American Mold Builders Association

AMBA trade group lobbyist Omar Nashahib: "What we heard from you all is that the molds, dies and tooling is already underpriced by China probably 40-60 percent. So 25 percent doesn't even get you whole, but it does help."

American Seating, a maker of metal, plastic and textile seats for buses and light rail, has more than 130 years of history, including a link to a major event in civil rights.

Mold Craft Inc. engineer Justin McPhee: "It's why God put me here — to push forward manufacturing."

This year, Plastics News received nearly 100 nominations for Rising Stars. It wasn't easy narrowing them down to just 35 people age 35 and younger in the industry.

A Minnesota-based tooling engineer and a Michigan mold shop were recognized for efforts to attract the next generation of manufacturers.

Members of the American Mold Builders Association are celebrating the trade group's 50th anniversary and looking at how they can get through the manufacturing and hiring challenges facing them today.

As President Joe Biden's administration reviews China tariffs, the mold making industry is lobbying to keep 25 percent duties on Chinese-made tools. The other side will now get a chance to weigh in.

Tom Barr, president of TK Mold & Engineering Inc., was named Mold Builder of the Year. Compumold Tool & Design Inc. wins Tooling Trailblazer of the Year.

Nebraska-based Dramco Tool Co. showed off changes it made throughout its plant to improve workflow during the American Mold Builders Association's first virtual tour.