HUNTSVILLE, Ala., November 24, 2025 – Torch Technologies, Inc. (Torch), one of the nation’s leading defense contractors, today announced that the company has been recognized as the 72nd largest majority employee-owned company on the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) 2025 Top 100 Employee-Owned Companies List. This marks the fourth time Torch has appeared on the list. 

“We’re honored to once again be recognized by the NCEO among the top 100 employee- owned companies in the nation,” said Torch President Brad Walker. “As an employee-owned company, every member of our team has a stake in our mission and our success. This recognition is a testament to the ownership culture that fuels our growth and excellence.” 

The NCEO’s annual list highlights the largest broad-based employee-owned companies in the U.S., verified through governmental or other credible third-party sources. Most companies on the list are Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)-owned, with one structured as a cooperative. To qualify, companies must be at least 50% employee-owned, though most are fully (100%) employee-owned. Collectively, these organizations represent more than 642,000 employee-owners nationwide. 

ESOPs across all industries and sizes have a long history of delivering tangible benefits to both companies and employees, while creating a viable model for business succession. The latest data from the Department of Labor shows total contributions to ESOP accounts were $107 billion in the latest plan year. 

Founded in 2002, Torch Technologies established its ESOP in 2004 and became 100%  employee-owned in 2011. Also in 2002, Torch earned Certified Evergreen status from the  Tugboat Institute, recognizing its commitment to remaining a privately owned company for  generations to come.

In 2023, Torch became a public benefit corporation committed to sustaining profitable growth for over 100 years by creating an environment that will provide financial stability for its employee-owners, enabling them to focus on our customers; supporting the growth and sustainment of employee ownership concepts, policies, and implementation; and supporting and enhancing the well-being of the communities in which Torch operates.