This year’s IFI Annual Spring Meeting concluded with the presentation of the IFI Soaring Eagle Awards. Held during the Tuesday evening Awards Dinner, the ceremony recognized three exceptional leaders whose work continues to shape the future of the fastener industry. 

Each year, IFI honors individuals whose innovation, leadership, and dedication elevate the industry and strengthen the community that supports it. The 2026 recipients exemplify that spirit. 

The Soaring Eagle Technology Award 

The IFI Soaring Eagle Technology Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of technology in the industrial fastener industry. These contributions may include leadership in fastener standards development, the publication of widely respected technical work, or the creation of new products, equipment, or processes that advance the industry. 

This year’s Technology Award was presented to Kenneth LeVey. 

Soaring Eagles recipient Kenneth LeVey
Kenneth LeVey Soaring Eagles Technology Award
Three people at IFI's Annual Spring Conference
IFI Annual Spring Conference Soaring Eagles award recipient Kenneth LeVey

LeVey was recognized for his outstanding and prolific technical contributions to the fastener industry. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a rare combination of creativity, discipline, and engineering expertise that has resulted in numerous innovative fastener designs and an impressive portfolio of 26 U.S. patents. 

Among his most influential innovations are the SinuLOC® and BosScrew® fastener designs—hallmark inventions that have helped redefine performance and reliability in fastening technology. His forward-thinking approach also extended into manufacturing, where he developed Mule Technology, an advancement now widely adopted across the industry. This breakthrough enables more consistent and efficient machine setup while significantly improving thread-rolling proficiency. 

The Soaring Eagle Service Award 

The IFI Soaring Eagle Service Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated exceptional time and effort to the leadership of the Industrial Fasteners Institute or have contributed in meaningful ways to the overall health and well-being of the fastener industry. 

The 2026 Service Award recipient is Andrew Kalnow. 

2026 Service Award recipient is Andrew Kalnow
Soaring Eagles 2026 Service Award recipient Andrew Kalnow
IFI Annual Spring Meeting 2026 Service Award recipient is Andrew Kalnow
Service Award recipient Andrew Kalnow at IFI Annual Spring Meeting

Kalnow’s leadership played a role in the revival of National Machinery beginning in 2002, transforming the company into one of the most influential forces in North American fastener manufacturing. 

Under his direction, National Machinery grew into a cornerstone of the industry, with more than 2,000 cold formers operating across nearly every segment of fastener production. His vision not only strengthened the company but also helped reinforce the infrastructure that supports fastener manufacturing throughout the region. 

Congratulations to all for their remarkable contributions and well-deserved recognition. The Industrial Fasteners Institute extends its sincere thanks to everyone who submitted nominations for the 2026 awards and to the dedicated members of the IFI Awards Committee who carefully reviewed and selected this year’s recipients. 

ABOUT THE IFI

IFI is the leading voice representing the interests of North American manufacturers of mechanical fasteners and formed parts, as well as the key suppliers to the industry, fostering their working together to shape the future of the industry. IFI represents the industry to its suppliers, customers, the government, and the public-at-large to advance the competitiveness, products, and innovative technology of the Member Companies in a global marketplace. Learn more about IFI and its membership at indfast.org.

More from IFI News