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SPE BOARD NAMES TRAY-PAK’S BESTWICK
2009 THERMOFORMER OF THE YEAR

ONTARIO, Calif. (June 3, 2009) –The Society of Plastics Engineers’ Thermoforming Board of Directors has named Tray-Pak Corp. Chairman David M. Bestwick 2009 Thermoformer of the Year.

A 35-year veteran of the thermoforming industry, Bestwick is recognized for his leadership as a company owner and his vision as an innovator. A special reception will be held in his honor at NPE2009 in Chicago on Tuesday, June 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Thermoforming Pavilion, West Building, Hall F, Booth 119025 at McCormick Place.

Each year the Thermoforming Division presents the award to someone who has made significant contributions to the industry. In the past, the award has gone to pioneers like Bo Stratton and Sam Shapiro, who were among the first to found thermoforming companies and develop the thermoforming process. Recent winners include George J. Lueken, Owner, Mullinix Packages, Inc.; Curtis J. Zamec, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Trienda LLC (formerly Wilbert Plastics Services, Inc.); Paul V. Alongi, CEO, MAAC Machinery; and Manfred Jacob, Jacob Kunststofftechnik GmbH.

Bestwick and a group of partners launched Tray-Pak in 1975. At that time, the Reading, Pa.-based cookie and candy tray maker consisted of 11 machines and 36 employees. Since then, the company has grown to include more than 250 employees and 44 machines in a 200,000-sq.-ft. facility primarily because of Bestwick’s guidance and progressive approach.

“When you examine the criteria for Thermoformer of the Year, it’s pretty easy to see why David Bestwick is an obvious choice,” said Brian Ray, Division Chairman and President of Ontario, Calif.’s Ray Products, Inc. “The growth of Tray-Pak with David at the helm is noteworthy enough. But when you look at the number of technical innovations and markets he developed, you can’t help but be impressed by what he has accomplished during his career.”

Thermoforming is a manufacturing process in which plastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming temperature, formed to a specific part shape in a mold, and trimmed to create a usable product. Examples of thermoformed products include disposable cups, containers, lids, trays, blisters, clamshells, vehicle door and dash panels, refrigerator liners, utility vehicle beds and plastic pallets.

Thermoforming is a manufacturing process in which plastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming temperature, formed to a specific part shape in a mold, and trimmed to create a usable product. Examples of thermoformed products include disposable cups, containers, lids, trays, blisters, clamshells, vehicle door and dash panels, refrigerator liners, utility vehicle beds and plastic pallets.

THE SPE THERMFORMING DIVISION

The Division actively facilitates the advancement of the thermoforming process and its technologies through education, application, promotion and research. Comprised of numerous thermoforming operations around the world, the Division helps people and companies in thermoforming succeed by spreading knowledge, strengthening skills and promoting the thermoforming process.

THE SOCIETY OF PLASTICS ENGINEERS (SPE)

The SPE is the premier source of peer-reviewed technical information for plastics professionals. Founded in 1942, SPE takes action every day to help companies in the plastics industry succeed by spreading knowledge, strengthening skills, and promoting plastics. Employing these vital strategies, SPE has helped the plastics industry thrive for more than 60 years. SPE has become the recognized medium of communication among scientists, engineers, and technical personnel engaged in the development, conversion, and application of plastics. For more information, please visit www.4spe.org.