Description of Awards
& Information To Be Submitted
With Your Entry Form
PMA's Awards of Excellence in Metalforming
The 2009 entry form and additional details will be available this spring. Contact Christie Carmigiano (ccarmigiano@pma.org) with questions.
The following award descriptions and submission requirements are provided to help guide your decision to enter the appropriate category. Short, concise submissions are acceptable providing you cover all the points addressed in the criteria below. Incomplete entries cannot be considered.
- A.R. Hedberg Training and Education Award
- Parkview Metal Products Excellence in Quality Assurance Award
- Higgins-Caditz Design Award
- Pitcher Insurance Agency Safety Award
- Signature Technologies Process Control Award
- Ulbrich Award for Competitive Excellence in Product Development
- SKD Automotive Group Productivity Award
- Clips & Clamps Industries Educational Institution Award
A.R. Hedberg Training and Education Award
A company's employees are one of its greatest resources. Improving the capabilities of employees through education and training is, therefore, essential. This award recognizes a PMA member company for notable efforts to technically train and educate its employees by instituting a total training program throughout the company.
Please Submit (for PMA members only):
- a clearly written description and supporting 35 mm or high-resolution digital photos;
- a description of the employee technical training program describing its objectives and illustrating management commitment to a well-defined institutionalized training process;
- a thorough outline of the program content showing its structure and implementation, referencing such things as curriculum development, training techniques, record keeping and feedback—samples or evidence of specific training materials should be included;
- the number and classifications of employees participating in the program;
- a description of results achieved and clearly defined benefits to the company and its employees;
- a copy of the evaluation criteria can be found here or by contacting PMA.
The award is sponsored by HPL Stampings, Inc., Lake Zurich, IL, and is in memory of HPL’s co-founder A.R. (Ray) Hedberg, a recognized leader in employee training and one of only four individuals to receive honorary member status in the association. The winning entry receives a commemorative plaque and a $1,500 cash prize presented to an educational institution of the recipient’s choice that provides coursework directly enhancing metalforming technology.
Parkview Metal Products Excellence in Quality Award
This award recognizes a PMA manufacturing member for outstanding achievement in the development and implementation of a company-wide quality system that effectively uses continuous improvement. If your company is working towards or has instituted a vibrant quality system using continuous improvement, you should consider submitting an application
Basic key elements of a company's quality system that must be demonstrated include executive management commitment, periodic management quality system review, use of statistical data, use of preventive action, a dedication to employee training and education, supplier partnerships in an effort to reduce nonconformance and evidence of second- or third-party assessments.
Please Submit (for PMA manufacturing members only):
- a clearly written description and supporting 35 mm or high-resolution digital photos
- an explanation of the program, stressing implementation of the key elements of the quality system as outlined above
- sample materials depicting your accomplishments and other measurable results
- an explanation of the use of any unique tools or techniques that aided your company in achieving an outstanding quality system. These may include such things as self-directed work teams, benchmarking and TPM.
- documentation pertaining to customer quality awards or special recognition your company has received for its quality system
Parkview Metal Products, Lake Zurich, IL, sponsors this award.
Higgins-Caditz Design Award
Metalformers are constantly challenged to improve product design. The industry's highest recognition for designing and engineering excellence is presented to an innovative metalforming company for creative and effective product design. Any manufacturing company may submit a part or product for consideration. Entries may be an original part design or redesign successfully produced within the last three years. It should show originality and effectiveness of design as well as demonstrate appreciable cost savings or other benefits.
Please Submit :
- a clearly written description and supporting 35 mm or high-resolution digital photos;
- before/after part drawings (sized to 11x17 or 8 1/2x11);
- sample of original and redesigned parts, if possible;
- description of press, dies and other equipment on which the part is produced (include photos, if possible);
- before/after part cost comparisons and/or total savings achieved as a percent (%);
- the number of parts produced;
- comments on functional improvements to original design;
- before/after photographs illustrating innovative design changes (color photos or .tif files preferred).
The Worcester Pressed Steel Co., Worcester, MA, created the award in 1955 in memory of W.P.S.-founder John Woodman Higgins and former chairman of the association, Carter C. Higgins. The award is now sponsored by The Quarterly Club, in memory of its founder and past PMA chairman, Clem Caditz.
Pitcher Insurance Agency Safety Award
The health and safety of employees is vital. This award, which is open to all metalforming companies, recognizes either an effective comprehensive safety program or a specific innovative idea in the context of an effective safety program. Winning safety suggestions may help others to run safer, more productive operations. This is your opportunity to present your "safety solutions" to the industry and receive recognition for your efforts.
Please Submit (for all metalforming companies):
- a clearly written description and supporting 35 mm or high-resolution digital photos;
- a summary of your idea, initiative or safety program;
- an indication of the comprehensive nature and effectiveness of your safety program (note: this could be the table of contents from your company safety program and recent injury and illness data, etc.);
- describe the results achieved with the implementation of your idea or program;
- summarize the benefits to employees and the company;
- list any unique features of your entry;
- if applicable, provide photographs or samples.
Pitcher Insurance Agency, Inc., Palatine, IL, sponsors the award.
Signature Technologies Process Control Award
The application of in-process electronics, sensors and closed-loop control elements are revolutionizing the metalforming industry. This award promotes the application of electronic analog closed-loop process controls in the metalforming process by recognizing innovative electronic solutions implemented by any North American manufacturing company, which have resulted in significant quality, cost reduction and/or productivity improvements.
Please Submit (for manufacturers only):
Short, to-the-point submissions that meet the specific criteria below are required (note that best prior applications were only two pages but addressed each point below concisely).
- a clearly written description, clearly identifying an analog closed-loop process control solution which includes identification of the sensor types, control methods and final control devices (monitoring solutions and those that require human intervention between the sensor and the final control device are not acceptable, i.e. operator interpretation of data or PC-only software);
- an outline of the various alternatives for controlling the process that were considered and an explanation of the reasons why you ultimately selected the method presently in use;
- an explanation of what is unique or innovative about the method selected;
- before and after samples, data and cost/benefit analysis. Explain how these demonstrate/justify your significant improvements in quality, cost reduction and/or productivity
- supporting 35 mm photos or high-definition digital images
Note: Process control solutions developed and implemented solely by the manufacturer will be viewed more favorably than those instituted directly by a supplier or consultant.
Signature Technologies, Oak Point, TX, sponsors the award. The winner may apply a credit of 10% of the quoted unit (1) price toward purchase of a Signature Technologies signatureACE® system in lieu of the cash prize, if preferred.
Ulbrich Award for Competitive Excellence in Product Development
Parts produced of metal possess superior qualities for many applications. In recent years, competitive processes and materials have threatened inroads into the metals marketplace.
This award recognizes a metalforming company that develops and manufactures a product that best utilizes metal in place of a competitive material.
Please Submit (for manufacturers only):
- a clearly written description and project overview
- a clear demonstration of the best utilization of metal in place of a competitive material
- a summary of the economic and efficiency benefits to the processes and company
- a description of what is unique and/or innovative about the new product
- supporting 35 mm photos or high-resolution digital pictures and/or sample parts
Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals, Inc. sponsors the award.
SKD Automotive Group Productivity Award
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a PMA manufacturing member in the development and implementation of programs, processes and utilization of assets that lead to significant improvements in productivity. Productivity is defined, for the purposes of this award, as the quantity of good products produced per unit of manpower, equipment, time and/or material. Quality and reduction of downtime are considered important factors in achieving improved productivity.
Please Submit (for PMA manufacturing members only):
- a clearly written description and supporting 35 mm or high-resolution digital photos
- a description of the philosophy employed by management to improve productivity
- a detailed outline of the program
- pertinent sample materials
- a detailed description of benefits to your company
- a summary of unique program features.
SKD Automotive Group - Brampton Division, Brampton, ON, sponsors the award.
The Clips & Clamps Educational Institution Award
Companies in the metalforming industry have increasing challenges in the area of employee training. Many, either individually or partnering with other metalforming companies, are working cooperatively with institutions which provide necessary training. This award recognizes an educational institution (either public or private) that provides exemplary training and education services to companies in the metalforming industry.
The winning institution should provide coursework that directly enhances skills and knowledge of current and future manufacturing personnel within the metalforming industry.
Please Submit:
- a clearly written description and supporting 35 mm or high-resolution digital photos;
- a description of the educational program describing its objectives and illustrating its utilization and impact on the metalforming industry, including feedback from users;
- a thorough outline of the program content showing its structure and implementation, referencing such things as curriculum development, use of NIMS skill standards if appropriate, creation and/or utilization of materials, techniques, and record keeping;
- the population (companies and individuals) you are serving with the program, with a description of job function/skill levels included;
- a description of the results achieved and benefits to the industry and individuals utilizing the institution's services;
- any evaluations/recommendations/testimonials received.
Clips & Clamps Industries, Plymouth, MI, sponsors the award.
A copy of the evaluation criteria is available here or by contacting PMA.