Changing of the guard at AMBAChanging of the guard at AMBA

The American Mold Builders Assn. announced that Mike Armbrust, VP of Mako Mold Corp., has stepped into the position of AMBA president after serving the requisite two terms as the organization’s vice president. Armbrust will serve as the AMBA president for the next two years.

In accepting this new role with the AMBA, Armbrust first thanked Steve Rotman for his two years of service as president to the AMBA. “Steve has done a phenomenal job creating a solid foundation for the AMBA to build upon. These past two years have been a time of transition for the AMBA including some very tough economic times for many of our members,” said Armbrust. “Steve’s leadership has been exceptional and I look forward to continuing to build on this foundation, with a goal toward growth in AMBA membership as well as the fulfillment of our mission.

“While AMBA membership has grown these past two years, there remain a large number of U.S. moldmaking companies that should be part of this association, standing with us to make our industry stronger. I’m confident we can create a stronger, more unified voice by bringing these shops into the AMBA.”

Armbrust noted that the AMBA has made great strides with respect to government relations initiatives that include the Fall Conferences in Washington DC and meetings with representatives at both the federal and state levels, something he hopes to continue.  “Additionally I’d like to see chapter revitalization in some of the areas that have become less active. We’ve got tremendous potential in the Detroit area where membership has been hard hit by the automotive downturn and economic recession,” he said.

Todd Finley of Commercial Tool & Die Inc. will serve as vice president for the next two years.  Shawn McGrew of Prodigy Mold & Tool will continue his role as secretary. Additionally, there are four new directors elected to the Board. Those are:

Andy Baker, Byrne Tool & Die Inc. – West Michigan Chapter
Michael Bohning, Creative Blow Mold Tooling – Non Chapter
Kent Hanson, H.S. Die – West Michigan Chapter – also serving as AMBA Treasurer
Justin McPhee, Mold Craft Inc. – Minnesota Chapter

—Clare Goldsberry