Salem FTG Announces Executive Retirements

Willard, Synon and Hessom to be Recognized at GlassBuild 2024

Winston-Salem, NC, (25 September 2024) – Salem Fabrication Technologies Group (SFTG), the parent company of HHH Equipment Resources, a team of industry-leading glass fabrication experts, announces the retirements of three longtime leaders.  Mike Willard, CEO of SFTG, has announced he will be retiring in mid-2025. Mike Synon, President of HHH Equipment Resources, and Terry Hessom, Vice President of Operations for HHH Equipment Resources, will also retire at the end of 2024.  All have dedicated their careers to advancing the glass industry and have made significant contributions to the company.

As CEO of SFTG since 2010, Mike Willard has made tremendous impact on the company, leading Salem through numerous acquisitions and expansions during his time as CEO.  His vision for Salem will continue to guide the company for years to come.  Mike Synon has been a cornerstone of the machinery team, known for his outstanding leadership, innovative strategies, and deep industry knowledge.  His commitment to customers has driven SFTG's success and set new standards in the field. Terry Hessom has been instrumental in fostering operational excellence and a culture of collaboration and growth.  His dedication to the company's technical mission and passion for helping customers achieve their goals have inspired his colleagues.

In recognition of their impactful careers, SFTG CEO Mike Willard expressed his gratitude, stating, "Mike and Terry's legacy will continue to influence our work for years to come.  Their dedication and leadership have set a high bar for all of us at SFTG."  Both Synon and Hessom have worked closely with their successors over the last 18 months in preparation for the transition.  The succession plan for Mike Willard will be announced in 2025.

The Salem/HHH team looks forward to recognizing these retirements with a celebratory cocktail reception at GlassBuild America 2024 in Dallas, TX.  Attending customers and media are invited to join at booth #27037 on October 1 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

About Salem Fabrication Technologies Group

Celebrating 90 years serving the glass industry, Salem Fabrication Technologies Group is a 100% employee-owned certified company with sales representatives and support staff strategically located throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Salem is an industry-leading supplier of fabrication equipment, materials and technical expertise, including glass, stone, ophthalmic, precision and more.  Building on a wealth of product and process knowledge unique to a single company, it remains on the cutting edge of innovation in the fabrication industry.  Salem is headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC and maintains offices and warehouses in Santa Fe Springs, CA, New Kensington, PA, Vancouver, WA and Toronto-Ontario, Canada.