full of advanced equipment. We handle everything from laser cutting and robotic welding to CNC machining, powder coating, and complex metal fabrication. Keeping it all under one roof helps us stay on schedule and maintain quality without compromise. It also makes us a reliable partner for contract manufacturing. We’ve produced everything from custom brackets to conveyor systems and even entire OEM product lines for clients across different industries.
E&C: What type of contractors benefit most from your equipment?
EZG: We serve a wide variety of industry professionals from small masonry crews to large infrastructure or municipality contractors. Anyone working in the masonry, fencing, hardscape, precast, or refractory space will find equipment in our lineup that dramatically improves their efficiency and jobsite safety. Beyond our larger machines, products like Hogtrax® ground protection mats have proven useful for just about any type of contractor, offering practical, well-designed solutions that have brought a whole new range of clients to us.
E&C: How has the company evolved in recent years?
EZG: The last five years have been a time of rapid growth and innovation for us. We’ve added new equipment lines, moved into markets like hardscape and refractory, and upgraded our digital systems to make ordering and support easier. We’ve also focused more on service, expanding our documentation, training, and support so customers not only get the right product but know how to get the most out of it. On the manufacturing side, we’ve made big improvements in LEAN practices, added several large-scale machines, expanded our facilities, and earned our ISO 9001:2015 certification.
E&C: Safety seems to be a recurring theme in your messaging. How do you approach safety in product design?
EZG: Safety is baked into every piece of equipment we design. From the way our mixers reduce manual lifting to how our fencing tools eliminate pinch points and back strain, we consider every operator interaction. We even offer products like the Hog Guard rail system to provide enhanced fall protection on jobsites. Beyond design, we educate customers through manuals, training videos, and even onsite demos to ensure they understand how to safely and effectively use what we build.
E&C: Are there any new products or innovations you’ve recently introduced?
EZG: Yes, absolutely. We’ve recently rolled out the HPMC series of mixer-pump combo units for heavy-duty environments like foundries and industrial furnaces. The HPMC-220 came out first, filling a need in the market. Not long after, we developed a slightly smaller, yet powerful unit, the HPMC-110. It also comes with telematic remote monitoring, so operators can keep an eye on performance and efficiency without being tied to the machine. Both models show how we take customer feedback seriously and focus on solving real challenges on the jobsite.
E&C: How important is customer education to your business?
EZG: It’s crucial. The best equipment in the world won’t help a contractor if they don’t know how to use it correctly or maintain it. That’s why we provide extensive resources, including digital manuals, video tutorials, phone support, and jobsite training when needed. We also publish the Hog Blog on our website, sharing maintenance tips, industry insights, and safety best practices. Our goal isn’t just to sell a machine, it’s to make sure our customers succeed with it.
E&C: EZG also offers contract manufacturing. What kind of partnerships do you engage in?
EZG: We partner with businesses that need a reliable U.S.-based manufacturer for metal components, assemblies, conveyor systems, or even full product lines. Our team can step in at any stage, from initial production to finishing. We’ve worked with startups bringing new ideas to life as well as established OEMs needing extra manufacturing support. Being vertically integrated allows us to meet tight deadlines while keeping quality high..
E&C: How do you ensure quality control across such a large product catalog?
EZG: It all starts with a skilled team and solid internal systems. Every product is checked at multiple stages, during fabrication, assembly, and before shipping. Our engineers work hand in hand with the production floor to make sure every part meets specifications, and we’re always looking for ways to improve. We also track feedback from the field, so if an issue ever comes up, we can fix it quickly and make future runs even better.
E&C: You recently attended AISTech. How important are events and trade shows for your brand?
EZG: Trade shows are essential for us—not just for exposure, but for connection. They give us a chance to put our equipment in front of real people and get direct feedback. At AISTech 2025, we showcased our refractory mixers, including the HPMC-110 and connected with both long-time partners and new industries. These events also help us stay on top of trends and new needs that we can bring back into our R&D process.
E&C: How do you support customers after the sale?
EZG: Our relationship doesn’t end at purchase. We provide technical support, parts ordering, maintenance recommendations, and even repair services if needed. Our goal is to help customers get the maximum return on their investment—and that means being there when questions or challenges arise. Whether it’s by phone, email, or in-person support, we make ourselves available to make sure our equipment performs for the long haul.
E&C: What’s your vision for EZG over the next five years?
EZG: We want to continue pushing the boundaries of what jobsite equipment can do. That means expanding into more verticals, investing in automation within our own manufacturing, and helping more contractors improve productivity without sacrificing safety. At our core, we’re here to make work easier—and we’ll keep listening, evolving, and building for the people who build our world.
E&C: What’s the best way for contractors or manufacturers to get in touch with EZG?
EZG: The easiest way to reach us is through our website at www.ezgmfg.com, where you’ll find detailed product information, request forms, downloadable manuals, and our contact directory. Whether you’re looking to purchase equipment, inquire about custom manufacturing, or need service support, our team is available via phone, email, or live chat.