OUR HISTORY

Sechan Birth. Sechan Electronics, 'the small company with 150 years experience', is founded by Richard (Dick) Holmberg. Dick decided the company name should be ‘Sechan’ as a play on letters from his 'second chance'. The company’s first location was 1901 Olde Homestead Lane in Lancaster.

First Contract. The company’s first contract was awarded by U. S. Army Missile Command for printed wiring assembles. Contract value was $2,624.

RASP. The Range Airframe Separation Programmer (RASP) was first major contract awarded to Sechan by the U. S. Navy. This product was successfully qualified and produced for several years.

Sechan moved to 660 Furnace Hills Pike, Lititz into a leased 15,000 sq. ft. building
(23 employees).

Sechan leased a 90,000 sq. ft. building at 525 Furnace Hills Pike and, after renovation, moved company operations to this new location.
(91 employees).

Small Business Administration's 1988 Regional Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year.

For outstanding performance in small business prime contracting, this award recognizes integrity, reliability, initiative, and capability in meeting significant government requirements and complying with exacting standards of government prime contracting.

Sechan President Dick Holmberg's death at age 63. George Kervin succeeds Dick as company President.

ESOP. An Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) is initiated as a mechanism to provide employee ownership in the company. The Sechan ESOP includes an annual all eligible employee dinner to discuss business achievements and award stock certificates.

401K. 401K, an IRS approved plan to invest a pre-tax portion of an employee’s earned income, was started. IRS rules allow the company to match a portion of that employee investment resulting in an exceptional employee benefit. The Sechan 401K program is intended as an employee retirement benefit.

Wood Anniversary. A company anniversary (5th) celebration and open house was held at 525 Furnace Hills Pike to celebrate with friends and family.

Tin Anniversary. A company anniversary celebration (10th) picnic was held at Long’s Park in Lancaster.
(123 employees)

Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Blue Ribbon Contractor for April 1989 - December 1995.

Warner Robins Air Logistics Center designates Sechan as a Blue Ribbon Contractor for providing best value support through superior quality and delivery performance.

ISO 9000. Sechan achieves ISO 9000 certification. This is a company commitment to future operations. ISO registration requires submission to semi-annual third party audits of business practices and improvement.

Naval Sea Systems Command SPA-25G Engineering Excellence for 1992 - 1997.

U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center and the Program Executive Office Ground Combat and Support Systems (PEO GCSS) Certificate of Recognition.

Awarded to Dave Miller (retired Sechan Vice President of Engineering) for his pursuit of excellence in the application of Acquisition Reform principles during the successful development and fielding of a Commercial Off-The-Shelf replacement for the M109A6 Paladin Automatic Fire Control System Computer.

1997 Department of Defense Standardization Program Outstanding Performance Award.

Presented to the M109A6 Paladin Automatic Fire Control System XXI Upgrade Team in recognition of it distinctive contributions promoting specifications and standards reform within the Department of Defense.

Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Philadelphia presented Sechan with an "Outstanding Performance" Challenge Coin.

Program Executive Office Theater Surface Combatants (PEO TSC) Outstanding Performance Award.

PMS473 EW Systems congratulates Sechan in recognition of its successful qualification as a producer of the MK53 Decoy Launching System. [Sechan's] outstanding performance and deliveries ahead of schedule are most appreciated.

Boeing Preferred Supplier (Bronze).

Boeing recognizes Sechan for excellence in product performance, process control, and business processes with commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator's Award for Excellence.

In recognition of outstanding contribution and service to the nation by a small business in satisfying the needs of the Federal procurement system.

1999 Boeing Small Business Supplier of the Year.

In appreciation and recognition of Sechan's outstanding support of Boeing programs.

United Defense Paladin Production Division (now BAE Systems Combat Systems) Supplier Excellence Award 1994-1999.

In recognition of outstanding achievement in quality and delivery in support of United Defense's M109A6 Paladin multi year contract.

Boeing Preferred Supplier (Silver)

Boeing recognizes Sechan for excellence in product performance, process control, and business processes with commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

President George Kervin retires after 12 years as President and is succeeded by Dave Williams.

Crystal Anniversary. A company anniversary (15th) celebration, open house and picnic were held at Lititz Springs Park.

Raytheon Minuteman Minimum Essential Emergency Communication Network (MEECN) Program (MMP) Certificate of Recognition - MMP First Delivery January 2004 - Five Weeks Ahead of Contract.

For your outstanding dedication and perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles; never wavering or faltering in the pursuit of the team goal - thank you.

USN MANTECH/Boeing Standoff Land Attack Munition Extended Range (SLAM ER) Lean-Pathways Program Supplier Award

In recognition of outstanding leadership and vision, this award is presented to Sechan for participation as a supplier in the USN MANTECH/Boeing SLAM ER Lean-Pathways Program

Raytheon Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminal (SMART-T) Certificate of Recognition.

The SMART-T Program recognizes Sechan as a critical subcontractor and team member supporting SMART-T Terminals and Spares in support of the Warfighter. SMART-T is mission critical and the success of the program hinges upon meeting the increasing needs of the customer.

China Anniversary. A company anniversary (20th) celebration, open house, picnic and games were held at Lititz Springs Park.
(185 employees)

Raytheon Minuteman Minimum Essential Emergency Communication Network (MEECN) Program Certificate of Recognition - Average Repair Turnaround Time 20 Days.

The superior performance of the Minuteman MEECN Program (MMP) Depot is because of Sechan's unwavering dedication to quick response and quality in the successful pursuit of customer satisfaction.

Raytheon Minuteman Minuteman Minimum Essential Emergency Communication Network (MEECN) Program Certificate of Recognition - Successful Completion of Production.

The superior performance of the Minuteman MEECN Program (MMP) production effort is because of Sechan's dedication to process, quality and timely delivery.

U.S. Air Force Manufacturing Technical Assistance Production Program (MTAPP) Certificate of Recognition.

By this presentation, Sechan is identified by the Air Force Small Business assistance enterprise as part of an elite and accomplished group of small manufacturing firms. Sechan can take pride at this time in achieving the status of "MTAPP Alumnus". Participation in and graduation from the MTAPP's curriculum of technology enhancement and quality systems development represents a true milestone in the development of Sechan preparing it for continued growth within the military community of manufacturing and supply chain associates. On this date, the Air Force is well pleased to award this plaque in recognition of Sechan's notable progress in these areas.

PEO IWS 6.0 Outstanding Performance and On-Time Delivery for the Signal Data Processor.

In recognition of outstanding performance and on-time delivery of the first Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Signal Data Processor production unit.

AS9100 Certification. Achieving AS9100 certification was a huge team effort and a key business objective for Sechan. This business standard for the Aerospace and Defense industry is more detailed and rigorous. Achieving certification would differentiate Sechan from competitors.

CMMI Maturity Level 3 Rating. Sechan Engineering successfully completed the rigorous third party detailed evaluation of company design practices and was awarded CMMI Maturity Level 3 for Systems, Hardware and Software Engineering. Achieving this milestone is exceptional for a company Sechan's size.

Sechan becomes 100% employee owned. Sale of the outstanding 60% of Sechan ownership to the ESOP. Being 100% employee owned is a long-term benefit for present and future company employees.

Silver Anniversary. A Company Anniversary (25th) open house, picnic and games is held at Lititz Springs Park.

525 Furnace Hills Pike. The company expanded the facility at 525 Furnace Hills Pike adding a new two story office and engineering space as well as renovation of original building office and cafeteria space. The company facility now occupies 115,000 sq. ft.

2012 Raytheon 3-Star Supplier Excellence Award

Raytheon’s IDS business instituted the annual Supplier Excellence Awards program to recognize suppliers who have provided outstanding service and partnership in exceeding customer requirements. Award candidates were judged on certain criteria, including overall quality, on-time delivery and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement. Sechan was 1 of only 54 companies recognized by Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business for 3-Star honors.

Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton First Flight May 22, 2013 BUNO 168457

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems' 2013 Platinum Source Award.

Given in recognition of sustaining top-tier customer quality & delivery expectations.

2013 Raytheon 3-Star Supplier Excellence Award

Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business instituted the annual Supplier Excellence Awards program to recognize suppliers who have provided outstanding service and partnership in exceeding customer requirements. Award candidates are judged on certain criteria, including overall quality, on-time delivery and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement. Sechan was one of 65 companies recognized by Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business for the 3-Star award.

Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems' 2013 Supplier of the Year - Small Business Subcontracts

Northrop Grumman presents the annual supplier awards in two categories: Platinum Source Preferred and Suppliers of the Year. Sechan was 1 of 8 businesses awarded Supplier of the Year. Northrop Grumman grants the awards only to those Aerospace Systems sector suppliers that achieve distinction in product quality, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and robust, lean processes.

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWC Dahlgren) SSDS Mk2 Prime Contract Award

President Dave Williams retires after 14 years as President and is succeeded by Jeff Tennis.

2014 Raytheon 5-Star Supplier Excellence Award

Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business instituted the annual Supplier Excellence Awards program to recognize suppliers who have provided outstanding service and partnership in exceeding customer requirements. Award candidates are judged on certain criteria, including overall quality, on-time delivery and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement. A 5-Star recognition is the highest level of recognition a Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems business supplier can achieve for excellence in quality and performance, and Sechan was 1 of 12 companies selected.

Pearl Anniversary. A company anniversary (30th) picnic and games is held at Lititz Springs Park.
(240 employees)

2015 Boeing Performance Excellence Award (Silver)

The Boeing Company recognized Sechan for achieving superior supplier performance in areas including on-time delivery and quality. Silver is one of the highest designations in Boeing’s Preferred Supplier Certification program. Boeing recognized 429 companies with the Silver Level Performance Excellence award from their global supplier network.

2015 Raytheon 5-Star Supplier Excellence Award

Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems business instituted the annual Supplier Excellence Awards program to recognize suppliers who have provided outstanding service and partnership in exceeding customer requirements. Award candidates are judged on certain criteria, including overall quality, on-time delivery and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement. A 5-Star recognition is the highest level of recognition a Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems business supplier can achieve for excellence in quality and performance, and Sechan was 1 of 24 companies selected.

Naval Sea Systems Command Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Signal Data Processor Assemblies (SDP-S) Prime Contract Award

President Jeff Tennis retires as President and is succeeded by Marion Van Fosson.

Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) Global Positioning System-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Service (GPNTS) Prime Contract Award

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Rhode Island (NSWC Newport) MK 48 Heavyweight Torpedo Prime Contract Award

2018 Textron Systems Aerosonde Supplier Appreciation Award of Excellence.

In honor of Sechan's outstanding contributions in support of the Aerosonde Unmanned Aircraft System, Textron Systems recognizes your ability to continuously provide quality & reliable products.

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City, Division (NSWC Panama City) Quickstrike Prime Contract Award

Sechan was issued the renewal AS9100D certification from Lloyd's Register.

Raytheon 2019 Supplier Excellence Premier Partnership Award.

Raytheon has recognized Sechan with a Premier Supplier Excellence Award for their outstanding achievement in overall Partnership. Premier awards are awarded to Suppliers whom have demonstrated premier achievement for Raytheon in business management, technical, partnership or affordability. Only the highest achieving suppliers are awarded this honor. Sechan is 1 of 22 Premier Award Winners.

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWC Newport) Undersea Warfare/Undersea Defensive Family of Systems (FoS) Multiple Award Contract (MAC)

Naval Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Patuxent River (NAWCAD) Full Rate Production Multiple Award Contract (MAC)

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) Circuit Card Assembly Multiple Award Contract (MAC)

Coral Anniversary - Sechan celebrated their 35th company anniversary.

2020 BAE Systems Combat Mission Systems Partner2Win Silver Medallion

Sechan received a Silver ‘Partner2Win’ medallion at BAE Systems’ virtual supplier symposium on December 2, 2020, for its exceptional performance and delivery to help meet current and future customer demand in the areas of ground and amphibious vehicles, and weapon systems.

Sechan opens CCA Center of Excellence at 18 Prestige Lane for full operations. This new facility has approximately 65,000 square feet dedicated to CCA production, testing, coating, and final assembly to IPC-A-610 Class 3 level with an additional 33,000 square feet of flex-use space to accommodate surge requirements or stock point requirements. Sechan investment in this facility increases our CCA production capacity by 250%.

Sechan's AS9100D certification was updated from a Single Site Structure to a Multiple Site Structure to include both the 525 Furnace Hills Pike and the new 18 Prestige Lane facilities.

Note: 18 Prestige Lane's scope of approval does not include Design activities.

Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) Global Positioning System-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Service (GPNTS) Prime Contract Award

Sechan was issued the renewal AS9100D certification for Multiple Site Structure from LRQA.

Naval Sea Systems Command Nulka MK 53 Decoy Launch System Prime Contract Award

2023 BAE Systems Combat Mission Systems Partner2Win PIM Supplier of the Year.

Sechan was named BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business Partner2Win Supplier of the Year Award on November 14, 2023 for Paladin Integrated Management (PIM). The recognition highlighted Sechan’s commitment to operational excellence and ensuring quality deliveries to customers. BAE Systems’ Partner2Win program recognizes suppliers for their success in the areas of operations, quality and procurement. As part of the program, BAE Systems maintains a close relationship with suppliers and creates an environment to share best practices, learnings and innovative solutions to problems. All suppliers awarded this year went above and beyond the call of duty to create the highest quality products for service men and women. Sechan was 1 of 17 companies awarded Supplier of the Year awards.

2024 BAE Systems Combat Mission Systems Partner2Win Gold Medallion

Sechan received a Gold ‘Partner2Win’ medallion at BAE Systems’ suppler symposium on November 12, 2024, for its exceptional performance and commitment to operational excellence this year. Sechan’s contributions to supply chain success helped BAE Systems ensure quality, on-time deliveries to customers. Sechan was 1 of 37 companies to be honored with a Gold medallion.

President Dr. Marion Van Fosson retires as President and is succeeded by Dr. Amish Mehta.

Ruby Anniversary – Sechan celebrated their 40th company anniversary.

Sechan’s was issued the renewal AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015 certification from Lloyd’s Register.