SVAM Member News Update—Quarter 2, 2025

In this quarterly edition of the SVAM Member News Update, we bring you stories of growth, creativity, and community impact from across Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing sector. Discover how Hapco Pole Products reached the White House, how Somic America is investing in future talent, and how Simmons Equipment is expanding its international footprint. We also highlight sustainability efforts from Universal Fibers, infrastructure innovations from Strongwell, and digital tools from Westlake Royal.

Plus, hear how SVAM’s outreach programs—from career signing celebrations to college panels—are helping shape the next generation of skilled professionals. It’s a full roundup of the people, projects, and progress powering our region forward.

SVAM members are invited to submit news for the next episode by emailing programassistant@swvam.org.

Interested in becoming a member of SVAM?

Careers: https://swvam.org/mfgcareers/

Resource Database: https://swvam.org/resource-database/

Become a Member: https://swvam.org/membership/become-a-member/

Hapco: https://www.hapco.com/

Somic America: https://somicamerica.com/

Simmons Equipment: https://simmonsequip.com/

Universal Fibers: https://www.universalfibers.com/

Strongwell: https://www.strongwell.com/

Westlake: https://www.westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com/

Lennie Gail Mitcham's service recognition

Transcript

Welcome to the SVAM Member News Update—your quarterly roundup of major headlines and milestones from the manufacturing sector in Southwest Virginia.

In this episode, we’ll explore stories that celebrate growth, innovation, education, and impact—from high-tech donations in Wythe County classrooms to flagpoles built for the White House. We’ll also recognize career-signing celebrations, workforce scholarships, and the continued expansion of Southwest Virginia’s manufacturing reach—locally and globally.

Let’s dive in.

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We begin in Abingdon, Virginia, where Hapco Pole Products recently played a unique role in one of the most iconic locations in the United States: the White House.

Through its sister company, Concord American Flagpole, Hapco delivered two nearly 100-foot-tall aluminum shaft flagpoles to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The poles were manufactured at Hapco’s facility right here in Southwest Virginia and reflect the company’s commitment to American-made precision and craftsmanship. It’s a proud milestone for Hapco—and one that literally stands tall in American history.

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In Wytheville, Somic America is making investments in more than just equipment—they’re investing in the next generation of talent. The company recently donated 10 welding simulators and 3D scanners to Wythe County Public Schools as part of its support for the GO TEC program, which introduces middle school students to science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on learning.

With this donation, students in Wythe County now have access to the full set of GO TEC learning modules, including welding and reverse engineering. Somic’s investment underscores how critical STEM skills are to modern manufacturing—and how committed our regional employers are to helping students build them.

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On the global stage, Simmons Equipment, based in Tazewell County, was recently announced as one of the Virginia companies selected to expand internationally through the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program, part of the Commonwealth’s trade accelerator initiative.

This program helps established companies enter new international markets, and Simmons’ inclusion reflects both its track record and its potential to grow Virginia’s presence in the global mining equipment market.

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In the realm of sustainable innovation, Universal Fibers has partnered with Circular Building Solutions to advance flooring circularity and reduce waste across the supply chain. The collaboration focuses on designing flooring materials with recyclability in mind—an important step toward lowering the environmental footprint of commercial interiors.

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Strongwell, headquartered in Bristol, continues to make waves in the world of composite materials. The company was recently featured for its role in supplying fiber-reinforced polymer components for critical infrastructure applications—reinforcing Strongwell’s position as a leader in advanced material manufacturing across the U.S.

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Westlake Royal Building Products, with operations in Marion, recently launched a new Outdoor Design Visualizer Tool for its Kindred Outdoors & Surrounds product line. The tool helps homeowners and designers visualize outdoor living spaces using Westlake’s stone veneer products—another example of how our regional manufacturers continue to blend craftsmanship with digital innovation.

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Now, let’s turn to a few recent SVAM-led initiatives, starting with one of our favorite new traditions: Manufacturing Careers Signing Day.

On May 6, SVAM hosted the 2025 Signing Day celebration at Smyth County Career and Technology Center, where six students signed letters of intent to pursue careers in welding, machining, and engineering. The students also committed to interviews with regional manufacturers including Smyth County Machine, Wolf Hills Fabricators, Mohawk, Utility Trailer, and Hapco Pole Products.

This event recognizes skilled trades with the same pride and ceremony often reserved for athletic signings—because the future of our workforce deserves it.

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SVAM also awarded its annual Manufacturing Careers Scholarships to 11 outstanding high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education in manufacturing-related fields.

These up to $2,000 scholarships are designed to support students entering fields like welding, machining, robotics, industrial maintenance, design, and engineering. Our thanks to the SVAM Scholarship Committee for their work reviewing applications and interviews—and congratulations to all the recipients.

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This spring, SVAM also expanded its student outreach efforts through the Opportunities in Manufacturing program, reaching more than 500 students across Grayson, Scott, Smyth, Washington, Bland, and Wythe Counties.

At each visit, students learned about career paths, industry wages, and the diverse educational routes available to enter the field—from certifications to four-year degrees. Many were surprised by just how many manufacturers operate right in their communities—and how competitive the career opportunities can be.

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Meanwhile, SVAM’s Manufacture Your Career events continued this spring, with panel discussions at Mountain Empire, Wytheville, and Virginia Highlands Community Colleges. Students heard directly from local manufacturing professionals about career journeys, industry changes, and current job opportunities.

These conversations play an important role in changing outdated perceptions and sparking interest in careers many students might not have otherwise considered.

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And before we close, one very special recognition.

The SVAM Board of Directors recently honored Executive Director Lennie Gail Mitcham for 12 years of service and leadership. Since 2013, Lennie Gail has helped grow SVAM’s membership, expand its programming, and strengthen its role as a trusted resource for the region’s manufacturers. Her vision and tireless advocacy have shaped the future of manufacturing in Southwest Virginia, and her legacy continues to guide our work every day.

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That wraps up this edition of the SVAM Member News Update. If your company has news to share for our next episode—whether it’s an award, an expansion, a new product, or a workforce initiative—email us at programassistant@swvam.org.

Until next time, thank you for listening—and thank you for supporting manufacturing in Southwest Virginia.