Jan

100 Years of Ulbrich: The Next 100

In this twelfth and final installment of our historic 100th-anniversary article series, we look at our past and see how it has shaped our present and created the framework for our future. We thank you all for following along with this series and being a part of the Ulbrich story!

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From army mess kits valiantly carried onto the beaches of Normandy to rovers propelled into the furthest reaches of space, stainless steels and special metals rolled and distributed by Ulbrich companies have been on quite the journey over the last century.

The company too has twisted and turned, always changing to meet the demands of an ever-shifting market & materials landscape. But you don’t have to squint too hard to see clear values that have remained ever constant, sustaining the legacy of an American family business from 1924 to 2024.

A commitment to quality, to being “the best at whatever you do.” Perhaps above all, the Ulbrich’s have been defined by their unflinching conviction to do right by those around them: their workforce, their community, their customers. As they look to the future, toward the company’s next 100 years, these values will serve as a foundation for future generations to build upon. A north star that leads the Ulbrich’s and their more than 700 employees around the world toward an even more prosperous future.

A Strategic Vision for Ulbrich's Next 100 Years

Our Core Tenets

As Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals celebrates a century of excellence, our gaze is fixed not just on our past achievements but on shaping a future that embraces what’s next. To mark our 100th anniversary, we are unveiling an evolved set of Core Tenets that serve as a bridge between our rich history and the promising horizon ahead. These values,

woven into the fabric of our culture, guide every endeavor, decision, and interaction, ensuring a collective journey toward success.

Customer Responsiveness: At the forefront of our ethos lies an unwavering dedication to our customers. We embody urgency, recognizing the importance of swift action. Through nurturing relationships and consistently exceeding expectations, we forge partnerships that transcend transactions.

Continuous Improvement: Embracing the ethos of lifelong learning, we foster an environment of continuous growth and evolution. Our commitment to a lean, innovative culture propels us forward, ensuring we remain agile, adaptive, and at the forefront of innovation.

Total Company Involvement: The synergy of our collective efforts defines our success. In a collaborative team environment, effective communication serves as our cornerstone. We prioritize safety and environmental stewardship, recognizing our responsibility towards our workforce and the world around us.

Family Values: Respect, integrity, and empathy are the cornerstones of our community. We prioritize the wellbeing of our team members, offering robust health and wellness support, fostering loyalty, and championing community initiatives that extend our impact beyond business.

Quality Commitment: Precision is our promise, and it's upheld through continuous investment and an unwavering dedication to quality. We strive to surpass benchmarks, ensuring that quality remains at the forefront of everything we deliver.

These tenets aren't rigid doctrines; they're adaptable guidelines that flex and mold themselves to meet the evolving demands of our customers and the ever-changing landscape of our workforce. They signify our readiness to pivot and innovate, ensuring that Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals remains a dynamic force in an everchanging world.

Improving Lives with More than Metal

At Ulbrich Stainless Steel and Special Metals, we believe that our work transcends beyond the production of alloys. Our new purpose statement, "Improving Lives with More than Metal," encapsulates our commitment to making a meaningful impact in every aspect of our operations.

Our alloys are at the heart of life-changing applications. From medical devices that save lives to aerospace components that connect the world, our materials are instrumental in pioneering advancements. This isn't just metalworking—it's a dedication to innovation and excellence that enhances and protects lives every day.

But our influence extends far beyond the products we create. We're deeply committed to enriching the lives of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve. We invest in the growth and well-being of our team, creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Our relationships with customers are built on trust and mutual respect, driven by a shared goal of excellence.

Our philanthropic initiatives reflect our dedication to community. Whether it's collaborating with local schools to foster the next generation of manufacturers or participating in charitable endeavors, we're passionate about giving back. These efforts are not just corporate responsibility; they are integral to who we are.

"Improving Lives with More than Metal" is a promise. A promise to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible with our alloys, to support and uplift our people, and to be a force for good in our communities. At Ulbrich, we're not just manufacturing metal; we're improving lives.

Remaining Future-Focused

A key factor contributing to Ulbrich's remarkable success over the last century has been the family's steadfast long-term outlook. Today, the Ulbrich family, along with the dedicated members of our board of directors, continues to shape the company's direction. Together, they are making decisions that are not solely aimed at short term success, but rather to ensure the sustained growth of the company for future generations.

Our board of directors is comprised of a diverse group of individuals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Members within the Ulbrich family and business include Chris Ulbrich, Jonathan Ulbrich, Victor D'Amato, Derek Ulbrich, and Jason Ulbrich.

Recognizing the importance of outside perspectives, we have recently welcomed two distinguished external members, Steve Shifman and Joel Ross, to our board. Steve and Joel bring with them extensive business knowledge and experience, particularly in strategic planning within family-owned businesses. Their presence adds depth to our board's perspective and enhances our ability to make informed decisions that align with our long-term vision.

Our board's overarching goals are rooted in effective stewardship, continued business growth, and cultural engagement. By upholding these principles, we aim to ensure that Ulbrich remains not only relevant but thrives as the world continues to evolve. Through the combined efforts of family stewardship, the dedication of key employees, and the invaluable external perspectives number of talented fourth, and fifth generation children with a passion for metal flowing through their blood. We will see what the future holds in regards to developing the next generation of this great American family owned business.

Adapting to the Changing Landscape

As the market continuously evolves, Ulbrich recognizes the crucial importance of being even more intentional and strategic in how they partner with their customers to secure and fortify a solid market presence. Their capabilities driven approach and strategy have consistently served them well, but they remain acutely vigilant in adapting to ever-changing customer demands and the latest technological advancements. With their focused eyes set on the rapidly evolving and dynamic industries such as advanced space travel, cutting-edge medical wearables, and revolutionary fusion reactors, Ulbrich is uniquely poised to play an increasingly pivotal and influential role in shaping the future landscape of these groundbreaking and innovative applications.

Embracing New Technologies

Ulbrich acknowledges the power of technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI) and Industry 4.0 in driving operational efficiency. They have already started incorporating AI tools into their processes and remain committed to exploring new technologies that enhance their operations. These innovations not only optimize their production but also strengthen their competitive advantage in the industry.

Protecting Our Planet

Ulbrich recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship. As they look ahead, they aim to make conscious efforts to make the air and water cleaner by embracing sustainable practices. The company's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and minimizing environmental impact aligns with growing global concerns for a greener future.

Sustaining a Legacy

A strong company culture has been the cornerstone of Ulbrich's success, and it is a value they intend to carry into the next century. As a private company with succession plans in place, they ensure that the values and principles they have upheld for the past 100 years will continue to guide their journey.

Ulbrich Stainless Steel & Special Metals sets forth with a comprehensive and visionary plan for the next 100 years. With a focus on long-term planning, talent development, technology integration, and environmental responsibility, they embrace the future with confidence that no matter what happens, the company will be ready to adapt and thrive.

A continuous cornerstone for Ulbrich will always remain the strong company culture that has carried the company since its inception. With succession plans in place, the values and principles upheld for the past 100 years will continue be a guide for the business. Ulbrich's unwavering commitment to its workforce and customers ensures that the company will remain an industry leader, contributing to global technological advancements and shaping the landscape of stainless steel and special metals for generations to come.

The success of the last 100 years could not have been possible without dedicated customers, trustworthy suppliers, loyal employees, and members of our community. Ulbrich Steel’s history is special because of the contribution of these countless individuals and organizations. We embark on our company’s next 100 years, with gratitude for where we have come from, and optimism for what’s ahead.

CENTURY OF PRECISION

Consider for a moment, the improbability of the Ulbrich Steel story.

The unlikely transformation of Ulbrich began in the sleepy New England town of Wallingford, Connecticut. Fred Ulbrich Sr. was one of nine children raised by parents who were working class immigrants from Germany. In search of new opportunities after high school, Fred traveled West. He held a job for Donora Steel in Donora, Pennsylvania but eventually came home and in 1924, he founded a scrap business.

Fred Sr.’s company began as a metal scrapyard, oftentimes in disarray. During the first few years of operation, the Meriden Record newspaper described the property as an “auto graveyard” and reported that the Court of Burgesses had ordered Ulbrich to clean up the mess. Legend has it that Fred Sr. avoided a visit from the police by hiding inside of a scrap barrel. Ulbrich eventually paid a fine and he would do much more than tidy the scrapyard.

With help from his wife Ada and his neighbors, Fred Sr. entered the cutlery industry during a flatware boom in Meriden and Wallingford. It was around this time that he foresaw a niche in cold rolling small quantities of stainless steels and special metals. Within a span of three decades, he went from having the job title of “Junker" to becoming a founder of an international steel business. When he passed away in 1974, Fred Sr. passed down the business to his sons, Fred Jr., Dick and Dan - who later entrusted the company to the next generation of the family.

From humble beginnings, Ulbrich and its people have adapted to change while attaining quality craftsmanship, customer service and professionalism. The business was molded by depressions, world wars and space races and yet Ulbrich has exceeded expectations. One hundred years later, the family business is now a large-sized supplier of precision metal products with more than 700 employees worldwide.

This is our story.