The Akron SPE Section has a great history of being one of the premier sections for SPE International. For the future, our Section aims to continue on the path of spreading knowledge, strengthening skills, promoting education, and promoting the industry to technicians, scientists, marketers, retailers, and other plastics professionals. Become a member today.

The Akron Section will continue to bring innovation to our members by having creative and educational monthly programs. To stay up-to-date with the latest section events, please see our newsletters. In addition, we partner with other local professional trade groups to share knowledge and learn from best practices.

The Section will continue to support education with our Education Foundation, which awards several scholarships each year, and partner with the University of Akron Polymer Program while continuing to align with ACESS, a local engineering society, and the Akron Global Polymer Academy.

THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER CONFERENCE - “Compound Interest: TPEs in a Circular Economy”

TOPCON is changing … it will now be a virtual session in October. Pricing will be provided very soon.

Event Sponsors

• Gold - https://kuraray.com/

• Exhibitor - https://ardl.com/

• Exhibitor - https://renkertoil.com/

• Coffee Break - https://kraton.com/

• Coffee Break - https://www.starthermoplastics.com/

• Coffee Break - https://www.struktol.com/

• Coffee Break - https://www.teknorapex.com/en-us

• Supporting - www.kraiburg-tpe.com/en

• Luncheon - https://www.avient.com/

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We are now posting jobs for local plastics companies. This is free to any member. Click here to learn more.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Charles Wegelin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Robert, affectionately known as Bob, Bobby, Dad, Daddy, Pop, and Papa, was born on August 22, 1941, in Pomona, New Jersey. He passed away on March 22, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, where he had resided for 45 years.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife and best friend of 43 years, Karen, whom he loved and adored with all his heart, and by his parents Caroline (Iobst) and Irving. He is survived by his brother James (Ann), his daughters Gail (Bob), Gena (Brian), Kris (Tim), Kim (Greg), stepdaughters Tammy (Charlie), Kim (Stan), and Tara (Jeff), as well as his grandchildren Matthew, TJ, Mike, Ashley (Phil), Alexis (Jake), Brock (Crystal), Lindsey (Dave), Abby, Justin, Faith, and Zach. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Cali, Cole, Hadley, Everly, Hudson, Jayce, Hayden, Harper, and Owen.

Bob spent 55 years in the plastics and rubber industry, retiring from ExxonMobil after a distinguished career. His leadership was widely recognized, having served as president of the Akron section of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) three times. Throughout his 40+ years of involvement, Bob made significant contributions to the industry, culminating in his induction into the Akron Section SPE Plastics Hall of Honor in 1997. In 2022, he received the Medal of Honor for Lifetime Service, acknowledging his exceptional dedication to his field. Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was deeply committed to his church, where he volunteered for over 30 years, helping with activities such as hosting Swiss steak dinners and assisting his wife, Karen, with Vacation Bible School.

An avid sports fan, Bob had a special love for the Philadelphia Eagles, and his passion for the game created lasting connections with many friends. His unwavering support for his team mirrored his approach to life—facing challenges with strength, resilience, and a sense of humor. Bob had a unique ability to light up a room with his collection of bad jokes and puns, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His legacy of service, dedication, love for his family, community, and faith, along with his humor, will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched. Bob’s life was a testament to love, hard work, and the power of laughter, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Visitation will be on Friday, the 28th of March, 3pm to 5pm at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44312. Funeral service will begin at 5pm. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Ohio Living Rockynol for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert Wegelin Legacy Scholarship to Akron SPE, 250 S. Forge St., Akron, OH 44325, in Bob’s memory.