AMT Member News is your source for updates on major promotions, new appointments, facility inaugurations, and other noteworthy developments within the manufacturing technology community. Stay informed and join us in recognizing the achievements of your fellow members.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
ECI Software Solutions Named 2026 Great Place To Work in 8 Countries for Employee-Driven Culture
Bloomington, Minnesota — ECI Software Solutions Inc., a leader in AI-powered, cloud-based business management software and services, has achieved a 2026 Great Place To Work (GPTW) certification in eight countries. GPTW, an employee experience and workplace culture-focused company, reported that 82% of employee feedback described ECI as a Great Place To Work, a 7% increase from the previous year, and 25% higher than the average for U.S.-based companies.
Kennametal Honors 2026 STEP Ahead Award Winner From the Manufacturing Institute
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — Kennametal Inc. announced that the Manufacturing Institute has recognized Ellen Whittingham, vice president, strategic talent enablement, as a 2026 STEP Ahead Award Honoree. The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering, Production) Ahead Awards recognize people powering manufacturing success – those whose leadership, expertise, and commitment to others are building stronger workplaces and communities.
BRAND ANNOUNCEMENTS
3D Technology Ltd. Named Meltio’s Official Sales and Services Partner To Boost Growth in Irish Metal AM Market
Galway and Meath, Ireland, and Linares, Spain — 3D Technology Ltd. has become an official sales partner for Meltio, a disruptive laser metal deposition technology manufacturer. 3D Technology will play a key role in the distribution and support of Meltio metal 3D printing solutions across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Acme Manufacturing Acquires PoliPower’s Marathon 12 Product Line, Strengthening Its Automated Finishing and Compound Application Capabilities
Auburn Hills, Michigan — Acme Manufacturing, a leader in automated material removal and robotic finishing systems, announced the acquisition of PoliPower’s liquid compound application product line. Founded by Helmut Kretschmer, PoliPower brings decades of application-driven expertise in compound dosing, with roots dating back to the mid-1980s.
Machinery Systems Inc. and Advanced Fluid Technologies Announce Exclusive Distribution Agreement
Schaumburg, Illinois — Machinery Systems Inc. announced a new, exclusive distribution agreement with Advanced Fluid Technologies, a recognized leader in industrial lubricants. Under this agreement, Machinery Systems Inc. will serve as the exclusive distributor of Advanced Fluid Technologies’ full line of industrial lubricants in its respective market.
EVENTS
Mitutoyo Madness: April 1-2
Aurora, Illinois — Mitutoyo will host a two-day open house at the Aurora showroom, featuring demonstrations of precision measurement technology, guided facility tours, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals and Mitutoyo specialists. Attendees can also enjoy provided meals and participate in prize drawings.
NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS
ARM Institute Announces Appointment of Misty Dawson as Chief Technology Officer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute announced the appointment of Misty Dawson as chief technology officer, effective March 16, 2026. Her appointment follows Dr. Chuck Brandt’s retirement at the end of 2025. In this role, Dawson will lead the ARM Institute’s technical strategy to help manufacturers of all sizes implement robotics and physical artificial intelligence (AI), as well as drive business development for technical opportunities related to the ARM Institute’s mission.
ECI Software Solutions Appoints Jack Wood as Chief Technology Officer To Scale Practical AI Innovation
Bloomington, Minnesota — ECI Software Solutions Inc., a leader in AI-powered, cloud-based business management software and services, announced the appointment of Jack Wood as chief technology officer. With more than 25 years of engineering leadership experience, Wood will drive ECI’s scalable and practical AI development strategy globally. Wood will lead the technical vision and architectural standards for scalable, secure, and modern systems, while ensuring the efficient delivery of high-quality products by equipping engineering teams with the right infrastructure, tools, and practices.
Haimer USA Strengthens Northeast Sales Team With Addition of Genovese
Villa Park, Illinois — Haimer USA, a provider of precision toolholding, balancing, shrink fit, and automation solutions for the metalworking industry, has announced that Matt Genovese has joined the company as the regional sales representative covering New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and eastern Pennsylvania. Genovese brings more than 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, including hands-on experience as a machinist, along with a background working with rotary table solutions and MST products.
Hainbuch America Promotes Jarred Roberts to National Sales Manager
Germantown, Wisconsin — Hainbuch America has announced the promotion of Jarred Roberts to national sales manager, reinforcing the company's continued commitment to customer-focused growth and technical sales leadership. Roberts brings more than a decade of experience in precision workholding, having successfully sold custom and standard solutions throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
Hwacheon Machinery America Names National Sales Director
Lincolnshire, Illinois — Hwacheon Machinery America Inc., a provider of precision CNC machine tools and manufacturing solutions in North and South America, has announced the appointment of Michael Rose as national sales director. In this newly elevated role, Rose will be responsible for driving strategic sales initiatives, strengthening customer relationships, and expanding Hwacheon's market presence across key industrial sectors.
Knox Manufacturing Solutions Announces New Sales Manager
Franklin, Ohio — Knox Manufacturing Solutions, a full-service distributor of Mazak, Mitutoyo, and other lines of CNC equipment and services, has announced the promotion of Conor Knox to sales manager. Upon graduation from Christendom College, Knox achieved his CMTSE (certified manufacturing technology sales engineer) certification though AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.
Limble Appoints Jason Penkethman as Chief Product and Technology Officer
Lehi, Utah — Limble, the modern maintenance and asset management platform, today announced the appointment of Jason Penkethman as chief product and technology officer. "Jason brings a powerful combination of product vision and technical leadership," said Gary Specter, CEO of Limble.
Lyndex-Nikken Enhances Customer Support With Expanded Sales Team in Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, California, Illinois, Texas, and Louisiana
Mundelein, Illinois — Lyndex-Nikken, manufacturer and provider of high-performance machine tool accessories and machine tending solutions, announced the expansion of its sales team. This strategic growth reinforces the company’s commitment to serving the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry by providing localized expertise, support, and world-class tooling solutions.
Scotchman Industries Announces National Sales Leadership Transition
Philip, South Dakota — Scotchman Industries, a leading manufacturer of American-made metal fabrication equipment, announced the retirement of Mike Albrecht, longtime national sales manager, and the appointment of Bradly Kuchenbecker as his successor. After 31 years of dedicated service, Albrecht will officially retire in April. His career at Scotchman Industries is marked by strong leadership, customer-focused growth, and a deep commitment to the company’s core values.
Star SU Welcomes David Kruise as Marketing and Communications Manager
Hoffman Estates, Illinois — Star SU, the marketing, sales, and service affiliate of Star Cutter Company, announced the appointment of David Kruise as marketing and communications manager. Kruise has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and communications, with a strong background in technical documentation and sales support within the manufacturing sector. His early career as a machine repair technician gives him firsthand knowledge of tooling assembly and quality control, equipping him with a unique perspective that connects technical expertise with strategic marketing.
RESEARCH & EDUCATION NEWS
America Makes Announces 2 Project Calls Worth Over $35M in Funding
Youngstown, Ohio — America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) announced two new project calls worth over $35 million. Both are funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD ManTech). The 2026 Department of Defense (DOD) Organic Industrial Base (OIB) Modernization Challenge, released in cooperation with other Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MII), focuses on advancing additive manufacturing and related technologies to support defense manufacturing modernization. Typical awards will range from $10 million to $15 million. Larger concepts up to $25 million will be considered with appropriate justification.
America Makes Announces Winners of CATACS Project Call Worth $1.3M in Funding
Youngstown, Ohio — America Makes and the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) are proud to announce the winners of a recent project call awarded through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD ManTech), worth a total of $1.3 million. The project call, Corrosion of Additive – Tested at Component Scale (CATACS), focuses on two main topic areas and will demonstrate and validate a framework for evaluating corrosion testing needs and generate data applicable to metal AM with similar corrosion performance requirements.
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