|
|
|
|
John Malmgreen
Vice President of Manufacturing and Quality
Eastern Alloys, Inc.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Participation helps ensure that the standards required for your industry are developed and maintained because ASTM standards are developed through a collaborative process. By encouraging participation and input from those in industry, academia, research, and other interested parties, the ultimate product is better.” |
|
|
|
|
|
Q. |
|
Who is your current employer and what is your current position? |
|
|
|
|
|
A. |
|
I have been employed with Eastern Alloys, Inc., in Maybrook, N.Y., since 1978. In my position as vice president of manufacturing and quality, I am responsible for overseeing the manufacturing operation, maintaining our quality systems, and coordinating the two. |
|
|
|
|
|
Q. |
|
Where did you obtain your undergraduate/ graduate degree(s) and in what fields? |
|
|
|
|
|
A. |
|
I received my bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hunter College of the City University of New York and my master’s in chemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. |
|
|
|
|
|
Q. |
|
When and why did you become involved in ASTM International? |
|
|
|
|
|
A. |
|
I joined ASTM in 1992. I became involved because of updates and planned revisions to several specifications my company uses in manufacturing. I wanted to be actively involved in the process to help ensure that the specifications accurately reflected the requirements and needs of the industry. |
|
|
|
|
|
Q. |
|
In which committees are you active? Are you a committee officer; if so, what group or groups? |
|
|
|
|
|
A. |
|
I participate on ASTM Committees A05 on Metallic-Coated Iron and Steel Products, B02 on Nonferrous Metals and Alloys, and E01 on Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores and Related Materials. Currently, in Committee B02 I serve as vice chair for the main committee and chair of Subcommittees B02.91 on Terminology and B02.95.01, the U.S. TAG to ISO TC18 on Zinc and Zinc Alloys. In Committee E01 I am vice chair of Subcommittee E01.05. |
|
|
|
|
|
Q. |
|
How do you apply ASTM standards in your work? |
|
|
|
|
|
A. |
|
We produce zinc alloys in ingot form, and one of the most important parameters of our product is the chemical composition. ASTM standards are critical because they are the industry basis for material requirements and methods of analysis for our products. |
|
|
|
|
|
Q. |
|
Apart from using standards, are there advantages to participating in standards development? |
|
|
|
|
|
A. |
|
Participation helps ensure that the standards required for your industry are developed and maintained because ASTM standards are developed through a collaborative process. By encouraging participation and input from those in industry, academia, research, and other interested parties, the ultimate product is better. Consequently, standards are technically sound and practical at the same time. That is one of the strengths of ASTM standards. There are definitely advantages to participating. |
|
|
|
|
|
Q. |
|
What are some of your favorite aspects of your job? |
|
|
|
|
|
A. |
|
In my job I cover a number of areas. That is one of the best parts–the variety. In any given day I may be involved with manufacturing or process issues and improvement, quality standards, product analysis, or costs. These tasks give me the opportunity to work with others, individually or in groups, solve problems, and carry out projects. |
|
|
|
|
|
Q. |
|
Are there advantages that you can identify that result from having an understanding of standards? |
|
|
|
|
|
A. |
|
Understanding standards, to me, implies more than just memorizing what the standard is saying, rather, one has a deeper understanding of why certain aspects of materials are specified and controlled. The obvious advantage is that one better understands their industry and processes within the industry. |
|
|
|
|
|
Q. |
|
Are there any words of wisdom that you can offer to professionals starting out in your field? |
|
|
|
|
|
A. |
|
In addition to making every effort to learn their job, people starting out should get involved with industry-related groups and organizations. This participation provides an opportunity to meet and network with others in the field. In addition to developing camaraderie, these relationships may also be a source of information and help when trying to solve a problem.
2007
|
