For the past six years, Matthew Thilges has led the Midport (Waterloo, IA) Maintenance team at Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT), overseeing everything from HVAC, water, and electrical systems to operating equipment, facility grounds, and OSHA compliance. He develops and executes preventative maintenance programs, manages installations and de-installations, and re-engineers new and used equipment to optimize performance and safety.

Matt’s approach to leadership is hands-on and solution driven. Faced with a large-scale equipment installation under a tight deadline, he identified a costly outsourced component and declared “NO WAY!”— instead rallying his team to design and manufacture it in-house. The result: the part was completed at half the cost and in half the time, enabling the project’s on-time, successful launch.

A champion of process improvement, Matt is a driving force behind AHT’s “2 Second Lean” program. He not only coaches his maintenance crew but also mentors other departments, fostering a culture of efficiency, safety, and innovation across the organization.

Matt’s impact extends far beyond AHT’s walls. He is deeply committed to workforce development, frequently speaking at schools and participating in STEM and career fairs with organizations like Junior Achievement. Through hands-on demonstrations and open dialogue, he sparks curiosity and inspires students, from middle school to university, to explore careers in manufacturing and heat treating.

Respected for his technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and willingness to help anyone at any time, Matt exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and forward-thinking mindset essential to advancing the industry’s future.

Nominated by: Advanced Heat Treat Corp.