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October 10, 2024

Heat Treat Today is privileged to oversee the 40 Under 40 recognition awards highlighting a group of rising young leaders in the North American heat treat industry every year. The Class of 2024 is a high-achieving, motivated, and heart-felt group of significant contributors to the heat treat market. Here are two highlights from this year’s class. 

A “whatever it takes” attitude, combined with an impressive educational background (bachelor’s degrees from Michigan Technological University in both Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering), makes Brian Brook a standout leader in the heat treating industry. He began his career at Standard Forged Products in Virginia where he moved from technical sales to his current role as plant metallurgist. In addition to managing day-to-day heat treatment operations, Brian is the steering team leader and workshop facilitator for the company's ARC100 safety culture initiative. He believes his most significant accomplishment in the industry so far is managing the development of the production process for an undercarriage roller. This included meeting the client’s challenging heat treatment requirements as verified by destructive testing. Whether he’s in the materials testing laboratory or working alongside colleagues in the shop next to a high-temperature furnace during the summer, Brian remains level-headed and focused. He leads by example, never hesitating to roll up his sleeves and get involved in the nitty-gritty details, exhibiting a strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a genuine commitment to achieving results. Read more about Brian here. 

Josh Tucker is the manager of induction heat treating at Tucker Induction Systems, where he began working eight years ago after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, He began as the head of purchasing, and his role and capabilities expanded to machining, wire EDM, 3D printing and laser engraving. He organizes the day-to-day operations and flow of the shop floor. In addition to purchasing and managing the shop (which is a full-time job), Josh has spent several years researching and learning about 3D printing. He has been printing plastic parts and participated in Project DIAMOnD by Automation Alley, which is an organization set up to help companies with additive manufacturing. Josh has also hosted several tours for Henry Ford High School students to give them a walkthrough of a modern-day shop and show them all of the latest technology they use. Most recently, Josh was responsible for the purchase of a new 3D printer to print specifically in copper. This is new technology keeps the company on the cutting edge. Read more about Josh here. 

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