By Theresa L. Womble, VP, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Armstrong World Industries
A feature piece from our Fall 2025 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication
Every visitor to Armstrong World Industries’ careers page is greeted with the same message: “Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.”
Indeed, building a culture of belonging and collaboration is essential to Armstrong’s story of success—a story that began more than 160 years ago in Pittsburgh, Pa., when Thomas Armstrong founded the Armstrong Cork Company.
Since the company relocated to Lancaster in 1929, Armstrong has evolved into a leading manufacturer of ceiling and wall solutions, and its roots in the county run deep. In fact, this year, Armstrong is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its Lancaster campus and, as one of the largest employers in the county, the company is sharing the ways in which it creates a culture of excellence, elevating the best and brightest talent in Lancaster and raising up the next generation of talent within the community.
Shaping Culture Through Professional Development and Mentorship
Armstrong believes that every employee on every level of the organization, from entry-level administrators to plant managers and senior executives, plays a role in shaping its culture.
“Building a culture of belonging begins with cultivating the aspirations of your workforce and recognizing their needs,” says Salena Coachman, vice president of talent sustainability and acquisition. Armstrong invests in the future of its employees by offering training programs, workshops and career development opportunities that help them grow professionally.
As one of the county’s largest employers, Armstrong’s culture is rooted in the surrounding community. Relationships with the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board and the Lancaster STEM Alliance help Armstrong build rapport with, and provide opportunities for, the talent who live, learn and work in the community.
“We have a responsibility to exemplify what a good business looks like to our community,” said Coachman. “We connect people; people who are great humans and also excel at their professions. Sourcing that talent from, and sharing that talent with, the Lancaster community is a privilege that is unique to Armstrong.”
On campus, Armstrong creates spaces for engagement by hosting Women in Business and Career Ready Lancaster events, and its work extends to the development of future skilled trade workers through institutions like Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
Well-Being in the Spotlight
The personal well-being of employees is a key factor in retention and satisfaction. Armstrong invests in the well-being of team members through wellness and community initiatives on campus that create feelings of connection, recognition and support.
For example, Armstrong prioritizes recognition and awards, which acknowledge employees’ hard work and accomplishments. Earlier this year, a Macon, Ga., plant manager received national recognition from The Manufacturing Institute at their Women MAKE Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Internally, individual employees are recognized with Awards for Excellence.
“Often, the simplest ‘thank you’ can motivate employees to perform at their best,” said Coachman.
Kelly Strunk, vice president of total rewards, says that employees from across the company are highly engaged with wellness efforts.
“We take a holistic approach to well-being—we recognize that it’s not just physical, but mental and financial, too,” said Strunk. “We ensure throughout the year that we provide support for each of these pillars across the entire company.”
Examples of efforts that align with these pillars include Calm memberships for employees and up to four family members to support mental health; on-site biometric testing to support physical health; and Fidelity learning modules and financial training resources to support financial health.
Driving Meaningful Change On and Off-Campus
In addition to professional development and personal well-being, many employees feel driven by opportunities to effect change in their workplace and in the world around them. Armstrong empowers its teams to do this through employee listening activities, employee resource groups (ERG) and its Workplace Giving program, supported by the AWI Foundation.
Employees are regularly surveyed for feedback on job satisfaction, work environment and overall engagement, which helps the leadership team identify areas that need improvement and track progress over time. The results of these surveys carry real weight at Armstrong; in fact, they played a role in the creation of Armstrong’s Integration Management Office, which seeks to foster cross-functional collaboration.
“Do employees feel the effects of everything we’ve been working on? What else needs to be done moving forward? This is what we seek to learn through our employee surveys,” said Coachman.
For a more hands-on impact in the workplace, Armstrong also offers several ERGs, which play a vital role in creating a culture of belonging. These ERGs, led by passionate and dedicated individuals, include Armstrong Women Achieving Real Excellence (AWARE), Armstrong Queer Unity Alliance (AQUA), BIPOC Organization of Leaders and Doers (BOLD) and Empowering and Mentoring Emerging Professionals (EMERGE). ERGs provide support, mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.
Outside of Armstrong’s Lancaster campus, employees also have the opportunity to give back with the company’s help. The Workplace Giving program makes it easy for employees to contribute to philanthropic organizations of their choice and request matching gifts from the AWI Foundation for monetary donations and volunteer hours.
Celebrating 75 Years of Investing in People
In celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Lancaster campus, Armstrong is not just looking at how much has changed. The company also wants to honor and celebrate the things that have stayed the same.
Armstrong hopes that its investment in people, and the company’s commitment to creating a culture of belonging, highlights Armstrong as an employer of choice in Lancaster County, now and for the next 75 years.
Armstrong’s Lancaster Campus Celebrates 75 Years of Innovation and Tradition
This year marks a milestone for Armstrong’s Lancaster campus—its 75th anniversary. Since opening in 1950, the campus has been at the heart of innovation in ceiling and building products, shaping not only the company’s future but also the broader architectural industry.
Originally established as Armstrong’s Research & Development center on Columbia Avenue, the campus represented the final phase of the company’s post-war expansion. It quickly became a hub of invention, leading to breakthroughs such as the first mineral fiber ceiling tiles and modern acoustical solutions. Over time, the site transitioned into Armstrong’s corporate headquarters, where it continues to be a driving force in product development and business leadership.
Much has changed over these 75 years. The technologies have advanced, customer needs have evolved and the scope of Armstrong’s work has expanded globally. Yet much has stayed the same. The Lancaster campus remains a place where creativity, problem-solving and collaboration are central to success.
That continuity is clear when comparing past and present. In 1955, Armstrong’s annual report highlighted a new program focused on “applied imagination,” bringing together thought leaders to emphasize the importance of ideas and invention. Over seven decades later, that same spirit was honored at the Inventor Recognition Luncheon last October, a tradition that celebrates the ingenuity of Armstrong employees whose work continues to push the company forward.
As we celebrate 75 years, the Lancaster campus stands as both a symbol of resilience and a beacon of progress. It reflects how Armstrong has continually adapted to meet the needs of changing times while staying true to its founding values—innovation, excellence and the belief that great ideas can transform industries.
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