Midsize companies, ranked No. 22
Volvo Penta has operated in Chesapeake since 1992 as an engine and propulsion systems manufacturer for marine and industrial applications.
Melissa Stewart, marketing communications manager for Volvo Penta of the Americas, said in an email that its people, its partnerships and a strong benefits package make the company a great place to work.
Asked about the company’s culture, she said: “Our cultural values are in line with Volvo Group and include customer focus, passion, teamwork and professionalism. We build on our strong heritage, industrial and marine engineering expertise and our pioneering reputation to provide comprehensive business solutions that truly make a difference.”
“We develop close partnerships with original equipment manufacturers all over the world to fulfill not only their but also their customers’ requirements,” she continued. “We’re an open and inclusive organization with a long and proud history of successful partnerships.”
Additionally, she said, its global team enjoys a shared commitment to the environment.
“We also have a great mission that our employees embrace,” she said. “Through our marine and industrial engines and systems, we aim for total sustainability — economic, social and environmental.”
She said that the company attracts top talent by working with its parent company, Volvo Group, through Volvo Group University relations, campus recruiting, job fairs and online recruiting. Additionally, the company’s employee referral program offers generous financial rewards.
Volvo Penta enjoys healthy retention rates averaging five to 10 years and has several employees who have worked there for more than 40 years, Stewart added.
Regarding benefits, she said, “Our employer contribution to health benefits is 85%. We also offer a 5 to 5 match on 401(k). At 55, you receive an additional 7%.”
She said the company addresses work-life balance with a generous earned time off program that averages 29 days per year. And, the company closes between Christmas and New Year’s to allow employees to spend time with their families.
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About the company
Address: 1300 Volvo Penta Drive, Chesapeake
Phone: 757-436-2800
Website: volvopenta.com/en-us/
Top executives: Fredrik Hogberg, president; Jens Berring, vice president, marine sales; Darren Tasker, vice president, industrial sales; Lars Ljungstrom, vice president, strategy and business development; Paola Gaiao, vice president, finance and business control; Christopher Clements, vice president, legal and compliance; Tony Kelleher, vice president, customer support and training; Yichen Gu, vice president, parts business development; Joakim Falck, director, engineering North America; Victor Falkenby, director, dealer development; Christine McKone Carlson, director, marketing
Employees: 159
Benefits include: Stand-out health, vision and dental insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with matching; competitive compensation, generous earned time off plan.
Fun factor: Groups and planning committees such as Early Career Professionals Network and Culture Committee; employee events and appreciation gifts; annual family day and holiday party; welcome gifts; participation in ADP Corporate 5K; focus on health and wellness through Health Fair and wellness rewards program; Popcorn Wednesdays; occasional ice cream truck visit to the office.
Community service: YMCA charity bowling event; Beach Clean-Up Day; canned food and toy drives
