For Immediate Release:
IMS Buhrke-Olson
511 Algonquin Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60005
www.buhrke.com
Contact:
Robert J. Nellemann
Director of Marketing
224-265-6549
rnellemann@imsmfg.com
Date:
May 3, 2012
Press Release
THE TMA HONORS MR. MIKE CHESTER WITH THE 2012 WINZELER AWARD
Award recognizes outstanding services to the tool and die industry
IMS Buhrke-Olson, Arlington Heights, IL – Mr. Mike Chester, CEO of IMS Buhrke-Olson was selected as
this year’s winner of the Winzeler Award at the TMA’s 86th annual meeting on March 24, 2012. The
honor is bestowed annually on an individual who demonstrates outstanding service to the tool and die
industry.
Mr. Chester’s career began with the tool and die apprenticeship program through Triton Community
College in River Grove, IL and the TMA in Park Ridge, IL. As an experienced tool and die maker Chester
joined Buhrke Industries Inc. in 1986. Positions as lead die maker and tool room shop steward gave
Mike the opportunity to demonstrate his management skills. When Fred Buhrke, the company’s
founder, decided to retire and sell the company in 2001 Mike and a partner where able to obtain
financing to acquire the company.
In 2004 Buhrke Industries merged with Innovative Manufacturing Solutions Inc. (IMS) to form IMS
Buhrke LLC. At that time Mike was named as president of the IMS Companies group and CEO of IMS
Buhrke. In 2008 the company expanded further through the acquisition of Olson International Ltd to
form IMS Buhrke-Olson. Mike remained in his position of CEO of IMS Buhrke-Olson and now also serves
as Vice Chairman of IMS.
IMS Buhrke-Olson, a division of IMS Companies LLC, is a custom manufacturer of precision metal
stampings and assemblies for the automotive, appliance, electronics and industrial markets. The
company has manufacturing and tool building operations in the U.S. and in Mexico.
The TMA is Illinois’ premier full service manufacturing association serving nearly 1,000 member
companies in Northern Illinois. The Winzeler Award was originally established in 1971 in memory of
Max Heinz and Johnny Winzeler, two pioneer members of the TMA. The award is presented annually to
recognize industry and association leaders.
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