Solar Atmospheres of Western Pennsylvania, based in Hermitage, has grown into one of the nation’s premier providers of vacuum heat treating. With furnaces capable of handling some of the largest parts in the country and a workforce dedicated to consistency and care, the company reflects the strengths and challenges that many members of the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition (LMMC) share.
Growth Fueled by Investment
At 115,000 square feet, the Hermitage plant is a showcase of scale and innovation. The site employs about 75 people, each trained to manage highly technical processes that support customers nationwide.
Solar Atmospheres serves a wide range of markets, including aerospace, medical, defense and more, making the company’s precision and consistency essential to its reputation.
“Next year we’re going to be celebrating our 25th anniversary at this facility, but we’ve been heat treating for nearly 50 years now,” said Michael Johnson, Sales Director. “We’re the largest American owned heat treater in the United States, and this facility in Hermitage houses some of the largest vacuum equipment commercially available in the world.”
A Family-Oriented Legacy
Though operations span seven U.S. locations, Solar Atmospheres maintains a culture deeply rooted in family values. The company was founded by Bill Jones, who, along with his wife Myrtle, still stays connected with the business even in his 90s.
That sense of family extends to the workplace.
“This is a family run company, and that feeling extends to how we operate,” said Zachary Thomas, Outside Sales Manager. “Everybody here pulls together, and that’s why people stay. It’s a place where you can build a career, not just a job.”
Workforce Development at the Core
Even with world-class equipment, Solar Atmospheres points to its people as the foundation of success. Employees are trained to manage highly technical processes, and leadership emphasizes mentorship and career development.
“It all comes down to people. We can buy new furnaces and expand the building, but without skilled people running it, none of it works,” said Kevin Bekelja, Vice President of Operations. “Training and developing our employees is the only way we keep delivering what our customers expect.”
Addressing the Hiring Challenge
Like many coalition members, Solar Atmospheres is concerned about hiring enough people locally to meet demand.
“When we came out here in 2001, if I put a little sign out front, by the end of the day I would have 100 applicants. Now it is not like that,” said Bekelja. “For our growth to continue, we need kids to stay here and not go somewhere else.”
Further, the company will participate in the Talent Factory youth initiative launching this fall, which will introduce students to manufacturing careers and give employers a direct connection to the next generation of workers. They also look forward to leveraging their LMMC membership to get more active in the community and in schools.
A Model for the Region
Solar Atmospheres’ story is one of precision, scale and people. Its investments in equipment, safety and workforce development make it a model of modern manufacturing. Its family-centered culture shows the lasting values that carry through generations, and its commitment to collaboration reflects the spirit of LMMC members working together to shape a stronger future for Lawrence and Mercer counties.
