Manufacturing news, appointments, accolades, industry losses
Glen Carlson Jr. retired chairman emeritus of Acme Manufacturing Co. passes; Scott Taylor joins MC Machinery’s Consumables Product Group; GWS Tool Group newest Application Specialist, Jack Crawford; Zachary Thomas joins Solar Atmospheres of Western Pennsylvania; Trelleborg’s Linda Muroski named one of Industry Era’s 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders of 2021
Mike Johnson, sales director, with Zachary Thomas (right) in front of the 48ft vacuum furnace. Solar Atmospheres of Western PA
Zachary Thomas joins Solar Atmospheres of Western Pennsylvania
We are extremely pleased to welcome our newest member, Zachary Thomas, to our Solar Atmospheres of Western PA team. Thomas will be assuming the role of outside sales manager reporting directly to our sales director, Mike Johnson.
Thomas is a Pittsburgh native and has an extensive background in the metalworking arena. Thomas has demonstrated a can do attitude that will enhance the relationships established with our current customer base along with new prospective clients.
Thomas states, “I am very excited to join the team at Solar and make an immediate impact in my new role. I appreciate the opportunity to work for such a prestigious company.”
Glen Carlson Jr. Glen Carlson Jr. of Acme Manufacturing Co. passes
Glen Carlson Jr. retired chairman emeritus of Acme Manufacturing Co., Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, passed away on June 14, 2021, after a brief illness. Glen was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 3, 1935. He was the third generation Carlson family member to own and operate the automation machinery engineering and manufacturing business.
Glen worked at Acme for 58 years managing and directing manufacturing operations, sales and further advancing as vice president, president, and chairman, retiring in 2016.
Glen joined Acme in 1958 following in the footsteps of his father Glen Carlson Sr. and his Grandfather Gustav Carlson, who founded Acme in 1910.
Highly recognized and respected internationally as an industry leader in metal finishing automation machinery. He was instrumental in providing coated abrasive belt coil, strip, sheet grinding systems in the steel industry and coated abrasive belt centerless grinding machinery for the tube, bar, and hydraulic cylinder industry.
In 1983 Glen and his brother Don Carlson (former VP and President of Acme) developed a relationship with FANUC Robotics Ltd, formerly GMF Robotics Corp. This partnership introduced the use of flexible robotic technology to the metal finishing industry and has become paramount in providing integrated automation systems and solutions globally.
Glen also established and embraced Acme’s policy to providing complete and unlimited customer service with total customer acceptance. This commitment is well known worldwide in the industry and a valuable Acme trademark today.
Glen held an engineering undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Michigan and was instrumental in developing several Acme machine patents.
Acme Manufacturing Co. was purchased by Glen’s son, G.A. “Fritz” Carlson III, in 2017 who is the fourth-generation family member owner, president and CEO.
Glen is survived by his wife Mariel Carlson, sons G.A. “Fritz” Carlson III, Steve Carlson, Dr. Rob Carlson, Brad Carlson, brother Don F. Carlson, sister Jane Carlson Bowen, and their families.
Glen was a member of Bloomfield Hills Country Club and the Birmingham Athletic Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Taylor has more than 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, including OEM product development and sheet metal fabrication.
Based in Greenville, S.C., Taylor will serve customers in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
“Scott will be a tremendous asset to our customers in the Southeast region, especially with his experience operating lasers and developing OEM products,” said MC Machinery CPG National Sales Manager George Johnson.
Taylor can be reached at scott.taylor[at]mcmachinery.com.
Jack Crawford GWS Tool Group newest Application Specialist, Jack Crawford
Jack Crawford has filled a position of Application Specialist at GWS Tool Group.
In this role, Jack will be responsible for supporting GWS distributors and key metalworking customers in the application of GWS high-performance cutting tool solutions. Cutting tools from GWS include both standard and purpose-built tooling such as end mills, form tools, step tools, drills, reamers, taps, and PCD tipped tooling along with countless variations of special turning inserts.
For several years he has been applying his knowledge at the spindle, helping to optimize production requirements, and strengthening sales for his customers. He has a vast channel partner cutting tool knowledge base and has proven successes of bringing good solutions to the spindle. Jack started his career in Bozeman, MT as an Engineering Intern learning the technical skills for assembly, operation, and maintenance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles along with preparing detailed design packages for contract manufacturers utilizing SolidWorks. After honing his skills on the machine tool side, Jack moved into sharpening his skills in CAM software programming while using complex cutting tool solutions such as Gear Skiving, while working for a highly regarded global cutting tool manufacturer.
“Jack’s extensive metalworking and process improvement experience is an ideal fit for our organization,” said Scott Tiehen, Director of Sales – West. “His Mechanical Engineering background coupled with Aerospace experience and a successful track record working with key channel partners and end users will immediately add value to our customers.”
For GWS, Jack will be responsible for business development and application support for our channel partners and end users in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. 360-506-9058; jcrawford[at]gwstoolgroup.com
Upon joining Trelleborg in 2016, Muroski immediately led the business to achieve its 2020 strategic plan one year early. In doing so, she championed diversity, fostered collaboration, and empowered her team, resulting in greater accountability, increased employee satisfaction, and improved business results.
“Linda’s attitude and approach to her work at Trelleborg is reflective of our company strategy for growth,” says Peter Hahn, business area president of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. “She understands that collaboration across business units is key and that it’s necessary to trust each other to do our best work. I’ve seen Linda ‘walk the talk’ and lead real change, which is why our team has been so successful under her leadership.”
More recently, Muroski launched the Together 2025 initiative which consists of four key pillars expected to deliver results ― talent, innovation, market, and excellence. Muroski created this initiative knowing it would require extensive teamwork and collaboration but trusts that her team is up to the challenge.
“Linda encourages me to share and develop my ideas into capabilities Trelleborg will rely on for years to come,” says Heather Castleman, senior director of strategy & marketing. “She is a strong supporter of professional development and challenges me to expand my skillset and leadership capabilities. She is a purposeful mentor, and I will be forever grateful for all of the opportunities she’s presented to me during our time working together.”
With a keen eye for growth opportunities, the global Healthcare & Medical business unit was formed. As the leader of the new business unit, Muroski assembled an astute leadership team which is working to integrate the acquired businesses. Thanks to her entrepreneurial spirit and expertise, Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical has succeeded in delivering innovative solutions and consistent, high-quality products that help improve patients’ lives worldwide.
© Acme Mfg. Co. | https://www.acmemfg.com/
© MC Machinery | 
© GWS Tool Group | 
© TSS | trelleborg.com
