Scientists Honored by International Society of Plastics Engineers

Advancements in vehicle interior skin applications at the forefront of recognition

TROY, Mich., June 2 -- The International Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) recently honored two Thermal & Interior scientists from Delphi Corp. at the organization's 62nd Annual Technical Conference in Chicago.

Dr. Norm Kakarala, senior staff research scientist, was named a "Fellow of the Society" for his development and implementation of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) materials for vehicle interior skin applications and a closed-loop recycling process to produce TPO instrument panel skins. With this honor, Kakarala becomes one of only three Fellows in the SPE Automotive division.

Delphi's TPO skin material is environmentally friendly, versatile, durable, cost-effective and has a long field life. The material and its manufacturing process have won numerous awards for technology innovation and environmental protection.

"This is a highly recognized honor in the plastics industry," Barbara Sanders, director, Advanced Development Group, Delphi Thermal & Interior, said. "Dr. Kakarala has a unique combination of technical expertise from polymer chemistry to plastics engineering that has helped him create many significant innovations for the automotive industry. Delphi's unique TPO skin material is just one example of how we are helping our customers drive down costs while improving material quality."

Dr. Suresh Shah, senior technical fellow, Delphi Corp. was named an "Honored Service Member" at the same event. Shah, named a "Technical Fellow" by SPE in 2001, received this most recent honor for demonstrating long term, outstanding service to the Society and its objectives. Shah is one of the few SPE members to qualify for both awards.

"Prestigious recognition such as this demonstrates Delphi's long tradition and formidable expertise in automotive interior systems technology," Sanders said.