Świebodzin, Poland: Global heat treatment and vacuum metallurgy specialist SECO/WARWICK is celebrating its 35th anniversary, marking a remarkable journey from a small engineering venture in Poland to one of the world’s leading providers of advanced thermal processing solutions.
Founded on June 1, 1991, SECO/WARWICK emerged during a period of significant economic transformation in Poland. The company’s origins trace back to engineers associated with the Lubuskie Termotechnical Works Elterma, who established Trans-Vac and built their first vacuum furnace in an adapted stable in Wilkowo. A chance connection with American representatives of US-based SECO/WARWICK eventually led to a partnership that laid the foundation for the global organisation known today.
Reflecting on the company’s beginnings, founder Andrzej Zawistowski highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit and technical expertise that drove its early success. What started as a collaboration with an American company eventually evolved into a reverse narrative, with the Polish organisation later acquiring its US counterpart—an achievement that underscores the scale of SECO/WARWICK’s transformation.
The company’s growth has been fueled by a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Over the past three and a half decades, SECO/WARWICK has strengthened its presence across Poland, the United States, Germany, China and India. Key milestones include the acquisition of CAMLAW Ltd.’s intellectual property in 2002, bringing Continuous Aluminum Brazing (CAB) technology into its portfolio, and the acquisition of Retech, a move that significantly enhanced the Group’s capabilities in titanium melting and superalloy processing.
Today, SECO/WARWICK operates across five core technology segments: vacuum heat treatment, aluminium heat treatment, atmosphere technologies, heat exchanger brazing and vacuum metallurgy. The company has delivered more than 5,000 systems worldwide, serving industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to energy and advanced materials.
The Group’s financial performance reflects its strong market position. In 2025, SECO/WARWICK reported record sales revenues of PLN 334.3 million, representing a 16.9 per cent year-on-year increase. Net profit reached PLN 24.5 million, while operating profit (EBIT) surged by 139 per cent, resulting in an EBIT margin of 8.1 per cent.
According to CEO Sławomir Woźniak, the company’s success is built on a strong international footprint combined with a clear Polish centre for expertise and decision-making. With more than 900 employees globally, SECO/WARWICK continues to pursue growth through innovation, operational excellence and market expansion.
The company has also established itself as a recognised global B2B brand, supported by consistent international communication and a reputation for technical expertise. Listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since 2007, SECO/WARWICK has steadily strengthened its position in the global thermal processing industry.
Looking ahead, the Group plans to further enhance synergies across its international operations, invest in automation and robotics, and explore emerging market opportunities. As it enters its next chapter, SECO/WARWICK aims not only to expand its business but also to play an active role in shaping the future of heat treatment and metallurgy worldwide.
Celebrating 35 years of innovation, resilience and engineering excellence, SECO/WARWICK’s journey stands as a testament to how vision, technological expertise and determination can transform a small local enterprise into a global industrial leader.
