Reinventing the Wall for Modern Construction Needs

The history of walls dates back centuries, before the invention of the wheel. They have served as critical structures, dividing spaces, and providing shelter. In recent years, a Midland, Michigan-based company called SwiftWall has taken the concept of walls to new heights. 
Zach Cesa is the Director of Engineering at SwiftWall.
SwiftWall, formerly known as Signature Wall Solutions, was founded in mid-Michigan in 2014 by Joe Asiala and Rick Brouwer. In 2017, the company changed its name to SwiftWall and three years later expanded its product line by acquiring McCain Walls, introducing aluminum-based modular walls into their offerings. “The SwiftWall products are a track based system of panels with a tongue and groove system. They go up quickly and when a project is completed, they disassemble even faster and can be shipped off to the next project,” says Zach Cesa, Director of Engineering at SwiftWall.

Swiftwall has 25 employees. The company is located at 1928 N. Stark Road in Midland, about one mile north of the US-10 freeway.  

SwiftWall boasts four key product lines that cater to various needs. SwiftWall Max, originating from McCain Walls. SwiftWall Pro, the first and most popular ABS Pro line, offers a balance between durability and affordability. SwiftWall Lite provides a more economical option for customers seeking cost-effective solutions. Finally, the newest addition to their lineup is SwiftWall Flex, a revolutionary modular panel system with adjustable height capabilities, making it perfect for environments with varying ceiling heights. 

Escape Room created from SwiftWall
One of the significant advantages of SwiftWall is its versatility across multiple industries. It has found success in retail, airports, medical facilities, entertainment venues, trade shows, and even in disaster relief efforts. Major retailers, such as Meijer, have embraced SwiftWall as a construction replacement for metal stud and drywall systems. “Meijer was one of our first customers and has used SwiftWall products in over 200 stores,” says Cesa. SwiftWall's long-lasting and durable products have stood the test of time, with Meijer still using some of the older generation walls more than 20 times each. 

The versatility of SwiftWall was further showcased during the COVID-19 pandemic when LAX airport utilized SwiftWall barriers to block off unused international terminals, ensuring safety and security. SwiftWall's adaptability and ease of installation make it an ideal solution for temporary construction sites, partitioning spaces, and containing construction activities in sensitive areas like airports; many airports across the United States have adapted to SwiftWall products. 

SwiftWall contributed to the Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition "Fill the Trailer" event
SwiftWall's commitment to sustainability is reflected in their manufacturing processes and materials sourcing. All manufacturing is done in Midland, with 95% of raw materials sourced within the state. This localized supply chain not only contributes to the local economy but also reduces environmental impact. Additionally, SwiftWall places a strong emphasis on recycling and refurbishment, aiming to eliminate waste and maximize the lifespan of their products. SwiftWall's reusable temporary wall system is a sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods.

SwiftWall's remarkable growth and recognition have not gone unnoticed. They have been named in the Aggie 100 list, which honors the 100 fastest-growing companies owned or led by former students of Texas A&M University. SwiftWall has also been recognized as one of the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Furthermore, their dedication to excellence has earned them a spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, ranking as the ninth fastest-growing private manufacturing company in Michigan and 898th in the United States.
SwiftWall participated in "Build Like A Girl."
Community involvement has been a key value of SwiftWall. Led and driven by employees, SwiftWall has contributed to the Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition’s ‘Fill the Trailer’ event, a donation drive that benefits the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, and the ‘Build Like A Girl’ event, hosted by Associated Builders and Contractors and Greater Michigan Construction Academy. 

Looking ahead, SwiftWall has ambitious plans for growth. Their strategy revolves around expanding their dealer network, establishing SwiftWall service centers across the country, and automating key aspects of their manufacturing process to increase production by five times. By scaling the company and ensuring product inventory is readily available, SwiftWall aims to deliver their products efficiently and maintain a competitive advantage.

“Temporary walls are often the last consideration in construction projects, but SwiftWall is working to raise awareness and highlight the benefits of their alternative to traditional metal stud and drywall systems,” says Cesa. By offering easy installation, customizable options, and dedicated technical support, SwiftWall aims to simplify the construction process while providing superior solutions for their customers.

SwiftWall's journey of reinventing the wall has been nothing short of remarkable. From their humble beginnings in Michigan to their rapid growth and recognition, SwiftWall has established itself as a leader in the reusable temporary wall industry. Through their innovative products, commitment to sustainability, and focus on customer satisfaction, SwiftWall continues to redefine how walls are constructed, offering a simpler, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solution for a variety of industries. As they continue to scale their operations and foster community involvement, SwiftWall's impact on the construction landscape is set to grow exponentially in the coming years.