George Kern learned the craft of welding as an airplane mechanic while stationed in the Aleutian Islands with the Navy during World War II. Once back home from the service, George recognized a need the local farming community had for welding services and launched Swanton Welding & Machining in 1956. As a small welding shop, the company’s focus was on equipment repair for farmers and small factory projects. After Kern put in three years of nearly around the clock work six days a week, it became a full time operation by 1959 in an era when welders faced plenty of competition.
In 1973, growth continued and George brought on Norm Zeiter (his son-in-law) as his first full time employee. Two additional employees were added shortly after and by 1980, they had grown to a total of six employees.
They expanded their facility to 1,500 square feet only to get caught in a recession, yet the business still grew from 1981 to 1983.
Norm expanded the company from a small welding shop to one of the Ohio’s largest metal fabricators.
The new facility, which employed 25 people, specialized in the following services:
One of the reasons contractors turn to Swanton Welding is because structural steel construction has several advantages over other building methods. Structural steel can be useful for building both residential and commercial properties due to its low maintenance and sturdy framing that can withstand disasters. Swanton Welding is also favored by big contractors because it offers finishes in addition to custom welding and fabrication. Other services include painting, blasting, steel processing, rolling and forming and a variety of machining processes.
Today Swanson Welding lives on in the new century with the goal of becoming one of the most diversified steel fabricating companies in the United States. The company continues to set high standards for quality, custom metal fabrication and on-time delivery. Although Norm passed away in 2014, the company preserves his passion for meeting customer needs with the help of quality equipment and dedicated employees who have stayed with the company for over 25 years.
So how has SWC managed to stay in business for 60 years, outlasting several recessions and a long list of competitors that have come and gone? The main key is that the company only hires certified welding experts who strive to keep making its customized services better. By focusing on the needs and desires of its customers, the company has built strong loyal relationships.
Another secret to SWC’s longevity is that it treats customers as partners. Instead of offering one size fits all services, the company bases projects on what the customer needs done, whether it involves welding for energy utilities, military, agriculture or other industries. The company builds towers, conveyor systems, truck beds and farming equipment, as no project is too big.
Continuing his father’s legacy, Norm E. Zeiter proudly serves as president today. The company is blessed with an experienced team that understands and lives the values that are so important to making Swanton Welding and Machining the company it is today.
Swanton Welding has not only served loyal customers for decades with quality custom solutions, it has maintained the highest of standards in the process. It’s a company built from the ground up that values teamwork and helping other businesses become as strong as steel.
We appreciate you taking the time to learn about our proud company history.
Sincerely,
Norm E. Zeiter
President
{{cta(‘9de6cf66-73c1-4199-b03a-ec3f72fedefa’)}}