Seaman overcomes challenges, poised for record sales
Seaman Corporation employee Kathy Schmucker, left, explains testing methods to company CEO Jeff Swartz.
Seaman Corporation, founded in 1949, is located in Wooster and manufactures high-performance industrial coated fabrics that are used to protect assets for the military and other critical markets around the world.
Two years ago Jeff Swartz joined Seaman Corporation in the role of CEO. Because of the onset of the pandemic, Swartz faced many challenges. While the office was 90% empty because the majority of the office staff were remote, the products Seaman Corporation manufactures were considered essential, so the production lines continued to run without lay-offs or furloughs. Swartz developed a strategic plan to grow the business during a time with a different work environment.
Two years later the offices are once again filled with associates collaborating in person, and the planning has Seaman Corporation poised for record sales.
“This is a very exciting time to be at Seaman Corporation,” Swartz said. “Despite the supply-chain challenges that every manufacturer is facing today, we’ve been able to grow our business and add new customers.”
The experienced workforce has been the key to the company’s success of over 70 years. Swartz said he believes the large number of long-term associates with knowledge about how the products are made plays a critical role in training and onboarding new associates.
These days the order book is full, and production lines are running consistently. To attract and retain associates, the company recognizes the importance of associate well-being and giving back to the community. In addition to the traditional benefits offered, the company also includes flexible work hours and free onsite chair massages to help promote well-being. Activities like the Children’s Christmas Party and an annual summer event are opportunities for the whole family to participate. To encourage community support, Seaman Corporation has a donation matching program and also offers paid time off for associates to volunteer for a nonprofit of their choice.
Associate-driven safety, well-being and outreach committees offer ways for everyone to get involved beyond their daily responsibilities. The outreach committee recently completed its annual basket raffle, where departments compete to see who can come up with the most popular basket. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations on behalf of the associates.
“Our teams have a great time, and they do an amazing job putting these baskets together," said Susan Meade, VP of human resources. "They love supporting our community, and the competition for the best basket can get pretty fierce.”
The expected growth of the business will require additional production staff. Seaman Corporation is actively looking for candidates interested in starting a career in manufacturing or individuals looking for a change. Visit www.SeamanCorp.com/careers for more information.