Making a Change

I have been serving as secretary for the SPE Mold Making and Mold Design Division for the past couple of years, and one important item on our to-do list has been to change the Division name to one that is more fitting of our updated mission statement and membership profile. We can now check that off of the list. The new name is the Mold Technologies Division.

The new mission statement is: “To be the leading industry resource for technical information to advance plastic mold engineering technologies, while fostering industry growth, education and leadership."

Glenn Starkey, Chair of the Division and President of Progressive Components, explains, “When originally formed it was a division geared towards mold makers and mold designers, but over that period of time the industry has developed, specialized, and changed to include a wider range of professions. Today, our industry has grown to include a high number of hot runner support personnel, mold maintenance repair technicians, mold buyers at OEMs, 3D printing and additive manufacturing personnel, and other specialty products and services that encompass mold manufacturing.”

The Division has also already stepped up involvement in the industry to increase visibility and advocacy for its members and for the mold technologies sector at large.

“While there are trade organizations for mold shop owners and for owners of molding companies, there is a wide range of industry professionals that can benefit from being an SPE member,” says Starkey. “We’re becoming more active at trade shows, providing technical presentations at industry events, and planning an SPE event of our own that can provide information and the latest methodologies to assist tomorrow’s toolmakers.” 

In fact, this November we are continuing our partnership with MoldMaking Technology and the SPI Western Region Moldmakers Division for the 25th Annual Mike Koebel Western Moldmakers Trade Fair.  For the second time, this year’s event includes a free technical workshop and educational program that precedes the trade fair. The program provides moldmaker-specific technical and economic perspectives from industry leaders. Check back for details.