SMI | SMI Premier Fabricator - Converter - Gaskets, Tapes, Precision Die Cuts

Our History

Founded in 1974 by Gene Welter, Seal Methods, Inc. (SMI) is a full-service premier fabricator of gaskets, seals, tapes and precision die cuts. We are one of the most diversified converters in the industry.

Seal methods Inc, privately held and family run, has grown into one of the most diversified materials converters in the country. With multiple facilities around the world, we are a custom converter, manufacturing rotary and flat stamp die cuts, multi-laminations, water-jet, and laser cut materials.

SMI specializes in using materials ranging from sponge or rubber to high-performance elastomers, foams, films, plastics and pressure sensitive adhesives. We work closely with our clients to prototype and manufacture custom applications, whether you need a simple cushion or adhesive tape, or high-performance gaskets, seals, insulators or thermal barriers.

Our Founder

Gene Welter- Was born in Los Angeles, CA in 1938, until moving to Saudi Arabi with the family because his father was a mechanic for the oil industry. After spending two years completing Junior High in Saudi, he went to High School in Rome, Italy at Notre Dame International School for Boys.

After returning to the United States, Gene attended college for a time before entering the full-time work force.

Once Gene was in his thirties, he was working in the gaskets and seals industry. Seeing the potential, he was intrigued with the size of the market available. Gaskets and Seals were everywhere!

While working as sales manager for a long-established company, Gene had some exciting and different visions of what “could be”. Eventually, there was a decision that sent Gene home to his wife and baby, with no job.

Our Culture

Since our inception in 1974, Seal Methods had one goal: to become the world’s most comprehensive specialty components fabricator and leader in die cut solutions. And that meant strategic growth. We are driven to help our customers succeed so we started expanding our facilities to meet their needs.

First, we grew our versatile manufacturing capabilities that includes rotary conversion, slitting, sheeting, laminating, CNC knife cutting and molding. We are an ISO & TS 16949 registered manufacturer; customers can be assured that their parts are held to stringent quality standards. In-house testing and inspection capabilities include a range of adhesion and material testing as well as dimensional inspection in accordance with all customer specifications.

Our next part of our strategic growth plan was to add new manufacturing facilities. We expanded into Texas with a 15,000 sq foot facility in San Marcos, Texas that allows us to better support our existing customer base through the region. SMI has a presence in the mid-west, but now we are a stronger player and will be able to grow market share throughout the Mid-West and East.

Our Process

Founded in 1974, Seal Methods, Inc. (SMI) is a full-service premier fabricator of gaskets, tapes, seals and precision die cuts. We are one of the most diversified converters in the industry.

Seal methods Inc, privately held and family run, has grown into one of the most diversified materials converters in the country. With multiple facilities around the world, we are a custom converter, manufacturing rotary and flat stamp die cuts, multi-laminations, water-jet, and laser cut materials.

SMI specializes in using materials ranging from sponge or rubber to high-performance elastomers, foams, films, plastics and pressure sensitive adhesives. We work closely with our clients to prototype and manufacture custom applications, whether you need a simple cushion or adhesive tape, or high-performance gaskets, seals, insulators or thermal barriers.