The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has chosen Tad McGwire, president of Industrial Heater Corp., as the winner of the William R. Carteaux Leadership Award.
The award, named after the late PLASTICS CEO Bill Carteaux, recognizes unity, dedication, perseverance and selflessness in individuals who have achieved distinction working for the betterment of the plastics industry.
“This award came as a very pleasant surprise, and I am honored to accept it,” McGwire said in a news release. “I love working in and supporting our industry and treasure the relationships I have built along the way, which is why this award is deeply meaningful to me on both professional and personal levels. I also loved working with Bill Carteaux, who was my friend and mentor, and am grateful for the role he played in my career.”
McGwire began his career in the plastics industry as founder of Phoenix Lighting Products. In 1991, he became president of Industrial Heater Corp., taking over from his father, and has served in that position for 32 years.
He has been an active member of PLASTICS for more than 40 years and has served on multiple committees and boards, including as chairman of the Board of Directors and chairman of NPE.
In a 2022 interview with Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, he said he attended his first NPE in 1979 to help his father set up and take down the company’s exhibit. He got involved with PLASTICS not long after purchasing Industrial Heater, calling it “a great way for me to meet the industry.”
“Tad’s history of dedication to our industry, our organization and his strong leadership values make it easy to see why he was chosen for this honor by his peers,” PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm said.
The award will be presented May 5, the night before NPE2024 opens, as part of the Plastics Hall of Fame Ceremony in Orlando, Fla.
