Through an award known as the Distinguished Service to Powder Metallurgy Award, the Metal Powders Industries Federation (MPIF) recognizes individuals who have devoted a major part of their working careers (minimum of 25 years) to one or more segments of the field of powder metallurgy (PM) and whose long-term contributions and achievements are such that, in the minds of their peers, they deserve this special recognition for outstanding and distinguished service. “I have had the pleasure of working with Tom throughout most of his career. During this time, Tom has continuously advanced the PM industry through his commitment to quality and education of the PM process,” comments colleague Buzzy Levanduski, Technical Sales, at Abbott Furnace Company, St. Marys, PA.
Tom Pfingstler is currently the Metallurgical Service Manager with Atlas Pressed Metals, DuBois, Pennsylvania. During his 37 year tenure, Tom has held management positions heading many departments including Production, Quality, Engineering, and Purchasing. “Tom’s guidance and knowledge of every facet of the industry has helped not only the industry move ahead, but also he has helped many individuals who have had the pleasure of working with him. Tom is an irrefutable source of knowledge,” says co-worker Marty Timm, Manufacturing Manager at Atlas Pressed Metals.
Tom holds a BS degree in Management from Clarion University, and has attended numerous continuing educational classes. Tom has been a longtime member of the MPIF Standards Committee and APMI International; chaired numerous sessions at MPIF Conference; and served on the Board of Trustees for the Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology.
Upon receiving this award, Tom comments, “This recognition was unexpected and it is an honor to be recognized by my peers and is much appreciated. I was able to grow in this industry because over the years so many people were willing to share both their time and knowledge and I am grateful to all. “
In his community, he served as a coach for DuBois area youth soccer teams and over 30 years as a youth basketball coach. He is a board member and past president of the DuBois area YMCA, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and past co-chairman of the St. Michael Polish Festival.
In 2013, current CEO of Atlas Pressed Metals, Richard Pfingstler, received this recognition during his tenure as MPIF President.