ITSA Member News

As I write this, it has been less than a week since we held our annual meeting and symposium focusing on heavy machinery, overhaul, and mining applications in Peoria, Ill. I am grateful to be part of such a positive, engaged, and resilient organization like ITSA, and of the thermal spray community as a whole.

This year’s meeting had 59 registered attendees, an increase from 49 in 2024 and 21 in 2023. The attendees included many direct competitors, yet the spirit of collaboration was clear, and the networking sessions were energetic and enjoyable.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our members for their continued support; to all attendees for taking the time to participate and for navigating travel and weather challenges; to the presenters for delivering insightful and informative sessions; to Caterpillar for allowing Dan Sordelet to present the keynote address and for hosting the tour of their assembly plant; and, finally, to the members of the ITSA board and planning committee for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of this event.

Planning is already underway for our 2026 meeting. During the business meeting, San Diego, Calif., emerged as the top choice after receiving the highest number of votes. The planning committee will provide updates as details are finalized.

It is also encouraging to see the continued growth of ITSA membership. We now have 31 member companies, with four new members joining in the past year, representing a 15% increase for 2025. Discussions with additional prospective members are ongoing, and we look forward to welcoming more organizations into our community.

We are currently reviewing applications for the 2025 ITSA scholarships, and recipients will be announced early next year. Registration for the next scholarship cycle will open in early 2026. If you know students pursuing a graduate degree in a thermal-spray-related field, please direct them to 
thermalspray.org to apply.

If your company has updates, articles, or other news to share, please contact Cindy Weihl at cweihl@aws.org to have it included in future publications.

ITSA MISSION STATEMENT

The International Thermal Spray Association (ITSA), a standing committee of the American Welding Society, is a professional industrial organization dedicated to expanding the use of thermal spray technologies for the benefit of industry and society. ITSA invites all interested companies to talk with our officers and company representatives to better understand member benefits.

OFFICERS

Kirk Fick, chair, Cincinnati Thermal Spray Inc.

Ashley Hunsaker, vice chair, HTS Coatings

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 
(previously listed officers plus the following)

Mollie Blasingame, Superior Shot Peening & Coatings

Ana Duminie, North American Höganäs

Jim Ryan, TechMet Alloys

David A. Lee, David Lee Consulting LLC

Bill Mosier, Polymet Corp.

ITSA SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

ITSA offers annual graduate scholarships. Since 1992, the ITSA scholarship program has contributed to the growth of the thermal spray community, especially in the development of new technologists and engineers. ITSA is very proud of this education partnership and encourages all eligible participants to apply. Visit thermalspray.org for criteria information and a printable application form.

ITSA SPRAYTIME

Since 1992, ITSA has been publishing SPRAYTIME for the thermal spray industry. The mission is to be the flagship thermal spray industry publication providing company, event, personnel, product, research, and membership news of interest to the thermal spray community.

JOIN ITSA

Membership is open to companies involved in all facets of the industry — equipment and materials suppliers, job shops, in-house facilities, educational institutions, industry consultants, and others.

Engage with dozens of like-minded industry professionals at the Annual ITSA Membership Meeting, where there’s ample time for business and personal discussions. Learn about industry advancements through the one-day technical program, participate in the half-day business meeting, and enjoy your peers in a relaxed atmosphere complete with fun social events.

Build awareness of your company and its products and services through valuable promotional opportunities: a listing in SPRAYTIME, exposure on the ITSA website, and recognition at industry trade shows.

Plus, ITSA Membership comes with an AWS Supporting Company Membership and up to five AWS Individual Memberships to give to your best employees, colleagues, or customers. Visit aws.org/membership/supportingcompany for a complete listing of additional AWS benefits. For more information, contact Adrian Bustillo at (786) 937-9595 or abustillo@aws.org.

For an ITSA Membership application, visit the membership section at thermalspray.org.