2010: Kenneth F. Packer, Ph.D., P.E.

Kenneth F. Packer, Ph.D., P.E., has been named as the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce as part of the 2010 Small Business of the Year Awards.
“We are honored and pleased to recognize him as our Lifetime Achievement Recipient at the 2010 Small Business of the Year Awards,” said Chamber President & CEO, John Schmitt. “Packer Engineering is an example of the spirit and prowess of the American entrepreneur. Dr. Packer’s commitment to providing leadership for his employees, our business community and students, is just one example of many in his career which we will highlight at the Small Business of the Year Awards on Friday, May 28.”
Kenneth F. Packer received a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, an M.S. and B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

During the course of his academic preparation he worked in industry, testing in practice the theories of campus and text books. Two years as Metallurgical Engineer for the American Brake Shoe Company, preceding his graduate work, gave him experience in operational and economic industrial requirements, and developed an awareness of the importance of human behavior as a basis for practical accomplishment at every level of human effort.
Resuming his studies at the University of Michigan, Kenneth F. Packer worked toward his Masters Degree in Physical Metallurgy and began a doctoral program in the same field. During this period he did teaching, research, and industrial consulting work, combining academic and practical experience and preparation.
As an instructor, his efforts were devoted to the subjects of metal processing, forging, casting, welding, machining, the use of metals in engineering designs, and processes.
Research work deepened insights into the theories of metals structures, metal forming, metal processing, forging, casting, welding, machining, and the use of materials in relation to engineering practices. Both research and industrial consulting were done at high practical levels, on both products and processes, for industrial and governmental groups such as INCO, Chrysler, Dow Chemical, the USAF and NASA.
Leaving the campus for broader industrial experience and responsibility, Dr. Packer served for five years as Assistant to the Vice President of Engineering at Danly Machine Specialties, Inc., gaining experience in the fields of metal working, welding, heat treating, selection of raw materials, design and metalworking processes.
After a brief return to the academic field, this time at Purdue University, Kenneth F. Packer received his Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering, specializing in metalworking processes.
At this point in his career he made the decision to form his own company to provide practical services for industry, along with research and development activities as required. The growth of Packer Engineering, Inc. has been steady and rewarding. Today the firm has a staff of scientist, engineers and technicians whose fields of capability cover a broad range of scientific skills.

Congratulations to Kenneth F. Packer and Packer Engineering, Inc.