It’s time to talk Leadership. Something good is going on in Pennsylvania. And Maryland too. These states had several companies represented in our Leadership top five. Many of the companies had a long history, going back more than a hundred years, and some well before that. One company was founded in 1797. Read on to learn more about these pillars of success, both in terms of longevity and quality.
ARTICLE INDEX
1. Garlock Leads the Way
Manufacturing success at Garlock Sealing Technologies.
Garlock Sealing Technologies, Palmyra, NY
www.garlock.com
Garlock Sealing Technologies has been around for more than 130 years. Today the company uses lean techniques such as kaizen and 5S, as well as Six Sigma, to reach their continuous improvement goals. They manufacture sealing solutions with an emphasis on safety, longevity and productivity.
“At Garlock, we pride ourselves on developing solutions, not just products,” according to the company website. “Throughout our 130-year history, this approach to product innovation has led to numerous game-changing technologies that deliver unprecedented value, longevity, and reliability for our customers.”
In addition to focuses on customers, the company also prioritizes the environment. “Garlock is also focused on the creation of a more environmentally sustainable workplace,” according to the website. “Since 2005, Garlock has invested over $35 million in these initiatives, including replacing inefficient wastewater treatment plants, restoring valuable wetlands on campus, and constructing new, energy-efficient manufacturing facilities.”
2. Centuries of Progress
Metal powder innovation since John Adams was in office.
Höganäs, Hollsopple, PA
www.hoganas.com
Not many companies doing business today have been around since 1797. Höganäs has. Today the metal powder company has about 2,300 employees and offers more than 3,500 products, mostly customer specific, from 15 production centers around the world, according to the company website.
In October last year [2024] the company celebrated twenty-five years in North America. “It was a true pleasure to celebrate our 25-year anniversary in North America with our employees, customers, suppliers, group management and other important partners,” said Dean Howard, market president, North America on the company’s website. “Our team has built a great foundation over these years through hard work, dedication and perseverance. Everyone should be very proud of their contribution in reaching this important milestone. I look forward to continuing the journey!”
3. Success at Smiths
If you’re looking to see what top companies in quality are doing, read on.
Smiths Detection, Edgewood, MD
www.smithsdetection.com
Smiths Detection may not be a household name but you have likely used one of their products. Next time you go through airport security, look at the X-ray screening machine.
The company’s main product is X-ray screening machines, both in the TSA lines as well as the lower level of the airports, used in countries around the world.
The company maintains its high quality through programs such as Six Sigma. “From there it’s the culture we have and our basic values of integrity, respect, ownership, customer focus and passion,” says Clint Lancaster, senior manufacturing engineer, Smiths Detection.
The company handles a lot of government contracts, with all the regulations that involves, as well as adhering to ISO standards. This makes for a challenging environment but a successful one.
4. Littlestown Leads the Way
If you’re looking to see what some top companies in quality are doing, read on.
Littlestown Foundry, Littlestown, PA
www.littlestownfoundry.com
Littlestown Foundry is not afraid of innovation.
Luther D. and Emory H. Snyder started the Littlestown Hardware and Foundry Company Inc. in 1916. Today, the company is even making parts for the solar industry.
“Obviously to be in business for 108 years you have to have done some things right,” says Steven Kress, V.P. & General Manager, Littlestown Foundry. “Quality really separates us. The quality of our castings is at the highest level.”
The quality inspection department might be one person, but 97 people are inspecting a part along the way. Employees have been trained to look at a part before they start working on it, which means there are a lot more eyes on a part. Each employee is empowered to fail a casting or to point out a defect.
For companies who are looking to improve quality, Kress says ISO is a big factor.
5. Top Quality at New Vista
If you’re looking to see what some top companies in quality are doing, here’s your chance.
New Vista Corp. Baltimore, MD
www.newvistacorp.com
The view from New Vista Corp. looks bright, as the company is seeing demand in new markets.
“We’re in a good time right now for American manufacturing,” says Walter Milligan, sales and marketing manager at New Vista Corp. “I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops.”
“The biggest thing now is expanding the industries we serve. Traditionally most of our customer base has been automotive, but we’ve seen a surge in aerospace opportunities.”
With this increased demand, the company is focused on expanding into new markets such as aerospace, defense and medical.
