Swiackey Retires, Tony Bon Appointed CEO of Samson Rope

TonyBonIMG_9923Samson Rope announces that after more than 41 years, Steve Swiackey retired as CEO at the end of 2013.  Tony Bon, Samson’s current president, has been named CEO.

Swiackey came to Samson in 1972 as assistant plant manager of what was then Samson’s largest manufacturing operation in Shirley, Massachusetts. He quickly rose to plant manager, then to vice president of manufacturing, and in 1985 became president of the company. In 1988 Swiackey bought Samson, relocating the company’s headquarters and its largest manufacturing operation to Ferndale, Washington. In 1993 he sold the business to the present owners, Wind River Holdings™; adding manufacturing facilities in Lafayette, Louisiana, and setting the stage for the strategy that would ultimately transform Samson into the world’s leading high performance synthetic rope company.

For the last several years, Swiackey has continued to lead growth and success in his position as CEO. Throughout his 41 years with the company, Swiackey has exemplified the passion and pride of Samson’s core values. He has also brought this same level of commitment to both the cordage industry and the community, serving as United Way board chairman and president of the Cordage Institute. Through his example and encouragement he has inspired others to the same level of passion. His commitment, vision, and leadership have been instrumental in creating the Samson of today: a strong, self-sustaining company that will continue to improve and grow well into the future.

Swiackey will remain an asset to Samson by serving in a consultancy role to Wind River Holdings™.

Bon has been a valued member of the Samson team since 1974 when he began on the manufacturing floor in Samson’s Massachusetts facility. He soon progressed to production superintendent and later transferred to the Ferndale facility in 1980 as plant manager. Since then, he has held positions as materials manager, vice president of operations, senior vice president, chief operating officer, and president since 2007.

Robert Strouse, president of Wind River Holdings™, noted, “The company has prospered under Tony’s day-to-day leadership as president and we look forward to working with him as CEO.”

Get the free newsletter

Sign up for news, trends and equipment for sale in the lifting and rigging industry.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Latest Products For Sale

Type Description
Lifting Products
Hooks
1/2” Grade 70 clevis grab hooks
Lifting Products
Chains
1/2” Grade 70 chain 13 drums 200’ each (Make Offer)
Lifting Products
Hooks
3/8” Grade 70 clevis grab hooks
Lifting Products
Chains
3/8” Grade 70 chain 6 drums 400’ each (Make Offer)
Equipment Used 75’ pull test bed. Currently in 3 pcs. 25’ long would need to be…

News & Articles