Mirek Planeta, an extrusion machinery expert who founded Macro Engineering & Technology Inc. in 1978, retired on June 14.
Macro Engineering manufactures film and sheet extrusion machinery in Mississauga, Ontario.
The original focus of Planeta's company was improving air ring design. That led to the invention of the dual-lip air ring.
He moved Macro Engineering forward, and the company expanded from a component supplier to offer complete extrusion systems. Macro became a leader in high barrier and specialty film processing technology.
Today, Macro Engineering has equipment running in more than 40 countries.
Planeta gave an emotional speech, talking about his journey from 1978 until today. He thanked all Macro employees, especially those who started with the company 41 years ago.
Planeta was awarded a company-designed model of a "Mirek-Pack coextrusion die"
"Mirek, we want to congratulate you on an absolutely remarkable career," said Jim Stobie, Macro Engineering's president and CEO, at the retirement event. "You have made an enormous contribution to the plastics industry here in Canada and globally. You are admired and respected for your creativity and vision by friends, customers and competitors all over the world."