Martin Stark
Bekum America Corporation
Inducted 2018
Martin Stark (1940 – 2021) was a dynamic and tireless advocate for the plastics industry. He devoted more than 48 years of his professional career to the growth and internationalization of “all things plastic.” As a new immigrant to the United States in 1969, Martin began his career as a manager at the Battenfeld Plastics Machinery Corporation. In 1981, he joined the newly formed Bekum America Corporation, established by Plastics Hall of Fame member Gottfried Mehnert two years earlier. As President and eventually Chairman of Bekum America Corporation, he has continuously strived to promote excellence, providing innovation for the blow molding process, improved customer experience, and quality standards.
His industry leadership was exceptional. He served the Plastics Industry Association in numerous roles, including on its Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Machinery Division from 1996 to 1998. In 1999, he was inducted into the Plastics Pioneers Association for his long record of accomplishment and service.
Martin had an extraordinary passion for plastics education that was realized at all levels. He was an early advocate for the K-12 PlastiVan™ program and a supporter of plastics apprentice and educational programs at community colleges and universities.
Areas of Expertise: Plastic processing, Plastics Manufacturing, Management, and Plastics Education