SPE Mold Technologies Division Presents Moldmaking Award Winners

(Left to right): Pat Roussey II, Chuck Heitmeyer and John Demakis Sr. Photo Credit, all images: MMT

On March 29, Mold Technologies Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Inc. presented three awards at Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO), a trade show dedicated to bringing together the moldmaking and plastics industries.

The 2023 Mold Designer of the Year award, sponsored by Progressive Components Inc., was awarded to Charles “Chuck” Heitmeyer of Allied Moulded Products Inc. based in Bryan, Ohio. The Mold Designer of the Year Award was first awarded in 1992. Previous recipients include Robert Dealey, Jay Shoemaker, Tim Peterson and Steve Johnson.

Chuck has over 40 years of experience in mold design. He started his career at Injection Molding Service in Ottawa, Ohio, in 1978. His career led him to Ramtec. From there, Chuck and some co-workers started Spectrum Design Group where he worked for over 25 years. Now, Chuck is a senior tooling Engineer for AMG Tool & Die. AMG designs, builds new and repairs compression and injection molds for thermoset and thermoplastic materials.

Christina Fuges speaks to Chuck about his award during the show.

The 2023 Mold Maker of the Year, sponsored by Hasco America Inc., was awarded to Patrick “Pat” Roussey of Mayer Tool & Engineering Inc. in Sturgis, Michigan. Started by the division in 1983, this award’s past recipients include industry leaders such as Glenn Beall, Josef Klingler, William Monteith and Joe Prischak.

Roussey II’s moldmaking journey began in 1996 at Mayer Tool, where he started as an apprentice at 24. While training on the floor he learned the many facets of the trade. He soon worked his way through the shop from a full-time moldmaker to shop foreman, project manager and president before eventually buying the company in 2020. Read more about Roussey II and the award here.

One of the questions Christina asks John Demakis during his MMT Studio interview: “Were you surprised?”

The 2023 Mold Repair Technician of the Year, sponsored by MoldTrax LLC, was awarded to John Demakis Sr. from Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales in Wauconda, Illinois. According to the nominee submission, Demakis isn’t “someone who hasn’t actually physically repaired a mold themselves
in years. Instead what [he] did was build an entire business around the concept of mold repair and finishing to further the industry as a whole.”

This year also marks the inaugural year for presenting the Mold Repair Person of the Year Award. The awards include a $1,000 (funded by the sponsoring company) stipend presented to the plastics/moldmaking program of the recipient’s choice in their name and that of the sponsoring company.

Keep an eye out for MMT Studio chats, where Editorial Director Christina Fuges sits down with each winner and gets their take on the nomination.

For all things PTXPO, visit the #PTXPO hashtag.