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Updated: October 20, 2025 2025 ESOP Essentials

Howell Laboratories Inc. (HLI)

Photo courtesy of HLI

Operational overview

Products and services offered: Howell Laboratories manufactures fluid process equipment for the US Navy, including compressed air treatment, seawater treatment, dewpoint measurement systems, and potable water treatment systems. It has three divisions: GDL Powder Coating (GDL), which specializes in industrial and MIL-SPEC powder coating, ODAT Machine, a precision machine shop that machines parts for submarines and other high-tech industrial uses, and Howell Clean Tech (HCT), which is working with anaerobic digesters and gasifiers.

Market presence and competitive positioning: HLI has been supplying products to the Navy for over sixty years. Our products are on every surface ship in the Navy’s fleet, and we have been able to adapt to changing Navy requirements. Being an ESOP gives us the advantage of having employees with an ownership culture. We take tremendous pride in supporting our sailors and our employee-owners.

Geographic reach or areas of operation: HLI and GDL are located in Bridgton and ODAT Machine and HCT are in Gorham. We support all the shipyards and the Navy fleet, whether here at BIW or on the other side of the world in port at Bahrain. Our field service team is ready to help them when called upon to assist them when needed.

Photo courtesy of HLI

Employee participation and benefits

What is one way employee ownership has strengthened your company’s performance?

We have a shared ownership where each employee benefits from the company’s success, which is tied to their personal reward based on the company’s performance. We have a strong emphasis on producing high-quality products, which can only be accomplished through a collective responsibility for manufacturing excellence by everyone.

How does your company celebrate or recognize employee contributions?

With October being ESOP month, we have a month-long activity list, from baking competitions, creative costumes, to who can catapult a marshmallow the furthest, and ESOP training. We also announce our share price and distribute everyone’s statements. We are excited to provide all ODAT Machine employees who have met the requirements with their first statement this year. Having the certificate in your hands helps show that the hard work is paying off.

Does being an ESOP influence your community involvement? How does your company give back to the community?

We strive to focus our community involvement on assisting those in need, as well as participating in local educational and training programs to help develop the future manufacturing workforce. We work with the Bridgton food pantry and have Thanksgiving and Christmas donations. We also help with job fairs at the local schools and are part of the Olympia Snow Leadership Foundation. HLI also gives each employee eight hours of paid time each year to volunteer and give back to the community.

Company Info

Company ownership held by employees through the ESOP: 100%

President/CEO: Joseph McDonnell

Employees: 80

Locations: Headquarters in Bridgton, ME, with ODAT Machine division in Gorham, ME

Founded: 1964

Year transitioned to ESOP: 1995