Lebanon, NH (November 13, 2025) – On October 13, 2025, Hypertherm Associates officially became a Certified Disability-Friendly Business through the Special Needs Support Center’s (SNSC) Enabled Upper Valley program. This recognition reflects Hypertherm Associates’ ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and belonging for people of all abilities within its workplaces and the wider Upper Valley community.
Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Hanover, NH, Hypertherm Associates is a 100% Associate-owned company known globally for its industrial cutting products and software, including Hypertherm plasma and OMAX waterjet systems. The company employs approximately 2,000 Associates worldwide, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and shared ownership.
Through its participation in SNSC’s Enabled Upper Valley program, Hypertherm Associates engaged in a comprehensive process that included accessibility assessments, staff training, and consultation with individuals with disabilities. The certification recognizes businesses that go beyond compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to actively cultivate workplaces that are welcoming, equitable, and inclusive.
“This certification is a testament to Hypertherm Associates’ leadership and genuine commitment to belonging,” said Kendra LaRoche, Executive Director at SNSC. “Their team’s engagement, openness, and dedication to accessibility are inspiring. Together, we are creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully and thrive.”
“Our goal is always for each Associate to trust they can come to work here, be their authentic self, connect with their team to do their best work, and contribute to our shared success,” said Jenny Levy, EVP of People, Community, & Environment. “We have long been committed to finding opportunities to include people with disabilities on our team, rather than seeing the barriers. Our partnership with SNSC has widened our perspective even further as we strive to create a truly accessible and inclusive work environment and community for all.”
The Enabled Upper Valley program helps businesses enhance accessibility and inclusion through physical accommodations, staff education, and culture-building practices. Certified organizations join a growing network of local employers committed to making the Upper Valley a region where every individual, regardless of ability, feels valued and supported.
SNSC encourages businesses across Vermont and New Hampshire to explore certification through Enabled Upper Valley and join the movement toward greater inclusion.
For more information about becoming a Certified Disability-Friendly Business, visit https://snsc-uv.org/enabled-upper-valley.
About Special Needs Support Center (SNSC)
The Special Needs Support Center empowers individuals and families of all abilities through advocacy, education, and community partnerships. Its mission is to foster belonging and build a community where everyone is included.
About Hypertherm Associates
Hypertherm Associates is a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software. Its products, including Hypertherm plasma and OMAX waterjet systems, are used by companies around the world to build ships, airplanes, and railcars; construct steel buildings, fabricate heavy equipment, erect wind turbines, and more. In addition to cutting systems, the company creates CNCs and software trusted for performance and reliability that result in increased productivity and profitability for hundreds of thousands of businesses. Founded in 1968, Hypertherm Associates is a 100 percent Associate-owned company, employing approximately 2,000 Associates, with operations and partner representation worldwide. Learn more at www.hyperthermassociates.com/.
