Wiegel Tool Works president named TMA chairman

Aaron Wiegel

Wiegel Tool Works (WTW), a metal stamping manufacturer for OEMs based in Wood Dale, Ill., has announced that President Aaron Wiegel has been named chairman of the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA), Schaumburg, Ill.

“My greatest fear is the long-term problem our industry faces. The pipeline of new tool- and diemakers is not being produced like in past generations, and the baby boomer generation is going to retire off in the next few years,” said Wiegel. “It takes years to train employees to the level of a journeyman tool- and diemaker, which leaves us with a significant gap.

“With the help of the TMA, we [at WTW] were able to put together a certified U.S. Department of Labor Tool and Die Apprenticeship-Training Program. This program consists of 10,000 hours of machine time, plus three years of night classes at the TMA,” he continued. “Wiegel currently has seven apprentices going through the program. I hope other manufacturers will follow suit.

“I look forward to working alongside [the TMA] board of directors, leading and reforming the association to continuously drive results.”