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The Mold Technologies Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers named Rick Finnie, president of M.R. Mold & Engineering, as its Mold Maker of the Year, and Marcin Zajac of A-1 Tool Corp. as its Mold Designer of the Year in ceremonies at the Hasco and Progressive Components booths, respectively, at PTXPO (March 29-31; Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; Rosemont, Ill.)

Finnie and M.R. Mold have helped pioneer mold building for liquid silicone rubber (LSR), including the development of a cold runner system, universal base, pneumatic stuffer box, valve-gated controller and vacuum seal. Finnie has also made it a priority to mentor students and colleagues, including work with The Los Angeles Rubber Group Incorporated (TLARGI), the Century High School STEAM program in Santa Ana, and being part of a team of experts who offer a “fundamentals of silicone” course.

Zajac, Mold Designer of the Year, was nominated by Jason Murphy, president of Next Chapter Manufacturing. He immigrated to the U.S. from Poland as a teenager, eventually landed himself a job at A-1 Tool running CNC machines. He was quickly promoted to work in the design department where he honed his designing and programming skills.

Zajac not only developed his own passion for mold design and development, according to SPE, but he has also shared that passion by mentoring young designers entering the field. He is certified in Siemens NX CAD software and shares what he has learned. Four years ago, Zajac was promoted to manage A-1’s design department, and he continues to mentor others in mold design.