May 6, 2025 – Alexandria, VA – The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) honored seven members at the 2025 AGMA/ABMA Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas last week. One member received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Also awarded were the Chair and Distinguished Service awards. Three outgoing AGMA Board members received Directors Awards.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Ulrich Kissling, President at KISSsoft was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his continuous dedication and contribution to the industry.
The Lifetime Achievement award is given by AGMA to rare individuals who have given years of service to AGMA and the global gear industry. Dr. Kissling’s practical experience and theoretical know-how, complemented by a passion and dedication to the world of gearing has helped him create KISSsoft into one of the most widely used gear design software products globally.
“Dr. Kissling has spent his entire career focused on gear and bearing accuracy, actively participating on ISO technical working groups, providing test data and methodology, and for ultimately creating a software system used globally be leading power transmission companies in order to design world class power transmission solutions,” noted Michael Cinquemani, Chair of AGMA and CEO of Master PT. Cinquemani presented the award to Dr. Kissling at the banquet dinner. “Kisssoft continues to be one of the go-to resources for gear design, and the industry will leverage what Dr. Kissling created for decades to come.”
Chair Award
Greg Estell, Founder and Managing Partner, The Estell Group was honored with the 2025 Chair Award.
The award is presented by the American Gear Manufacturers Association to an individual who has contributed in a meaningful way to the promotion of the gear industry, acted above and beyond the call of duty to support AGMA.
Greg has served in leadership roles on both the AGMA Board and the Foundation Trustee Board. In these positions, he has always made himself available to his peers and AGMA staff members to help make industry connections, international connections, and more.
“Greg doesn’t just serve on a board, he gives both his time and money to support the activities of whatever he is engaged in,” added Cinquemani. “During his time at the AGMA Foundation, he provided unique opportunities for members to engage, and support the efforts of the Foundation, especially scholarships. We can’t thank Greg enough for his efforts to support the PT sector.”
Distinguished Service Awards
Prakash Kadam, Managing Director of Pragati Transmission and Fred Eberle of Strattec (retired) received the Distinguished Service Award for their dedication to the association and the industry.
Prakash Kadam has advanced the gear industry significantly through his hands-on involvement in all processes within his company. His vast knowledge, innovative thinking, and passion for quality have directly influenced the industry by setting higher standards for gear manufacturing. Prakash will accept his award later this year at MPT EXPO.
Fred Eberle has worked for decades in the advancement of plastic and powder metal gearing in the automotive actuator market by developing new applications using these types of gears that have created value for end users of these products.
In terms of the gearing industry, Fred’s has worked with AGMA on several committees over the years, including twice serving as chair of the Powder Metal Committee and also serving as chair of the Plastics Gearing Committee.
“Both Prakash and Fred distinguished themselves with their long-time support and commitment to the industry and the sector,” added Cinquemani. “Volunteers come from all over the world, and both of these AGMA leaders are wonderful examples of giving back.”
Board of Directors Awards
During the AGMA Member Business Session, the following leaders were given Board of Directors Awards:
- Joe Goral, Director of Sales and Marketing, Bourn & Koch, Inc.,
- Nicole M. Wolter, President & CEO, HM Manufacturing, and
- Scott Yoders, Vice President – Sales, Liebherr Gear Technology, Inc.
Each served three-year terms on the AGMA Board and played important roles in developing new programs for AGMA, including advocacy and EV training. “We thank them for their commitment and service to the industry, and we look forward to Scott Yoder’s continued leadership as he takes on a new industry volunteer leadership as the AGMA Foundation Chair beginning in May.”