Libertyville, IL – The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) recognized two individuals for their dedication and commitment to the Council and the aluminum extrusion industry at the AEC 77th Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina in March. Each year, AEC recognizes one or more individuals for their outstanding service and achievements as an AEC volunteer.
Carl Holderbaum, Operations Manager for Bonnell Aluminum in Newnan, GA, was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award. “[Carl] has dedicated hundreds of hours to this Council over more than three decades to develop and improve AEC’s education and training and to help plan and participate in AEC events and workshops. His efforts have been instrumental in supporting the development of skills for future generations of industry technicians,” said AEC Chairman Mark Butterfield, President of Pennex Aluminum and President – Manufacturing for MX Holdings Corporation.
Mr. Holderbaum is co-chair of the AEC Die & Tooling Team and has been a vital member of the Team for more than 30 years. “His insights and guidance have been invaluable to sustaining the skills of our Die Technicians and Die shops and have kept AEC Die training and events on track with industry leading skills and methods,” Mr. Butterfield continued.
He has helped organize, plan and participated in many AEC Basic and Advanced Die Clinics over the years, including in the two successful co-located Press Maintenance Workshop / Die Performance Improvement Clinic and the Process Optimization Workshop /Advanced Die Clinic respectively conducted in May and November 2025. In addition, Mr. Holderbaum joined his Bonnell Aluminum team in leading a plant tour for AEC’s Safety event in October 2025.
“He is always willing to volunteer where and when he is needed, and believe me,” said Butterfield, “he is in high demand these days.”
He has worked in the aluminum extrusion industry for more than 40 years, designing and building dies, and has been a plant manager, overseeing all tooling design and production. In 2006, he moved to the extrusion side of the business as Extrusion and Die Manager in Michigan, and he is currently the Operations Manager at his company’s Newnan, Georgia facility.
“I was truly humbled and deeply honored to be chosen as Volunteer of the Year,” said Mr. Holderbaum. “For more than 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the AEC and working alongside dedicated individuals who share a passion for educating others and strengthening the aluminum extrusion industry. This recognition means more to me than words can express.”
AEC Past Chairman Brook Massey, President and CEO of MI Metals in Oldsmar, FL, was presented with the AEC Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor the AEC bestows.
Mr. Massey has led MI Metals for 15 years and given AEC many years of dedicated service with distinction. He has served on the AEC Board of Directors, and on the Executive Committee for 10 years, guiding the Council’s direction and purpose on key matters including Fair Trade issues, Industry Promotion, Business Excellence and Workforce Development initiatives – always bringing his wisdom and problem-solving experience to the table. He served as AEC Chairman from 2020 – 2021 during a very uncertain time within the Council.
“Brook’s leadership and financial expertise in the manufacturing, healthcare industries and government entities have guided the Council through some turbulent times and helped us successfully navigate through a storm of Fair Trade issues, economic uncertainty, and a global pandemic during his tenure as Council Chairman,” said Mr. Butterfield. “Your guidance, perseverance and dedication have been an immeasurable benefit to AEC members - past, present and future.”
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Aluminum Extruders Council, said Mr. Massey. “To stand among the accomplished leaders and mentors who have advanced this industry is both a privilege and a reflection of the many individuals who have influenced my journey. This is a truly special industry, and one that I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of throughout my career.”
