ERIE – Steve Carr, Toolroom manager at Plastikos, Inc., has been named the 2026 Mold Repair & Maintenance Person of the Year 2026, an honor sponsored by the Mold Technologies Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Incorporated.
Carr accepted the award earlier this year at the PTXPO 2026, hosted byPlastics Technology Magazine and Gardener Business Media, in Rosemont, Illinois, where moldmakers from across North America gather to celebrate the craftsmanship and dedication that drive the plastics manufacturing industry.
Carr began his career as an apprentice at Micro Mold Co., Inc. in 1982 and has spent 44 years developing his craft in moldmaking and mold repair. Today, he leads the Plastikos Toolroom Team, where he is known for his hands-on troubleshooting expertise, commitment to continuous improvement, and dedication to mentoring younger toolmakers.
Throughout his career, Carr’s craftsmanship has helped extend mold life into the tens of millions of cycles while reducing downtime and maintaining reliable production for customers. His leadership and mentorship have also helped shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals within the organization.
“Steve represents the very best of our industry,” said Chris Hanes, general manager of Micro Mold Co. “His craftsmanship, his persistence, and the pride he takes in mentoring younger toolmakers have made a lasting impact on our team.”
As part of the award, Carr received a $1,000 stipend provided through the generous support of MoldTrax, to be donated to a school of his choice with an active plastics or precision machining program. Carr selected Erie County Technical School (ECTS), a local institution that prepares students for technical, hands-on careers. To further support workforce development in the region, Plastikos is matching the $1,000 award, bringing the total contribution to $2,000.
The donation will be presented to ECTS on Friday, May 15 at 11:30 a.m, during the opening of the school’s Local Advisory Committee meeting, where students showcase their work to local industry and community stakeholders. Representatives from SPE, Moldmaking Technology Magazine, MoldTrax, and Beaumont’s American Injection Molding Institute will join Plastikos for the presentation.
For Carr, the opportunity to invest in students entering the skilled trades reflects the part of his career he values most. “The part I’m most proud of in my career is the people I’ve helped along the way,” Carr said. “Seeing someone grow in the trade and build their own career — that’s what really means the most.”
Carr will retire in June 2026 after more than four decades in the moldmaking industry. His influence will carry on through the many toolmakers he has mentored and the standards of craftsmanship he helped establish.
“We’re incredibly proud of Steve and grateful for the example he’s set,” said Philip Katen, president and general manager of Plastikos. “This recognition reflects a career defined by skill, humility, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.”
The Mold Repair & Maintenance Person of the Year Award recognizes professionals whose passion, precision and dedication strengthen the moldmaking industry.
Carr’s career stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and mentorship that keep advanced manufacturing moving forward.
To learn more about Plastikos, Micro Mold, and Plastikos Medical, visit https://plastikoserie.com/.
