Extrusion Veteran Jim Nissel Retires from Welex

Extrusion machine builder Welex, York, Pa., has announced that after a 37-year career serving the company in roles ranging from field service to design to business development, Jim Nissel will retire on March 31, 2016.

Nissel is the son of Frank Nissel, who revolutionized the sheet extrusion business when he co-founded Welex in 1966. Frank Nissel passed away in 2014.

Nissel grew up in and around Welex since its inception in King of Prussia, Penn. in 1966. In his childhood, he spent many weekends with his father at the Prodex plant during the late 1950s and early 1960s, where he was introduced to extrusion. He earned his B.A. in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976 and his Masters degree in process engineering from RWTH Aachen University in Germany in 1979. He has spent his entire career with Welex (now a brand of Graham Engineering Corp. following its 2013 acquisition).

“I have enjoyed an incredible career and am very proud of the innovations and contributions I’ve made,” said Nissel. “So many Welex innovations over the decades have advanced extrusion technology, particularly for the manufacture of plastic sheet – innovations in machine design, control systems, the processing of new resins, co-extrusion, and multi layer barrier technology – for the ultimate benefit of processors and consumers worldwide. Beyond these achievements, though, I’m most proud of the service I’ve provided, the knowledge I’ve transferred, and the resulting relationships that last to this day.”

A resident of Malvern, Penn., Nissel looks forward to spending quality time with his family, pursuing his love of writing, music, cooking and golf, while continuing to serve the industry as a consultant.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Jim for his passion, innovation, and years of service advancing extrusion not only for the benefit of Welex but also for the industry,” stated Graham Engineering Corp. president and CEO David Schroeder. “We wish Jim the very best in retirement.”

Friends and former colleagues can connect with Nissel and wish him well on LinkedIn.