2020 Finishing Hall of Fame Inductees

The newest members of the Finishing Hall of Fame for 2020 are Brad Andreae, the late Dr. George Dubpernell, Jim Jones, the late Daniel Leonhardt, and Clifford Roy. Each were nominated for their outstanding achievement and service to the surface finishing industry. Here is a look at the 2020 Finishing Hall of Fame inductees:

Brad Andreae, Therma-Tron-X

Brad Andreae has dedicated almost 50 years to the finishing industry as a leader, visionary, mentor, philanthropist and more. His ability to innovate has helped shape the landscape of finishing technology through significantly improved surface finishing efficiency and productivity. His innovations include the development of multiple rinses for water reduction; mixer development for tank agitation using less energy; propeller fan development for oven air movement using less energy; VOC reductions for coatings ovens; development of auto voltage, two coat electrocoat systems and bulk ecoating with barrels and baskets. Andreae established widely accepted best practices in surface finishing areas such as applications, product development, quality, safety or supply chain and logistics. In addition, he has supported numerous national and local finishing organizations and events.

Dr. George Dubpernell, Metal and Thermit Corp.

While at United Chromium in 1931, Dr. George Dubpernell developed the sulfate and low solubility silicofluoride catalyst system that allowed good coverage and throw without burning in the high density area. Dr. Dubpernell also developed the plastisol coating that protected plating racks during plating that is widely used in the finishing business. He was a recipient of the AES Scientific Achievement Award for his body of research work in his 60 years in the field of chromium plating. Dr. Dubpernell was granted 10 patents and published numerous papers on plating.

Jim Jones, Dixie Industrial Finishing

Jim Jones served Dixie Industrial Finishing and the surface finishing industry faithfully and fervently for over 50 years until his retirement in 2013. He formed the Southeastern Fastener Association in 1975 and served as its chairman and president, and served on the Corrosion Resistance Task Force for the food service industry and on the board of the Precision Metalforming Association. Jones also served on the president’s council of the National Association of Manufacturers, and on the board of the National Association of Metal Finishers and the National Association for Surface Finishing. He has received the NAMF Award of Merit and the NASF’s highest award, the Silvio Taormina Memorial Award, for his support of the surface finishing industry on a national level, as well as the NASF Order of Past Presidents Award for exceptional service to the NASF.

Daniel Leonhardt, Leonhardt Plating Company

Daniel Leonhardt’s hard work ethic and determination transformed Leonhardt Plating from a small, local alley shop to one serving customers worldwide. Leonhardt was an advocate who sought to strengthen local AESF branches and advance the electroplating industry through his volunteer efforts at the local, regional and national levels. He served in leadership positions at the local and national levels, and promoted the organizations by coordinating technical speakers and chairing the social programs. Leonhardt served as the chairman of the branch and regional activities board for many years and was also president of the AES where he visited most of the branches and regionals and initiated the Branch Officers Forum. Leonhardt’s willingness to give of his time and talents for the service of the society was a benefit to many.

Clifford Roy, Roy Metal Finishing

With more than 50 years of experience in the metal finishing industry, Clifford Roy is chairman of Roy Metal Finishing (RMF), one of the premier finishing shops in North America. He became vice president of RMF in 1975 after starting with the company in sales in 1969 following his graduating from University of Kentucky with a degree in metallurgical engineering. Roy grew RMF into one of the most advanced finishing operations with a staff of more than 200 employees in three locations. He also sits on the board of the Greenville County Museum of Art. He and his wife are active supporters of the arts in South Carolina.

Visit pfonline.com/zones/hall-of-fame to see all of the Finishing Hall of Fame recipients.