January 1, 2013

A Gold Level Partnership

Plymouth Tube’s Chicago Processing Awarded Gold Level Partner Plaque for Community Involvement

Chicago, IL – The Austin Polytechnical Academy (APA) recently presented Plymouth Tube Company’s Chicago Processing plant with a Gold Level Partner Plaque in recognition of their valuable community support and partnership.

Founded by the Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council in 2007 in conjunction with the City of Chicago, the Austin Polytechnical Academy (APA) is a Chicago Public high school committed to educating the next generation of leaders in manufacturing and engineering. Located in a difficult west side community of Chicago, the APA designs its programs to expose high school students to the manufacturing industry, providing education, introducing skills, and giving guidance needed for students to succeed. Students are provided with mentoring, field trips, work experience and other enrichment opportunities to gain a broader understanding of their potential involvement in the industry.

A few years ago, the APA approached Steve Koch, Chicago Processing’s General Manager because of his involvement with another economic non-profit program in the area, regarding a potential partnership. The Chicago Processing plant, also located on the west side of Chicago, has been operating since 1983 and has been involved with the community in the past. The Chicago Processing plant offers high quality steel coil processing with quick delivery along with custom edging capabilities.

Steve chose to form this valuable partnership with the APA because “it benefits the students, [and] it reinforces the philosophy of Plymouth Tube which is being involved in and part of the community we are working in”. He takes the time to mentor the students as they come through Chicago Processing, whether for shorter visits or longer internship experiences.

The APA already sees positive results through their programs and partnerships with companies like Plymouth Tube’s Chicago Processing as 117 students have earned 173 industry-recognized machining credentials from the National Institute for metalworking Skills (NIMS) to date. As Chicago Processing continues to be involved with the school, Steve hopes that this type of education for students will continue to yield positive impact, not only for the students and their parents, but also for the community and the industry as well.

“The Chicago Processing plant… has been a valued partner to APA”, stated the APA in a recent press release. “Steve Koch, General Manager, and his staff have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership to the program, students and community.” Especially when there is a need for skills and talent in the industry, Plymouth Tube Company continues to remain dedicated to being involved in its community and helping educate the next generation of leaders in manufacturing.

PLYMOUTH TUBE CO. ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF KEVIN THIENEMAN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Posted by Laura JamesOctober 16, 2025

WARRENVILLE, IL (October 15, 2025) – Plymouth Tube Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Thieneman to its Board of Directors.

Kevin brings over three decades of global industrial and leadership experience to Plymouth’s Board. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Silver Spruce Resources, Inc., Calder Consulting, and Cornwell Capital, a family office based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Kevin spent 24 years at Caterpillar Inc., where he held a variety of senior leadership positions spanning product management, operations, and general management. His career at Caterpillar included international assignments in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Singapore, providing him with a deep understanding of global markets and cross-cultural business dynamics.

Following his time at Caterpillar, Kevin served five years at LiuGong, a leading construction equipment manufacturer in China. As an officer of the company, he was responsible for aftermarket parts, mobile cranes, mobile elevating work platforms, global strategy, and mergers & acquisitions.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Kevin has been an active contributor to business and community organizations. He has served on the Boards of the Georgia Association of Manufacturers, West Georgia Technical College, the Singapore American Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council. As a member of the APEC Business Advisory Council, he championed initiatives focused on infrastructure development as a driver of economic growth.

Kevin holds a Juris Doctor (with honors) from Duke University and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University. He was admitted to the Illinois State Bar and earned certification as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Illinois.

“We are honored to welcome Kevin to Plymouth’s Board of Directors,” said Van Van Pelt, Executive Chairman, President & CEO of Plymouth. “Kevin’s extensive leadership experience across global manufacturing and industrial operations will be instrumental as we continue to advance Plymouth’s legacy of manufacturing excellence.”

Please contact Holly Both, VP Sales & Marketing, with any questions at 630-841-2911.

About Plymouth Tube Co.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, Plymouth Tube Company is a privately-held, family-owned, precision metals manufacturer. Products include tubing, extruded shapes and cold drawn shapes spanning specialty carbon, alloy, stainless steel, nickel alloy and titanium. Headquartered in Warrenville, Illinois with five plants in the United States and Plymouth Schwerter Technik in Germany, Plymouth is known for offering industry-leading service levels and unique technical innovations.

PLYMOUTH APPOINTS D.C. “VAN” VAN PELT, JR. AS PRESIDENT AND CEO

Posted by Laura JamesSeptember 2, 2025

WARRENVILLE, IL (September 02, 2025) – Plymouth appoints D.C. “Van” Van Pelt, JR. as President and CEO.

WARRENVILLE, IL (September 2, 2025) – Plymouth Tube Company has appointed D.C. “Van” Van Pelt, Jr. as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Van Pelt will also continue in his role as Executive Chairman of the Board.

Van Pelt brings decades of leadership experience to the position, having previously served as Plymouth’s President and CEO from 1996 to 2014, and again as interim CEO in 2017. His return marks a pivotal moment for the company as it strengthens its focus on operational performance and long-term growth.

“Our goal is clear—achieving world-class operational performance,” said Van Pelt. “We are committed to delivering every customer order on-time and with uncompromising quality. These fundamentals will not only strengthen our financial foundation but also allow us to reinvest in the projects that fuel stability and growth for the future.”

Plymouth also recognized the contributions of outgoing President and CEO, John Petreanu, who led the company over the past year. Petreanu will support the leadership transition through mid-September.

“On behalf of the Board and the entire Plymouth team, I want to thank John for his dedication and leadership during a critical time for the company,” Van Pelt added.

With renewed leadership and a sharpened focus on execution, Plymouth is positioning itself to deliver exceptional results for its customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Please contact Holly Both, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Plymouth Tube Company, with any questions at 630-791-2759.

About Plymouth Tube Company

Plymouth Tube Company, founded in 1924, is a privately held, family-owned manufacturer of precision metal products. Headquartered in Warrenville, Illinois, Plymouth operates five manufacturing facilities in the United States and Plymouth Schwerter Technik in Germany. Its product portfolio includes tubing, extruded shapes, and cold-drawn shapes in carbon, alloy, stainless steel, nickel alloy, and titanium. Plymouth is recognized for its technical expertise, product quality, and commitment to customer service.

PLYMOUTH® TO EXHIBIT AT PARIS AIR SHOW 2025

Posted by Laura JamesJune 6, 2025

WARRENVILLE, IL (June 5, 2025) – Plymouth®, a leading global manufacturer of specialty tubing and extruded shapes for critical industries, is proud to announce its participation in the International Paris Air Show from June 16-22, 2025. Plymouth® will be showcasing its advanced solutions for the aerospace and defense industries at Hall 3, Stand F186.

As a long-standing partner to the aerospace and defense sectors, Plymouth® is committed to providing high-performance, precision-engineered products that meet the rigorous demands of aircraft manufacturing and defense applications. At this year’s show, attendees can learn more about its diverse range of products from its entities:

• Plymouth Tube Company: Offers a full range of Stainless Steel & Nickel Alloy precision aerospace tubing to seamless and welded & drawn specifications.

• Plymouth Engineered Shapes: Manufactures cost-saving extrusion profiles in Titanium, Stainless Steel and Nickel Alloys.

• Plymouth Schwerter Technik: Produces component solutions ranging from compounded materials for ballistic grilles on tanks to a range of semi-finished and finished parts utilizing special profile extrusions.

“We are thrilled to return to the Paris Air Show, a premier event for connecting with our customers and showcasing our latest innovations across the Plymouth® family of companies,” said Holly Both, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Plymouth®. “The aerospace and defense industries continue to evolve at a rapid pace, and we are dedicated to supporting their advancements with our cutting-edge solutions and unwavering commitment to quality and service. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders and demonstrating how Plymouth® can contribute to the future of flight and defense.”

Representatives from Plymouth® will be available at their stand to discuss specific project needs, provide technical insights, and explore potential partnerships. To schedule a meeting with Plymouth® during the show, reach out directly or email aero@plymouth.com.

About Plymouth Tube Co.

Plymouth Tube Company is a global specialty manufacturer of stainless, nickel alloy, and carbon alloy precision steel tubing. Plymouth Engineered Shapes manufactures titanium, stainless, nickel alloy, carbon & alloy semi- finished extrusions and semi-finished shaped bar. Under five continuous generations of family ownership, Warrenville, IL-headquartered Plymouth Tube celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2024.

For media inquiries, contact Holly Both, VP Sales & Marketing, 630-791-2759