May 2026 Volume 8

INDUSTRY NEWS

FIA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

T he FIA Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes and honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Forging Industry Association and the forging industry as a whole. Nominees must have been previously employed by an FIA Member Company; nominated by someone currently working in the Forging Industry; and have a minimum of 15 years Forging Industry related experience. Award winners are selected annually by the FIA Board of Directors. For more information or to submit a nominee, please contact Angela Gibian at angela@forging.org.

Brad Ahbe — Canton Drop Forge (Retired) With more than 30 years of

and experience to develop others and shape the next generation of leaders. Pat’s commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and team development reflects the very best of Pursuit Aerospace. Please join us in celebrating Pat for his remarkable contributions and legacy,” said Ed Evans, Human Resources Manager, Pursuit Aerospace. Burke has been deeply involved in FIA and FIERF governance, helping shape programs that support member companies and the next generation of forging professionals. He served on the FIA Board of Directors from 2009 to 2012 and on the FIERF Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2019, including as Vice President (2017– 2019). Charles Crout Sr. — Ajax-CECO (Posthumous)

leadership at Canton Drop Forge, Ahbe helped build and sustain the company’s standing in mid-to large closed-die forgings while championing methods and practices that strengthened long term competitiveness. As described in his nomination, “Brad’s 30+ years of leadership at Canton Drop Forge has made the company a leader in mid-large sized closed-die forgings, and pushes

methods to maintain the company’s competitiveness,” said Kevin Seidel, VP Technical Customer Service, Canton Drop Forge. Ahbe’s industry service includes extensive involvement with both FIA and FIERF. He served on the FIERF Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2015, including as President (2011–2013), and on the FIA Board of Directors from 2011 to 2013, supporting education, research, and association strategy. Patrick "Pat" Burke — Pursuit Aerospace (Retired)

Honored posthumously, Crout is remembered for leadership and technical influence that supported the continued progress of the U.S. forging industry. His nomination summarizes that legacy succinctly: “Charlie was instrumental in the ongoing development of the U.S. forging industry,” said Jerry Rewerts, Global and Regional Sales, Socitec US Vibro/Dynamics Products. Crout also contributed to industry advancement through active

With more than 45 years in the forging industry, Burke represents a career built on deep operational expertise and a sustained commitment to forging excellence within the aerospace supply chain. “We’re proud to recognize Patrick (Pat) Burke for his transformative impact on the forging industry. Through exceptional intelligence, visionary thinking, and strong leadership, Pat has driven meaningful, lasting improvements

engagement with FIA and FIERF. He served on the FIERF Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2011 and on the FIA Board of Directors from 2011 to 2014, lending his experience to support research, workforce development, and association governance.

that elevated performance and raised the bar for excellence. His influence extends beyond accomplishments to the people he’s mentored across Pursuit Aerospace—investing time, knowledge,

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