For Additional Information Contact:
William Polacek, President & CEO: (814) 532-4116
Email: jtrabold@jwfi.com
JWF Industries Honored as a U.S. Best-in-Class Employer by Gallagher
Gallagher’s Benchmarking Analysis Highlights Organizations Leading the Way in Employee and Organizational Wellbeing
Johnstown, PA (December 16, 2025) —JWF Industries has been recognized as a Best-in-Class Employer as outlined in Gallagher’s 2025 U.S. Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey for implementing effective strategies and achieving measurable outcomes, such as cost reductions and enhanced employee wellbeing. This prestigious honor underscores JWF Industries’ outstanding dedication to fostering a workplace where employees thrive through innovative strategies that prioritize health, financial confidence, and career growth—all while maintaining a sustainable cost structure.
A Workplace That Inspires
Gallagher’s Best-in-Class Employer designation serves as a testament to JWF Industries’ people-first approach. It communicates to both current and prospective employees that the organization is deeply invested in their wellbeing and professional success.
“This recognition means a great deal to all of us,” said Tom Polacek, Executive Vice President of JWF Industries. “Being named Best in Class Employer reflects the heart of who we are. Our people are the reason we continue to grow, serve our customers, and strengthen our community. At JWF, we talk about the JWFamily, and this award affirms that our culture of teamwork, respect, and caring for one another is not just something we say—it’s something we live every day. We are proud to offer extraordinary benefits—including exceptional health care coverage and up to a 10 percent 401(k) match—because investing in our people is at the core of who we are.”
The Best in Class award highlights JWF Industries’ ongoing efforts to provide competitive benefits, career development opportunities, and a workplace environment where employees feel valued and supported.
What Makes JWF Industries Best in Class?
Gallagher’s rigorous evaluation process assessed organizations across several critical areas, and [Organization Name] excelled in:
Planning horizons for benefits and compensation strategies
Extent of the wellbeing strategy
Turnover rate for full-time equivalents (FTEs)
Completion of a workforce engagement survey
Degree of retirement planning support provided
Difference in healthcare costs over the prior year
“When employees feel valued, supported and connected, they perform at their best—driving positivity, retention, and overall business prosperity,” said John Tournet, U.S. CEO of Gallagher’s Benefits & HR Consulting Division. “This proactive approach to people strategy is what makes JWF Industries a true Best-in-Class Employer.”
About the Best-in-Class Benchmarking Analysis
Gallagher’s U.S. Best-in-Class Benchmarking Analysis profiles statistically significant attributes of top-performing midsize (100-999 FTEs) and large employers (1,000 or more FTEs). Data from Gallagher’s 2025 U.S. Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey was interpreted to identify participants that excel in optimizing employee and organizational wellbeing.
About JWF Industries
JWF Industries designs, manufactures, and integrates metal centric products by growing with the right people, the right processes, the right markets, and the right customers. Capabilities include program management, engineering, laser services, welding, forming, machining, integration, assembly, and coatings. JWF Industries and JWF Defense Systems have locations in Johnstown, PA; Baltimore, MD; and Edenton, NC.
Founder William (Bill) Polacek, CEO and Chairman of the Board of JWF Industries, started the company over 38 years ago in a two-car garage with the goal of growing the company to create local jobs.
Today, the company has operating sales over $100 million. It occupies over 1.3 million square feet of manufacturing space and currently employs over 400 professionals. The company’s growth and success were achieved by developing and promoting skilled workers and leaders from within.
The company is dedicated to its employees, its communities, and its global customers in the energy, commercial, transportation, and defense industries. To learn more about JWF Industries, visit www.jwfi.com.
About Gallagher
Gallagher (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.
