Kim Haythornthwaite has taken over as owner and president of Universal Seal. Universal Seal was established in 1967 and Jimmy Haythornthwaite took ownership in 1989 and built it into a global company. Kim is proud to continue the family tradition of excellence in the Polyurethane Seal business.

Kim worked the prior 17 years leading a private software technology company based out of Boulder Colorado and Fleet UK. She has an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo Ontario. She has specialized in new software product design and launch into the North American market. Kim is strong with technology, management, marketing, business development, and accounting. She is keen to complement the skill set of the current management team.

Blaine Shannick will continue in his role as General Manager. Blaine has over 35 years of experience in the seal industry and has extensive knowledge of manufacturing and producing very high-quality seals.

Together, Blaine and Kim will continue as a vibrant management team while maintaining the tradition of excellence.

Their combined primary goal is to grow the global distribution partner network and increase global sales. Second, to invest in technology to improve the efficiency and ongoing modernization of the plant.

Finally, to increase the manufacturing base and continue to be a vibrant community member in Bancroft Ontario.