Local News

Haltec recognized for growth and innovation

LEETONIA -- On the surface, Haltec Corporation is in the business of tire valves, but the Salem-based manufacturer has emerged as a leader in another commodity -- innovation.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognized Haltec for its forward thinking, growth and commitment to both the industry it serves and the people it employs, naming Haltec the 2024 Great Lakes Regional Exporter of the Year during a trophy presentation at the company's manufacturing facility in Leetonia on Wednesday.

"It's fascinating to think that this small business in Ohio is producing these products that are then exported to over 50 different countries across the world. Think about it, 50 different countries. That is a remarkable feat," said SBA Deputy District Director Clark Bihag. "As they continue to grow and expand and reach out to different markets, they continue to hire more people. Two out of three new jobs in this country are created by small businesses and more than half of the labor force either works for or owns a small business. This is why we celebrate small businesses and Haltec is a prime example of what small businesses can do."

The company was founded on innovation when Haltec opened 55 years ago in a facility on North Price Road in Salem by John Hall and from his ability to think outside of the box to manufacture larger valves for larger tires. Haltec now produces valves for vehicles used in aviation, construction, mining and farming industries by brands such as John Deere and Caterpillar.

"When World War II ended tires got bigger and the need to inflate and deflate tires got even larger. It was taking too much time so our founder came up with a solution to create larger valves that could inflate and deflate ties faster than before," said Michael Adelman, Haltec National Account Manager. "From there, we expanded to even larger and larger size valves, and continued to inflation solutions to torque solutions which is where we are today."

As Haltec's ideas expanded, so did its operations. A 29,000-square-foot facility was built in Leetonia, and, in 2019, a 59,000-square-foot one was added to the location on Industry Street. The company, which began with just five employees, later opened locations in Florida and Ireland. Today, Haltec employs over 250 people.

Adelman attributed Haltec's growth to keeping up to date on emerging technology and creating new technology. Haltec does not follow where the industry goes, it forges the path. While fiercely proud of its past, Haltec is focused on the future. Currently, the company is looking into the Brazil market and concentrating on torque and integrating technology into apps.

"We want to continue to provide the industry with the latest and greatest technology and solutions that will help keep people safe, help people do their job," he said. "We want to be a leader, stay ahead of the industry and continue to provide innovative solutions."

Those solution-solving skills transcend tires and when the National Football League came knocking on its door, Haltec answered. In 2015, the league found itself immersed in controversy known as "deflategate" when Tom Brady was accused of ordering the deliberate deflation of footballs that were used in New England's victory in the championship game. The NFL turned to Haltec's expertise in the field of inflation. Haltec now makes the machine that fills the footballs to the league-regulated 12.5 to 13.5 PSI (pounds per square inch) at the Wilson Football Factory and oversees delivery to the NFL to insure the pigskins are ready to go at kickoff.

"Inflation is inflation and the technology used to inflate a tire is the same technology we are using to inflate footballs," Adelman said. "The NFL came to us and asked for a solution, we did a quick study on it and now we are managing the football from when it's manufactured at the Wilson Facility in Ada, Ohio all the way until it's used on gameday. It's one of our more fun projects."

As fun as the partnership with Wilson and the NFL project is, Haltec takes its role and responsibility as an industry leader seriously. It's not all fun and games.

"Our motivation is to keep people safe. Our number one priority is to create a quality product that keeps the end user safe," Adelman said. "There are way too many times that a bad part causes a tire failure, and that's people's lives. That's very serious stuff so our commitment is to continue to make quality parts made by people here in the United States."

That starts right here in Columbiana County.

"As you can see from Haltec's success and other small businesses, they are not making a living for themselves. They are also making their neighborhoods and communities a vibrant place to live and work," Bihag said. "Haltec is an example of how small businesses are continuing to strengthen the local and national economies."

selverd@mojonews.com