Michael Tuccolo, 25
Development Engineer and Marketing Manager
Osterman and Co.
Michael Tuccolo became interested in the plastics industry after touring the University of Massachusetts Lowell while viewing potential mechanical engineering schools. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in plastics engineering from UMass Lowell in May 2016, which he considers his greatest achievement.
"I was drawn to plastics after noticing the crossover between chemical and mechanical engineering," he said.
Tuccolo's first plastics job was in May 2015 as a development technician at Sekisui Voltek LLC, maker of cross-linked polyolefin foam for the tape and health care, transportation and general industrial markets.
He went on to join Cheshire, Conn.-based resin distribution firm Osterman and Co. and held positions as technical development engineer, market manager caps and closures, manager rigid packaging and now manager rigid packaging and advanced development engineer.
"I started as technical engineer and added marketing to expand my role. I have since moved into a hybrid technical and marketing role working with engineered resins," Tuccolo said. "I am actively trying to learn as much as I can so I can take those skills and knowledge with me to future positions."
Tuccolo is a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers and Order of the Engineer.
Plastics News: What is your current challenge at work?
Tuccolo: My current position at work involves supporting sales to develop engineered resin opportunities. My current challenge is growing our engineered resins business and keeping up with all our incoming opportunities.
Q: What emerging technology or market most interests you?
Tuccolo: Two emerging technologies that interests me the most are biodegradable and recycled resins. Both are frequently talked about in the industry, and it will be interesting to see how they advance in the market.
Q: What about the plastics industry surprises you?
Tuccolo: One thing that surprised me when I first started working in the plastics industry is that plastics are used everywhere from medical to automotive to consumer products. They are all around us and sometimes I don't think we even notice the sheer volume of plastic related products we use daily.
Q: What job do you really want to have in the future?
Tuccolo: I would like to continue developing my skills as a development engineer with engineered resins and apply them to becoming an engineered resins product manager in the future. I look forward to working with both sides of the supply chain.
Q: One of our criteria for Rising Stars is whether they are active in plastics industry, manufacturing or their community. How are you involved?
Tuccolo: I have been actively involved with in Osterman providing technical training with Osterman sales classes and employees. I also provide in person technical support for our customers across North America.