Action Mold & Machining (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

Zachary Glascock, Additive Specialist/CMM Technician

Zach is a graduate from Western Michigan University with a degree in manufacturing engineering & technologies. During his senior design project, he began working with Action Mold, focused on variable density parameters and applications in molds. After graduating, he joined Action Mold and has been a key contributor to the additive manufacturing (AM) team, helping to continue developing and educating customers on what AM is and what it offers to the industry.

He has been a very quick learner of the ever-changing AM industry and brings great enthusiasm to our team. He is well versed in laser powder-bed fusion technology and sees the whole manufacturing process after printing, and so understands how to plan for that from the beginning.

Zach also helps to run the CMM to measure traditionally manufactured tools but also AM tools. He is versed in both contact probe measurements as well as blue light scanning measurements. He has recently started using the shop’s new microscope to gain deeper insight into a printed part’s density, microstructure and surfaces and the impact of changing printing parameters.

Zach very clearly sees where AM fits into the manufacturing environment overall, and how it fits specifically in the tooling industry. This makes him an invaluable resource to Action Mold and the industry as AM gains greater adoption.

Precise Tooling Solutions (Columbus, Indiana)

Trenton Ford, Wire EDM Operator

At only 21 years old, Trenton has the ambition and drive of moldmakers twice his age. With an unexpected departure of his mentor earlier this year, Trenton has taken the reins of our EDM/wire process, met the harsh demand the trade requires and has made a tremendous impact on our business.

He always works as hard as possible with anything thrown at him, including this new role, with increased responsibility. Trenton has gone from mounting, machining and running one EDM to three EDMs, plus a wire EDM. He has an abundance of good old-fashioned ambition, and the team has complete faith that under his management that the EDM department will flow efficiently.

Trenton has recently completed extensive training in the shop’s new CAD/CAM software in addition to these responsibilities. He will start designing and programming electrodes, making his department a one-stop-shop. Trenton has a bright future in front of him, and we look forward to seeing what he can accomplish.

F&M Tool and Die (Leominster, Massachusetts)

Matt Lizotte, Wire EDM Lead

Matt finished his studies at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School and started at F&M three years ago after a few years working for another shop. During his first few days at F&M, he was disassembling and cleaning molds for repair jobs and then worked his way through CNC milling setups.

Matt trained alongside a skilled moldmaker in the wire EDM department, who then left the company. Matt stepped up and is now singlehandedly programming and running four wire EDMs—essentially the whole department. It is not unusual for Matt to clock in 55+ hours per week.

He also spearheaded the introduction of Esprit in the wire EDM department, significantly reducing programming time. Also, to keep the wire EDMs running, Matt learned how to program and run a Kellenberger cylindrical grinder.

The team believes our business could not exist in its current form without Matt’s initiative and abilities. We have one major customer who depends on F&M for its wire EDM capabilities, and all of that work goes through Matt. This is in addition to the standard mold-related wire work we have to do.

He is hardworking and conscientious, continually proving wrong the many stereotypes of today’s next-generation workers. If we could clone Matt, we would.

Westminster Tool (Plainfield, Connecticut)

Victoria Rooke, EDM Specialist

Victoria joined Westminster Tool in 2016 while still attending Windham Technical High School as part of a work-based learning initiative. After completing high school, she joined Westminster Tool full-time in the production department.

Victoria demonstrated a great deal of passion and enthusiasm for her work early on, so the company encouraged her to enroll part-time in the Advanced Manufacturing Program at Quinebaug Valley Community College. As part of our company’s “Learn While You Earn” initiative, Victoria continued to excel in the production department while taking classes part-time. After graduating from the Advanced Manufacturing program, Victoria moved from production to our EDM department, where she immediately made an impact.

In her current role as EDM specialist, Victoria is not just an asset in her role but a major contributor to our entire CNC line. She is constantly updating and improving our current EDM procedures. She has created countless training documents to maintain consistency in training and set the entire team up for success.

Outside of her EDM role, Victoria has become a key member of our safety team and one of our continuous improvement (CI) champions. Victoria is also intimately familiar with our in-house training program, Westminster Academy, and takes a proactive approach to train others. Her affinity for documentation and innovation has impacted her work's quality and efficiency and has established a strong foundation of learning for those who train with her.

Because of her experience, Victoria has become essential to our shop tours. Her ease with explaining an EDM operator's role makes her very accessible for all ages and skill levels. As a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated area of manufacturing, she also serves as a model for other young women interested in pursuing a STEM career.

Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales (Wauconda, Illinois)

Courtney Ollendick, Laser/TIG Welder

Courtney is a talented, dedicated and valuable member of the Alliance team. She came on board as a TIG welder specializing in the delicate process of aluminum welding. Since then, she has continued to learn and grow and is now a laser welding professional. She has even saved the day on some occasions. Courtney’s ability to tackle every task with a smile makes her an incredible asset.

Courtney is always grateful for the opportunities provided to her. Whether learning a new technique or being assigned a new challenge, she embraces each one and excels positively. She is a true team member and has built strong relationships with other members of the company. 

Courtney asks questions and helps others to learn, displaying integrity in all that she does. She is eager to share her knowledge and is tenacious in her work ethic, always pushing to grow her skill set and find new ways to benefit the company.

The company feels extremely fortunate and blessed to have Courtney as a member of the team.