Washington D.C.— The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has announced Tad McGwire, President of Industrial Heater Corp., as the winner of the William R. Carteaux Leadership Award. This award, named after the late CEO of PLASTICS, Bill Carteaux, recognizes unity, dedication, perseverance, and selflessness, and is intended for an industry professional who has achieved distinction working for the betterment of the plastics industry.
“I want to thank the Plastics Industry Association and its members for recognizing me with the William R. Carteaux Leadership award,” said Tad McGwire. “This award came as a very pleasant surprise, and I am honored to accept it. 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.”
“I congratulate Tad on winning the William R. Carteaux Leadership Award,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “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. I look forward to presenting Tad this very well-deserved Carteaux Award as we kick off NPE2024 in Orlando this May.”
The award will be presented as part of the Plastics Hall of Fame Ceremony in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Tad McGwire has been an active member of PLASTICS for over 40 years and has served on multiple committees and boards since 2005 including as Chair of the Board of Directors and Chairman of NPE. McGwire, who holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, began his career in the plastics industry as founder of Phoenix Lighting Products. In 1991, he moved into the President’s role at Industrial Heater Corp., where he has served for 32 years. Additionally, Tad has served on various volunteer boards from youth sports leagues to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Haven.
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $548 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the seventh largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE2024: The Plastics Show.