When you think
of the global electronics industry, you probably don’t think of
Eastlake, Ohio – unless of course you’re one of the worldwide
manufacturers who have relied on Sawyer Technical Materials for nearly
half a century.
“Fifty years ago
in 1956, C.B. Sawyer and (a team of fellow researchers) created the
first commercially viable method for growing quartz crystals,” says Vice
President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer for Sawyer
Technical Materials, Fred S. Taylor. The need for manufactured crystals
was initially driven by the U.S. Army’s interest in developing an
alternative supply to the world’s natural quartz mines, in part because
of the strategic role quartz played in war-time communication devices.
As communication devices infiltrated consumer markets, though, the
demand for quartz – and Sawyer’s customer base – expanded. Since 1956,
Sawyer has supplied specialty materials for products ranging from CB
radios and computers to cell phones and automotive sensors, and the firm
looks forward to supporting the next generation of manufacturers as
well. “The company is investigating new technologies including micron
and nano-sized high purity powders and solutions,” Taylor says.
Between its
corporate headquarters in Eastlake and its facility in Conroe, Texas,
Sawyer has 111 employees in the United States. An additional 76
employees work in China as part of a joint venture; and according to
Taylor, Sawyer works hard to give all of its associates a stake in the
company’s success.
“We believe our
401k plan is above average with immediate eligibility, 100 percent
vesting (on) day one, 100 percent match up to the first 5 percent
contributed, and an additional 2 percent profit sharing contribution.
All employees participate in a profit sharing incentive plan,” Taylor
says. “We believe this plan encourages all employees to think and act
more like owners…”
The company also
provides employees with innovative training opportunities. “We recently
took the entire Eastlake plant on a field trip to the Great Lakes
Science Center,” Taylor says. “We watched the NASCAR IMAX movie and had
a training session to connect racing team concepts to our own culture
and vision.”
Tuition
reimbursement and opportunities for internal advancement are additional
benefits. Numerous employees, according to Taylor, have gotten their
education and then risen through the ranks with the company’s support.
“Steve Balog started on the plant floor in 1974, obtained a bachelor’s
degree and is now the Eastlake Quality Manager,” he says, citing one of
many success stories.
The secret to
Sawyer’s longevity as an industry leader is a simple one, according to
Taylor. Year after year, the company’s emphasis on technology,
innovation, and teamwork has enabled the firm to provide exceptional
products for its customers and rewarding jobs for its employees.
