SPE MTD Names Its Mold Maker, Designer of the Year

The Mold Technologies Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE MTD) has named Marcin Zajac of A1 Tool Corporation as its Mold Designer of the Year and Rick Finnie, president of M.R. Mold & Engineering, as its Mold Maker of the Year. Zajac and Finnie received the honors at the inaugural Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Both awards are sponsored by Progressive Components.

SPE MTD presents the awards each year, honoring individuals who has made a worthwhile contribution to the SPE or the industry, conducts himself or herself in an ethical manner in all business proceedings and exhibits strong technical experience.

On the technical, mold manufacturing side, Finnie has helped pioneer mold building for liquid silicone rubber. For example, he has developed his own cold runner system, universal base, pneumatic stuffer box, valve-gated controller and vacuum seal. Finnie has made it a priority to mentor students and colleagues; he has been actively involved in education-related activities his whole life.

Zajac, a Polish immigrant who came to the U.S. as a young teenager, started at A1 Tool running CNC machines. He was quickly promoted to work in the design department where he honed his designing and programming skills. In addition to his passion for mold design and development, Zajac has also mentored young designers entering the field. He is certified in Siemens NX CAD software. Four years ago, Zajac was promoted to a management position of A1’s design department and continues to mentor others in innovative mold design. In addition, he is active with the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) and has made presentations at trade events.

Finnie and Zajac each received a plaque and a scholarship check in the amount of $500, which they will donate to the trade-related programs of their choosing. Both recipients will also be a featured guest of Tony Demakis, SPE MTD chair, on his Manufacturing Alliance Podcast live from the Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales booth #1415 at PTXPO.