Plastics Pioneers Association inducts new members

The Plastics Pioneers Association, a 74-year-old organization founded with the aim of “Honoring the Past and Ensuring the Future” through fellowship and scholarship, has inducted seven new members into its ranks. Nominees are selected based on their outstanding contributions to the industry.

Barbara Jo Arnold-Feret, key account director at Essentium Inc., is an expert in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. She has plastics and 3D printing experience that includes roles in operations, sales, project management, application engineering, molding, thermoforming, casting, machining and fabrication. Her experience includes sales and technical leadership roles at HP, US Farathane, EngATech, Unitherm and Enviro Plastics.

Jill Brandts is an alumna of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), having worked there from 1999 until her retirement in March. The hats she has worn include executive director of the Thermoforming Institute, executive director of sheet producers, director for member relations and grassroots advocacy, and director of member relations. Her previous employment was in public relations and environment and regulatory affairs at Storopack.

Troy Eubank’s plastics industry career began in 1975, and it has all been with his family businesses: Modified Plastics, Color Science, and Plastics Analytical Laboratory. He started as an equipment operator after high school graduation, and while at college, worked his way up to VP of operations. He is also the current president of the Western Plastics Pioneers.

Annette Lund has spent 42 years in the plastics industry, starting as a receptionist for Diversified Plastics Inc. in 1981 and eventually working her way up to VP in 2005. Along the way, the positions she held included office manager, purchasing manager, customer service manager, sales manager and sales and marketing manager.

Garrett MacKenzie is president and owner of Plastic411 Services, which specializes in maintenance services and process training in the plastic injection molding industry. He is owner and editor of plastic411.com and has provided consultation and training for companies that include Glock, Honda, Johnson Controls and Rubbermaid.

Roger Clyde Scherer has been involved in many aspects of the plastics industry, on both the manufacturing and educational sides. He has been in senior management roles for plastics firms such as Invetal Enterprises, Miramar Consulting, Neward Enterprises and Third Millennium Metals LLC.  

Tom Zimmerman is president of Marval Industries, a full-service compounder in Mamaroneck, N.Y. The company provides polymer masterbatch, specialty compounding, resin distribution and toll processing. He has led the company in developing new products for sectors that include personal care, appliances, hardware, medical and industrial components.