Safety and Survival: Switlik

On Jul 3, 2024

Two weeks before Christmas 2023, Scozzari Builders completed the new Trenton-based headquarters of Switlik, a manufacturer of inflatable safety and survival products for the aviation, marine, and military/government markets. The 40,000-square-foot building, constructed with a crew of 30 workers for $4.8 million, represents another step forward for this family-owned business that has been a fixture in Trenton since 1920. 

Switlik, a significant employer of both Trenton and Hamilton residents, brings a great sense of history to the area. In the 1930s, the company became the nation’s largest manufacturer of parachutes, outfitting the expeditions of Amelia Earhart and Admiral Richard Byrd, and later assisting the US government in producing parachutes for World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. 

To underscore a commitment to its 100-plus staff members, Switlik has created a “family business” mentality, while also working with local schools, investing in the area and running a charitable foundation. The installation of solar panels is one of the company’s key environmental policies, with renewable energy helping power the new facility.

The business, run by the founder’s decedents, holds active contracts with all branches of the US military, while also serving an extensive corporate client base within the commercial airline, aviation, and oil and gas sectors, as well as selling direct to consumers. Looking forward, Switlik hopes to use the additional space to test innovative ideas, diversify into more product categories and take the company into new international markets. 

Architect

Clarke Caton Hintz

Trenton

Builder

Scozzari Builders

Trenton

Nominator

Nick Scozzari, Superintendent, Scozzari Builders

Trenton

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