Industry veteran Frank Aguilar was recognized for his more than 50 years of service to the finishing industry by the Metal Finishing Association of Northern and Southern California.
The 43rd Annual MFACA Conference and Expo — held September 9 and 11 in Montebello and Mountain View, California — brought together industry leaders, suppliers, and innovators to address the evolving challenges in metal finishing. The event showcased cutting-edge products and services designed to meet customer demands and stringent regulatory standards.
A highlight of the MFANC Expo on September 11 was the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Frank Aguilar, recognizing his remarkable 50+ year career in the metal finishing industry. In the photo above, Kathy Kovarik, Business Development for Chemeon, Frank Aguilar, and Ted Ventresca, Chemeon President/COO.
MFANC Lifetime Achievement Award to Frank Aguilar. From left to right: Terry McGuinness, VP MFANC/All Clean; Frank Aguilar, CHEMEON; and MFANC President Bobbi Burns, Global Plating.For decades, Aguilar and his family were owners of Industrial Plating in San Carlos, California. Since 2016, Mr. Aguilar has been the California Technical Sales Specialist/Consultant for CHEMEON Surface Technology. The award honors his expertise, unwavering dedication, and service to the Metal Finishing industry. Presented by MFANC President Bobbi Burns of Global Plating and Vice President Terry McGuinness of All Clean, the award celebrated Aguilar’s “time and service, anytime, anywhere” to the industry.
Aguilar’s legacy includes serving as a five-time past president of MFANC, a current board member, and an honorary lifetime member since 2014. His contributions were further recognized in 2022 as a Finishing and Coating Legend in a feature article and podcast (available at https://finishingandcoating.com/index.php/plating/1114-legends-frank-aguilar-industrial-plating-co-ret). As a mentor and advocate, Aguilar continues to shape generations of metal finishers, notably contributing to the adoption of CHEMEON’s safe, non-carcinogenic corrosion protection chemistries across California.
“CHEMEON proudly joins MFANC in celebrating Frank’s extraordinary impact,” said Ted Ventresca, President and COO of CHEMEON Surface Technology. “His leadership and expertise have driven the industry toward safer, innovative solutions like eTCP, our MIL-DTL chem film conversion coating and anodic seal, protecting both the industry and our communities.”
In 2023, Aguilar and Ventresca presented a four-point plan to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to phase out hexavalent chrome by addressing the root cause of continued CrVI usage as a result of legacy part specifications. The CHEMEON plan outlined and promoted sustainable practices and specification updates that safeguard the metal finishing industry, its workforce, and the environment.
A U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, Aguilar resides in California with his wife, Cynthia, and their three daughters and grandchildren.
