Member Spotlight: Web Seal, Inc.

Web Seal started in 1960 as Web Gasket Company in Webster. Prior to establishing the company, Don Hurley was a purchasing agent for American Brake Shoe.  In his position, he realized there were few sources for gaskets and seals, and founded the company to fulfill that need.  Today, Web Seal, as an ISO 9001: 2008 registered company, serves the global marketplace with a full range of O-rings, gaskets, die cuts, seals, and other elastomeric products.  Web Seal has grown and changed as Rochester's manufacturing sector changed.  "Our commitment to Rochester is demonstrated by the company's continued presence in the downtown area since 1964," said John Hurley, Don's son, and president of Web Seal, which currently employs 15 people.

Interesting Fact about Company
Web Seal, which is located in the former Hudson Dairy garage on Oregon Street, was protected by its neighbors during the 1964 riots. Web Seal has ties to innovation both past and present.  "We provided seals to Eastman Kodak cameras that were part of the first Apollo moon landings and have worked closely with General Motors in the early development stages of fuel cell technology," Hurley said.

What's New at Web Seal
In the last two years sales at Web Seal have grown 60 percent. Web Seal also celebrated 50 years as a Parker Hannifin Seal Group Distributor, and is introducing new materials and products for the biodiesel, wind, alternative energy and food processing markets.

Challenges
"Having survived the recession of 2008-09, our biggest challenge is to grow profitably in an increasingly competitive manufacturing environment, both domestically and internationally," Hurley said. We're addressing these challenges by remaining a lean, focused organization and through more creative partnerships with customers and suppliers.  Another challenge is integrating social media into our business-to-business marketing and operational functions."

Rochester Business Alliance Member
Web Seal has been a member of the Rochester Business Alliance and its predecessor, the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, for more than 40 years.  "We continue our membership to support the legislative and economic development initiatives of the RBA and to access the information and assistance available from the Human Resources Helpline and affordable training opportunities," Hurley said.

Contact Info
John Hurley, president
Web Seal, Inc.
15 Oregon St.
Rochester, NY 14605
(585) 546-1320
www.websealinc.com

By Kevin Donahue, director of membership and business development