Honoring Plastics Industry Icon, Glenn Beall

SPE has recently announced that the ANTEC® 2024 program will feature a Symposium Honoring the Career Achievements of Mr. Glenn Beall. His indelible legacy has significantly contributed to the growth of plastics and SPE.

The symposium will feature Glenn giving a keynote presentation, and sessions will include speakers focusing on various areas of his expertise, such as rotational molding, injection molding, design, additive manufacturing, thermoforming, and more. The event will conclude with a networking session, providing a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of one of our foremost plastics innovators.

Glenn Beall, a distinguished figure in the plastics industry, boasts a remarkable career as an engineer, entrepreneur, educator, and author. Founding Glenn Beall Engineering and Glenn Beall Plastics Ltd., he also contributed significantly to SPE, holding key roles and founding divisions. Beall’s journey began in the 1950s when a college acquaintance sparked his interest in plastics. His employment at Abbott Laboratories delved into designing disposable drug delivery systems, leading him to explore various plastic processes. Engaging with SPE in the 1960s proved transformative, providing exposure to industry experts and solving real-world problems. He received 12 patents while working in the research division of Abbott Laboratories from 1958 to 1968 and another 23 patents while operating his own company, Glenn Beall Engineering Inc.

Beall’s SPE involvement expanded over the years, culminating in the presidency of the Chicago Section in 1967. His impactful mentorship extended to promoting Dr. Vicki Flaris for SPE president, contributing to her historic win. Beall’s enduring legacy lies in his educational seminars, attended by over 30,000 people. His seminars, addressing plastic product design and processing, became a method of selling his consulting services. Beall was named to the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1997.

Beyond his professional achievements, Beall’s legacy encompasses the preservation of the plastics industry’s history. Instrumental in the Plastics Pioneers Association’s efforts, he ensured the conservation of the Plastics Collection at Syracuse University. A passionate advocate for plastics education, Beall’s influence resonates through the people he’s inspired, leaving an indelible mark on the industry’s past, present, and future.

Glenn is truly a “plastics rock star”! And, in St. Louis, you can be an ANTEC® Plastics Rock Star with rock star perks – but only if you take advantage of the ANTEC® All-Access VIP Experience. VIP access is available to the first 150 registrants only.