McLean, Va., (November 23, 2021) – AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology has presented the Albert W. Moore AMT Leadership Award to two industry legends, Brian J. Papke, executive advisor to the board at Mazak Corp., and Lee B. Morris, chairman of Morris Group Inc., for their impactful contributions to the industry throughout their careers.
The Al Moore Award, which is given to members of the manufacturing technology community who have demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to the industry, recently was presented at The MFG Meeting + MTForecast in Denver, Colorado. Al Moore was executive vice president-operations for Gleason Corp. and former AMT president and board chairman, guiding the transformation to AMT from the National Machine Tool Builders Association.
“Like Al Moore, Brian Papke and Lee Morris are giants of the industry who embody the mission of the association,” says Douglas Woods, AMT president. “Throughout their long careers, they’ve been outstanding leaders and tireless advocates for advancing innovation in manufacturing technology.”
Brian Papke (left) accepts his award from AMT President Doug Woods.
Brian J. Papke was president at Mazak for 29 years until being named chairman in 2016. He had a long career in the machine tool industry, beginning with a management training program and progressing through various sales and management positions until eventually becoming president at Mazak. While at Mazak, Papke helped the company develop a lean manufacturing approach, implement their digital integration of the factory, and create multiple technology centers across North America. He was also a long-standing AMT board member.
“I couldn't be more proud and honored than to have an award with Al Moore’s name attached to it,” Papke says. “I worked with him to write a new strategic plan that led to the creation of AMT. Al was the glue that kept everything together and moved the association into a progressive direction. I have tremendous respect for him.”
Lee Morris (left) accepts his award from AMT President Doug Woods.
Lee B. Morris grew up in his family’s machine tool business and eventually became chairman in 1968. Under his leadership, Morris Group Inc. has become one of the largest machine tool distribution networks in North America, with 25 locations across the United States. Morris is a well-respected leader in the machine tool industry and an active AMT board member.
“I've been in the industry for more than 53 years and built a business consistently during that time,” Morris says. “‘Grow or Die’ has been a core business belief I’ve stuck with. Receiving the Al Moore Award now is very fulfilling.”
AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members – those who design, build, sell, and service the continuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrow’s Smartforce. AMT owns and manages IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. www.AMTonline.org
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