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October 23, 2024 2024 ESOP Essentials

Howell Laboratories Inc. (HLI)

PHOTO courtesy


Operational Overview

Description of the products/services offered: HLI manufactures fluid process equipment for the US Navy, including dehydration and water systems. It has two divisions: GDL Powder Coating (GDL), which specializes in industrial and MIL-SPEC powder coating, and ODAT Machine, a precision machine shop that machines parts for submarines and other high-tech industrial uses. HLI is also in a Joint Venture with Howell CleanTech (HCT), exploring anaerobic digestors and producing clean ammonia.

Market presence and competitive positioning: HLI has been supplying products to the Navy for over sixty years. Our products are on every surface ship in the Navy’s fleet, and we have been able to adapt as Navy requirements have changed. Being an ESOP gives us the advantage of having employees with an ownership culture. We take tremendous pride in supporting our sailors and our employee-owner team members.

Geographic reach or areas of operation: HLI and GDL are located in Bridgton, ME., and ODAT Machine is in Gorham, ME. We support all the shipyards and the Navy fleet, whether here at BIW or on the other side of the world in port at Bahrain. Our field service team is ready to help them when called upon.

Employee Participation and Benefits

Success story of an employee who has benefited from the ESOP: Every one of our employees has benefited from the ESOP. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, we paid out over a million dollars in ESOP retirement benefits. This did not include what the employees had in a 401(k). The benefit of being an ESOP is that it gives each employee added wealth to diversify the hard-earned money that they have helped create over the years. Not only does it help at retirement, but it also helps build a culture of pride among co-workers that we are doing an important part in keeping our sailors safe at sea.

How the company communicates with employees about the ESOP: Our ESOP Ownership Culture Committee (OCC) focuses on ESOP education, communication, and organized events. This group and management work to keep ESOP culture an important part of our focus. We incorporate newsletters, handouts, games, monthly meetings, and lunch-and-learns throughout the year. We also send employees to ESOP training and conferences to gain an outside perspective..

Company Culture

Company culture and values: We have six values: ownership, accountability, integrity, feedback, empathy, and openness. These values are important to our decision-making. As a company, we feel that benefits and company perks, such as flexible hours, are important, but we find that our employees appreciate open communication, shared strategic goals, mutual respect, and sharing high-level financial information to hit our goals. This builds a strong ownership culture.

Employee testimonial or quotes: “I weld the components that go on Navy carriers. Employee Ownership leads to quality and accountability, no exceptions. My son, a Navy Chief and his crew are on one of those carriers right now.” — James Ruhland

“I have been with Howell Laboratories for 5 years as the Government Contracts Manager. I was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago. The support system was and still is amazing. HLI only wanted the best for us and our recovery. They offer so much to their employees and the local community. It is an honor to work for a heartfelt company.” —Cindy Merrill

“I started with this company Feb. 24th 2022. I feel blessed and lucky to work here with these great people who have become family. We genuinely care for one another. They want you to continue your education if you want, and they will even pay for it. I am taking certified courses to improve my job. This company is probably the best place to work in the State! This is the company I will be at for the rest of my working life, I will retire from here! Until then, I will work hard and make them all proud, hopefully!” —Kitrina Steinsiek

“I have been in the trade since 1992, working in many different manufacturing roles ranging from machining and assembly to Managing teams of people both on the floor and in the office. I can honestly say that Howell Labs has set itself apart from every company I have worked for. Past companies have always said the “right things” yet rarely followed through. I can confidently say for the first time that this company truly does what it says it will do and values its associate’s contribution more than anything. There has not been a single statement made to me during the acquisition process that did not come to fruition. My entire team has a renewed sense of support and family under the guidance of Howell Labs.” —Robert Prescott.

Awards & Recognitions

“Best Places to Work in Maine” 2022, 2023

100%

Company ownership held by employees through the ESOP

Company Info

President/CEO: Joseph McDonnell

Employees: 72

Location/Headquarters: Headquarters in Bridgton, ME, with ODAT Machine division in Gorham, ME.

Founded: 1964

Transitioned to ESOP: 1995