With the extraordinary history of manufacturing in the Erie area, many names come to mind when thinking about individuals for an Erie Hall of Fame. From Frederick Jarecki and R.W. Griswold to J.A. Zurn, G. Richard Fryling and Ernst Behrend, Erie's history is filled with industrial leaders who solidified the undeniable role manufacturing plays in our local economy. But when pressed to select one leader to nominate to the inaugural class of the Erie Hall of Fame, one name repeatedly surfaced:

Donald M. Alstadt

The manufacturing industry mourned the loss of an extraordinary leader and visionary, following the passing of Donald M. Alstadt, chairman emeritus, LORD Corporation Board of Directors, on February 19, 2007, at the age of 85.

In announcing the passing of Mr. Alstadt, Richard L. McNeel, president and CEO of LORD Corporation said, "Don cared deeply about LORD and made major contributions to the company for more than 50 years as a chemist, as president and as chairman of the Board."

Recognized worldwide for his expertise in rubber-to-metal adhesion, the physics and chemistry of surfaces and solid state molecular structures, entrepreneurial leadership and management, as well as product innovation, Alstadt joined LORD in 1943 as a developmental engineer. He headed the company's research efforts from 1952-1961 and from 1956-1961 served as the manager of Central Research.

Named executive vice president in 1966, Alstadt then served as president from 1968-1975. He served as vice chairman from 1975-1982, when he became chairman and CEO, a position he held until 1991. He is credited as the inventor of Chemlok adhesives, which became the foundation of LORD Corporation's successful global chemical business. In fact, Chemlock remains the industry standard today, more than 50 years after Alstadt's invention.

Mr. Alstadt was an industrial legend in northwest Pennsylvania, as well as a respected and powerful voice in American manufacturing. He was a visionary and leader that most could only hope to emulate. His impact on manufacturing and our community was profound. He represented one of the best of the great industrialists in America.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Alstadt also served as chairman of Jura Corporation. He was recognized with honorary doctorate degrees from Edinboro University, Allegheny College and Thiel College and was a Distinguished Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic.

Erie's history is filled with many visionary, creative, powerful and vital individuals who have made our amazing community what it is today. I submit to you that Donald M. Alstadt should be counted among that group.

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