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Industrial Fasteners Institute Announces Award Recipients and Election Winners

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Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) honored its 2026 Soaring Eagle Award recipients at the conclusion of its annual spring meeting. Held during the awards dinner, the ceremony recognized three exceptional leaders whose work continues to shape the future of the fastener industry.

Each year, IFI honors individuals whose innovation, leadership, and dedication elevate the industry and strengthen the community that supports it. The 2026 recipients exemplify that spirit. 

The IFI Soaring Eagle Technology Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of technology in the industrial fastener industry. These contributions may include leadership in fastener standards development, the publication of widely respected technical work, or the creation of new products, equipment, or processes that advance the industry. This year’s Technology Award was presented to Kenneth LeVey.

LeVey was recognized for his outstanding and prolific technical contributions to the fastener industry. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a rare combination of creativity, discipline, and engineering expertise that has resulted in numerous innovative fastener designs and an impressive portfolio of 26 U.S. patents. 

Among his most influential innovations are the SinuLOC® and BosScrew® fastener designs—hallmark inventions that have helped redefine performance and reliability in fastening technology. His forward-thinking approach also extended into manufacturing, where he developed Mule Technology, an advancement now widely adopted across the industry. This breakthrough enables more consistent and efficient machine setup while significantly improving thread-rolling proficiency. 

The IFI Soaring Eagle Service Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated exceptional time and effort to the leadership of the Industrial Fasteners Institute or have contributed in meaningful ways to the overall health and well-being of the fastener industry. The 2026 Service Award recipient is Andrew Kalnow. 

Kalnow’s leadership played a role in the revival of National Machinery beginning in 2002, transforming the company into one of the most influential forces in North American fastener manufacturing. 

Under his direction, National Machinery grew into a cornerstone of the industry, with more than 2,000 cold formers operating across nearly every segment of fastener production. His vision not only strengthened the company but also helped reinforce the infrastructure that supports fastener manufacturing throughout the region. 

Congratulations to all for their remarkable contributions and well-deserved recognition. The Industrial Fasteners Institute extends its sincere thanks to everyone who submitted nominations for the 2026 awards and to the dedicated members of the IFI Awards Committee who carefully reviewed and selected this year’s recipients.

In other news, IFI membership elected its new chair, vice chair, board members and division chairs; they will serve in the upcoming 2026-2027 term. 

Executive Committee 

  • Chair: Kevin Vollmert, ITW Shakeproof 
  • Vice Chair: Devin Wilson, Parker Fasteners LLC 
  • Ex-Officio Chair: Larry Spelman, J.H. Botts LLC 

Board of Directors 

  • Brian Prodoehl, Valley Fastener Group 
  • Marty Goeree, Vegas Fastener Manufacturing 
  • Steve Dixon, CAMCAR Innovations
  • Attsie Hashimoto, Unytite, Inc.
  • Doug Carlton, Click-Bond
  • John Medcalf, Agrati, Inc.
  • Jose M. Janeiro, JM Tor Par
  • Mehrzad Bahri, Novaria Group
  • Genevieve Gurnick-Long, Seaway Bolt & Specials 
  • Nic Kraus, J&M Plating, Inc. 

Division Chairs 

  • Industrial Division: Jose M. Janeiro, JM Tor Par 
  • Aerospace Division: Marty Goeree, Vegas Fastener Manufacturing 
  • Automotive Division: Sarah Shultz, Vico Products Co. 
  • Associate Suppliers Division: Nic Kraus, J&M Plating, Inc. 

Division Vice Chairs 

  • Industrial Division: Sean McNeely, Auto Bolt USA 
  • Aerospace Division: Laurent Bourges, LISI Hi-Shear 
  • Automotive Division: Joe Gobernatz, EJOT / ATF 
  • Associate Suppliers Division: Andrew Dreger, Angor Inc. 

The Institute recognizes the leadership of its executive committee, division officers and board members representing the Industrial, Aerospace, Automotive, and Associate Suppliers divisions. These individuals help guide the Institute’s direction and support the programs and initiatives that serve the fastener industry. 

Learn more about IFI and its membership at www.indfast.org.