As Reported from SPE News:

An engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, educator, editor, and historian, Mr. Beall has spent over six decades elevating the practice and understanding of plastic product design and manufacturing.

After earning his Bachelor of Science from Bradley University in 1957, Mr. Beall began his career at Abbott Laboratories, where he helped design innovative disposable drug delivery systems. His work resulted in 12 patents and laid the foundation for a lifelong exploration into plastics processing. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led to the founding of Glenn Beall Engineering, Inc., and later Glenn Beall Plastics, Ltd., where he continued to influence the field through groundbreaking design and another 23 patents.

A lifelong and highly engaged member of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) since 1960, Mr. Beall has held numerous leadership roles, including president of the Chicago Chapter in 1967. He was instrumental in founding key divisions and played an active role in guiding SPE’s mission to help plastics professionals succeed through strengthening their skills through networking, events, training, and knowledge sharing. In recognition of his achievements, he was named an SPE Fellow in 1985 and a Distinguished Member in 1990. In 1993, he received SPE’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Plastics Education.

In 2024, Mr. Beall was honored with the Glenn Beall Symposium at ANTEC®, SPE’s annual technical conference. Mr. Beall was featured as keynote speaker at the symposium, which also included speakers focused on various areas of his expertise, such as rotational molding, injection molding, design, additive manufacturing, thermoforming, and more.

His passion for preserving the industry’s history was evident in his work with the Plastics Pioneers Association, where he helped safeguard the Plastics Collection at Syracuse University, ensuring future generations can learn from the field’s evolution.

Inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1997, Glenn Beall's name is synonymous with excellence, mentorship, and the advancement of plastic part design. His work will continue to inspire and guide professionals across the globe—and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Obituary of Thomas A. Zimmerman

Thomas A. Zimmerman, “Tom”, 72, of Bedford, NY passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 8th, 2025.

Tom was President of Marval Industries in Mamaroneck, NY where he ran the multigenerational family business, with great pride for over 47 years. He valued the hard work and dedication of all of his employees and enjoyed working with his customers and suppliers while creating long lasting relationships.  In 2022, Tom was inducted into the The Plastics Pioneers Association (PPA) which he was extremely honored to be a part of. 

Tom is survived by his faithful and loving wife Kimberly and his supportive and caring children:  Ashley Tracey (Ken) of New Providence, NJ, Tristan Zimmerman (Margot) of Forest Hills, NY, and Devin Osberg (Logan) of Armonk, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to 13 Hands Equine Rescue (https://13handsequine.org),

Purchase Fire Department (614 Anderson Hill Rd Purchase NY 10577) 

and Croton Falls Community Church (628 Route 22 P.O. Box 25 Croton Falls, NY 10519). 

Congratulations to PPA member, Steve Trapp for being elected SPE Cleveland Section 2024 President.

September 23, 2024

David Schultz, Technical Editor at Rubber World and 2024 Rubber Division was awarded the ACS Arnold Smith Special Service Award. He has been a member since 1978.

December 6,2024