Al Stewart
Founder, SWF Industrial
(1957–2020)
“Al Stewart was the most determined man I’ve ever known.”
— Brian Reider, COO & Employee #6
The Legacy of Al Stewart
Hands-On Leadership
In 1980, Al Stewart opened the doors to SWF Industrial, not far from the banks of the Susquehanna River in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania. With two rented bays, a welding torch, and an iron will, he built a legacy that still stands strong more than forty years later. What began as a humble operation soon grew under Al’s leadership into a regional force in custom metal fabrication. His reach extended across the Mid-Atlantic, but his roots — and his standards — always stayed close to home.
Al led with quiet intensity. He demanded excellence, but he also believed deeply in people. His leadership was hands-on. He thrived alongside his team in the shop, solving problems. He was often out in the field building relationships with customers who came to know SWF as a name they could trust. He pushed for growth - often going further than most to deliver on a promise - but never at the expense of quality, safety, or integrity.
Al's Definition of Success
For Al, the most valuable asset any business could have was its people. His definition of success was simple: give good people the opportunity to make a good living. He demonstrated that commitment by working hard, taking risks, and expanding the business so that his employees - and their families - could enjoy prosperity and job security.
Under his guidance, SWF expanded its original Water Street shop several times before establishing a new headquarters and 65,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art production facility on Lincoln Highway. The company broadened its service offering, developing advanced stainless steel fabrication capabilities and launching a field services division. By 2015, SWF had grown to more than 130 employees. Al was on his way to achieving the American Dream, building a successful company with his own two hands, instincts, and fearless determination.
Al's Legacy Lives On
Sadly, Al never had an opportunity to see the fulfillment of that dream. On December 25, 2020, Al Stewart passed away. He was 63 years old.
However, the fire burning inside a man like Al Stewart could never be extinguished. Al’s legacy lives on in the people he shaped and the company he built to endure. Many of the techniques and processes still in use today by SWF's employees were developed by him. The culture he instilled — one of precision, safety, continuous improvement, and steady leadership — continues to guide every decision. To those who worked with him, Al was a mentor with a disciplined, can-do attitude. He recognized talent, believed in developing people’s strengths, and helped them find roles where they could thrive. He mentored much of the current leadership team, including COO Brian Reider and Dan Armstrong, SWF’s Plant Manager. His no-nonsense approach and humble leadership remain at the core of SWF’s identity.
Rest in peace, Al Stewart.
Today, Al’s presence endures in every corner of SWF. His life was defined by resolve, by standards that never wavered, and by a deep commitment to his family – both at home and at work. His vision gave rise to something greater than a mere metal fabrication company. Al built a community. A community of craftsmen and problem-solvers, of good people, who do good work. A community who continues to honor his name through their work at SWF, each and every single day.