Andy Assinck and Rita Marie Assinck have created a thriving business around an innovative product that streamlines the dock installation and removal process, but docks aren’t the only things being connected — HitcHinge is also connecting businesses in the local community.
Years ago, Andy was servicing cottages in the Township of North Kawartha, one of eight townships in Peterborough County, and after one particularly gruelling late November day of trying to remove docks and ramps by himself, he returned home with sore fingers and an idea to revolutionize the dock coupling system.
In 2016, he patented HitcHinge, a coupler with an ingenious design where every piece is self-contained — ultimately removing the risk of dropping a component into the lake during installation or removal. Self-supporting, the product harnesses the power of gravity — making it easier for a single person to connect a dock or ramp — and is nearly silent in comparison to the clanking, knocking, and squeaking that comes from using typical dock couplers.
Since then, Andy has continued to find innovative solutions to home and cottage life, having recently launched the HitcHinge Pro which, in addition to other advancements, can be used in salt water. The business also builds custom spin ladders to provide an accessible alternative to getting in and out of the water, as well as dock bubbler mounts.
HitcHinge sources much of the metals needed to build the products from Kawartha Metals Corporation in Peterborough and uses Extrudex out of Woodbridge as the main extruder. Other suppliers include Bolts Plus in Peterborough and Absolute Stainless in Mississauga.
In turn, HitcHinge supplies local dock builders and retailers including Kawartha Docks in Apsley, R&J Machine in Lakefield, Houston Marine Systems in Coboconk, and several Home Hardware and Timber Mart stores across The Kawarthas.
Thanks to the wide range of suppliers and builders, several local and Ontario resorts and marinas are now equipped with HitcHinge products to provide a quiet experience for guests, including Anchorage Marina on Jack Lake in Apsley and Georgian Bay Marina in Parry Sound.
Between custom installing spin ladders and always coming up with new innovations (with more products coming to the market very soon), Andy and Rita still find the time to give back to the community. In the spring, when they heard users of the dock at L’Amable Lake south of Bancroft were frustrated with the noise it was causing, HitcHinge donated a dock coupler to the town.
The business also regularly gives to Community Care in Apsley and the local Lions Club, as well as Peterborough Wolverines Football.
“It helps supports sports programs, which I believe is huge for building and developing employees and encouraging people working together,” says Andy.
While HitcHinge has been planning to market and sell products in the U.S., with the economic uncertainty created by U.S. tariffs, Andy and Rita have decided for now to focus on the Canadian businesses they support by making it easy for their customers to find HitcHinge through local distributors.
To learn more about HitcHinge, visit hitchinge.ca.
The Local Advantage in Peterborough County is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in Peterborough County, created in partnership with Peterborough County’s Economic Development & Tourism Division.
As part of its response to the impact of U.S. tariffs, Peterborough County is showcasing the many unique businesses located in the county, both by sharing their stories of success and how they support both residents and other businesses in their communities.
Whether by shopping at local businesses, dining at local restaurants, staying at local accommodation, or enjoying local experiences, residents and visitors can enhance the economic resilience of Peterborough County during these challenging times and help establish a sustainable foundation for the future.
For more information about economic development and tourism in Peterborough County, visit www.ptbocounty.ca/ecdev and The Kawarthas Tourism at thekawarthas.ca.
