Life’sWork of Western PA has proudly named Schroeder Industries as one of its 2024 Business Partners of the Year. This accolade recognizes not just the outstanding work that Schroeder Industries has done within their workforce but also the meaningful partnership that has flourished with Life’sWork over the past two years, leading to the employment of more than 75 individuals with disabilities.
The Meaning Behind the Life’sWork Business Partner of the Year Award
As an organization dedicated to empowering individuals through meaningful employment opportunities, Life’sWork of Western PA annually recognizes local businesses that have significantly contributed to this mission. The Business Partner of the Year award celebrates companies that actively engage with and support Life’sWork in its efforts to make a difference in the community.
This year, Life’sWork has recognized Schroeder Industries as a standout partner. Their collaboration with Life’sWork exemplifies the kind of meaningful relationship that this award aims to honor. By working together, they have not only achieved business success but also enriched the lives of those they serve.
Schroeder Industries: A Legacy of Success
Schroeder Industries is a company known for its excellence in manufacturing and innovation and has been a staple in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania for more than 76 years. With a focus on providing cutting-edge products and services, they have established themselves as leaders in their field. But beyond their business achievements, Schroeder Industries is committed to making a positive impact in the communities in which they operate.
Founded on principles of integrity and quality, Schroeder Industries has always prioritized the well-being of their employees and the communities they serve. This commitment to social responsibility is one of the reasons why their partnership with Life’sWork has been so successful.
From manufacturing innovative filtration solutions to addressing global challenges, Schroeder Industries demonstrates that they are not just about business; they are about building a better world. By partnering with Life’sWork, they have extended this philosophy to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities.
What We Accomplish Together
Despite the difficult operating environment of high-efficiency filtration, the collaboration between Schroeder Industries and Life’sWork has proven advantageous for both parties since 2022.
Schroeder Industries Planning and Production Supervisor Corey Then recalls, “About two years ago we had our previous vendor shut down, and we were looking for another vendor to do our projects. We got an employee referral that Life’sWork could do the same projects that this vendor did, so we reached out. They came out and did some time studies and plant visits, and we realized it would be a good working relationship.”
With shared values and a commitment to quality, it has been a partnership grounded in mutual respect and common goals.
Arpan Shah, purchasing manager at Schroeder Industries, reflects on this synergy, saying, “We thought it would be a good opportunity for us to transition some of that business over to them, and really most of all it was the people that were working there seemed like they really cared about the work that they were doing. They are people that care about the quality of their work, and that’s a recipe for success on both sides.”
Through this collaboration, not only have projects been successfully completed, but the employees at Life’sWork have also grown in their skills and confidence. Tara Zimmerman, director of business services at Life’sWork, explains, “The clients’ work knowledge and growth has expanded working with Schroeder over the last two years. They are using different tools, they’re asking to be involved with the project, they want to learn how the whole SKB assembly comes into play—so there has been a growth of [clients] asking to take advantage of the work opportunities that Schroeder has provided.”
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Schroeder Industries and Life’sWork as they continue to work together to create opportunities and drive positive change.
For those interested in learning more about how local businesses and community organizations can collaborate for mutual success, Life’sWork offers a wealth of resources and support. By engaging with their programs and initiatives, businesses can find new ways to contribute to the community while achieving their own goals.
To explore more about Life’sWork and how you can become involved, visit http://lifesworkwpa.org/ways-to-give. Together, we can all play a part in building a better, more inclusive world for everyone.
