On Wednesday, October 14, Heat Treat Today, in cooperation with the Metal Treating Institute (MTI), presented the 2026 Master Craftsman Award (also known as the Commercial Heat Treater of the Year Award) to Southwest Metal Treating Corp.
The award was presented at the formal awards banquet at the Metal Treating Institute Fall Meeting and Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Applicants were judged by a panel of previous recipients and is given to the company that demonstrates making a positive impact on their community and their industry. Recognition is based on quality programs, pollution and hazardous waste control, community involvement, and industry leadership.
At the presentation, Doug Glenn highlighted the company’s commitment to quality and innovation.
“This year’s recipient is another stellar example of what the commercial heat treating industry has come to represent – highly competent, environmentally aware, and civic-minded leaders in their community and in the heat treating industry – a great example of what commercial heat treating is all about,” Glenn said.
Southwest Metal Treating President Ryan D. Fussell received a plaque commemorating the recognition. Southwest Metal also received a scholarship fund of $1,500 from Heat Treat Today that was matched with another $1,500 from MTI’s Education Foundation. The heat treater will award this $3,000 to a high school or college student or students who is pursuing an education in heat treat.
“Receiving the Master Craftsman Award is a tremendous honor, both personally and for Southwest Metal Treating,” Fussell said. “This award reflects the SWMT team’s hard work and dedication to this company. I’m so grateful for the people who make up our team and share my passion for quality and customer service. I couldn’t have accomplished what we have today without them.”
Southwest Metal Treating Corp. was founded and began operations in 1985 in Arlington, Texas. In 1992, the heat treater relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, where they continue to operate today.
“There are so many outstanding heat-treating companies across this country; being recognized among them is truly beyond words. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and this award belongs to every member of our team,” Fussell said.
The company has 48 full-time employees.
Congratulations to Southwest Metal on this award.
Main image: L-R: Heat Treat Today publisher Doug Glenn, Southwest Metal Treating President Ryan Fussell, and MTI CEO Tom Morrison
