AMBA Announces 2025 Mold Builder and Tooling Trailblazer of the Year Award Recipients, Emerging Leaders Rising Star Award

Source | American Mold Builders Association

The American Mold Builders Association (AMBA presented Robert Earnhardt, Superior Tooling, Wake Forest, North Carolina, with the 2025 Mold Builder of the Year Award and Electroform Company Inc., Rockford, Illinois, with the 2025 Tooling Trailblazer of the Year Award during the AMBA Conference 2025, May 7-9 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The awards, sponsored by Progressive Components, included a $5,000 endowment to each winner for continuing education in mold building, to be presented to the educational institution of the recipient's choice.

This year’s industry awards were complemented with the second annual 2025 Emerging Leaders Rising Star Award, won by Austin Sykora, Vincent Tool, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The AMBA Emerging Leaders Rising Star Award, sponsored by AceTronic Industrial Controls, was established to honor the accomplishments of those new to the U.S. mold manufacturing community or new to their current roles, and included a $500 endowment toward professional development.  

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Robbie Earnhardt has dedicated his life to advancing the mold building industry, transforming a humble backyard garage into the thriving and innovative Superior Tooling. With an unwavering passion that began in high school shop classes, he has led the charge in workforce development, championing education through his role in launching the North Carolina Triangle Apprenticeship Program (NCTAP) and consistently opening his doors to industry peers for learning and collaboration.

Under his leadership, Superior Tooling has become a beacon of innovation and community, blending cutting-edge technology with a deep investment in people. A long-time AMBA member and former board director, Robbie has actively shaped the association's direction, from skills certification to industry grant programs. His tireless advocacy, mentorship and commitment to excellence embody the spirit of the Mold Builder of the Year award.

Electroform Company, Inc., was awarded the 2025 AMBA Tooling Trailblazer of the Year Award, which honors AMBA members who have made a significant impact in educational outreach. Electroform stood out for its strategic commitment to building the future mold manufacturing workforce through hands-on engagement with students, educators and underserved schools. Over the last year, the company has hired and trained multiple recent graduates, partnered with area high schools and colleges and offered a wide range of mentorship and career development opportunities. Through classroom consulting, plant tours, student project reviews and consistent participation in career fairs, Electroform has introduced hundreds of students to the possibilities within mold manufacturing.

The company’s efforts have helped increase enrollment in technical education programs and reshape perceptions of the industry. With plans to donate its $5,000 scholarship grant to a local high school to invest in machinery for its growing engineering program, Electroform continues to serve as a powerful advocate for education, skill-building and long-term industry sustainability.

Austin Sykora has been named the 2025 Emerging Leaders Rising Star of the Year for his exceptional leadership, professional development and impact on the mold manufacturing industry. A standout participant in the AMBA Emerging Leaders program, Austin continually demonstrates a commitment to growth, innovation and mentorship. His leadership journey began early through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, where he served as a student chapter president, and has since evolved into a career marked by technical excellence and industry advocacy.

At Vincent Tool, Sykora plays a pivotal role in employee development, knowledge transfer and continuous improvement. His outreach to students through career fairs, combined with his efforts to promote manufacturing as a viable, exciting career path, exemplifies his passion for the industry’s future. With a hands-on approach and a mindset focused on progress, Sykora embodies the traits of a rising star in U.S. mold manufacturing.