Our first stop on the Industry Access tour took us to a place deeply rooted in reliability, innovation, and people-first culture – SEPCO Sealing Equipment Products Co., headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.
From the moment we walked through the doors, we could feel the sense of pride that lives within these walls. SEPCO – known globally for its fluid sealing expertise – has built a reputation not just on quality products, but on the people behind them. And this visit was all about celebrating those people.
One of the most moving parts of our tour was meeting team members who have spent over 50 years working with SEPCO. That kind of career longevity is rare today – and it speaks volumes. It’s a testament to the leadership, the company culture, and the purpose-driven mission that keeps people engaged and fulfilled over decades. When employees choose to stay that long, you know something special is happening.
Jimmy who has been with the company for almost 51 years!
SEPCO’s legacy in mechanical seals, compression packing, and gasketing solutions is well established. These are critical components in keeping rotating equipment operating safely and efficiently – the kind of technology that quietly supports our daily lives. We often don’t think about it, but fluid sealing products are essential for everything from reliable power and clean water to safe food processing and efficient manufacturing.
At SEPCO, they understand the important role fluid sealing products play in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of equipment. Their products provide reliable protection against fluid leaks, contamination, and wear, extending the life of equipment and ensuring smooth day-to-day operation. Each piece is manufactured to the highest standards, using only the finest materials and state-of-the-art technology for maximum safety.
Mike Evers giving Charli K Matthews a tour of the SEPCO facility.
As advocates for highlighting the human side of industry, we were especially inspired by the commitment SEPCO has made not only to its customers, but also to its workforce and the broader industrial community. Their people understand that behind every piece of equipment is a real-world impact – protecting the environment, ensuring worker safety, and supporting the infrastructure that powers our homes, hospitals, and communities.
What really impressed us is how SEPCO continues to evolve. While they are widely recognized for sealing and packing solutions, they are also expanding into equipment reliability programs – offering tools and services that help facilities proactively manage assets and prevent costly failures. This kind of holistic approach shows how SEPCO is not just a product supplier, but a partner in performance and long-term operational success.
Along with the training and other resources that they craft for those in the industry, they have their Sealing Application Management System (SAMS). This is a software-based reliability program designed to help plants and mills improve their production efficiency by predicting fluid-sealing product replacements before failure occurs. The SEPCO experts help barcode every pump and seal in plants and then input that data into the product tracking inventory. This is another way that they are supporting not only their customers but the greater community alike.
For us, this first tour stop wasn’t just a plant visit – it was a people visit. It reminded us why we started this journey: to showcase the passion, purpose, and pride behind the scenes of the industrial world.
Chris Wilder and Charli K Matthews
Thank you to the entire SEPCO team for letting us walk the factory floor, hear their stories, and feel the heartbeat of their organization. If this visit is any indication of what’s to come, the Industry Access tour is going to be an unforgettable adventure.
Let’s keep lifting the curtain on the incredible work – and people – that power our world.
Learn More About SEPCO’s Sealing Excellence
SEPCO’s comprehensive fluid sealing solutions represent decades of engineering expertise and manufacturing precision. From mechanical seals and compression packing to advanced reliability programs like SAMS, their products and services keep critical equipment running safely and efficiently across industries worldwide. Explore their complete range of sealing solutions and reliability services at sepco.com or connect with their Birmingham, Alabama team for application-specific expertise and reliability assessments.
Experience Industry Access Yourself
The SEPCO visit marks the exciting beginning of our Industry Access series. Industry Access with Charli K Matthews takes you behind the scenes at manufacturing facilities across the country, showcasing the people and processes that power our industry. Want to see your facility featured or learn about upcoming visits? Reach out to us to explore opportunities and follow our Industry Access series for more exclusive facility tours and industry insights.
