PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, announces eight recipients of its 2026 On the Rise Awards. The award recognizes outstanding young professionals at PMMI-member companies who are making a meaningful impact across the packaging and processing industry.
Produced by PMMI’s Young Professionals Network, the On the Rise Awards celebrate emerging leaders age 35 and younger at member companies who are driving innovation, improving business processes, solving critical challenges, and demonstrating a commitment to professional growth. This year’s winners represent expertise spanning automation, engineering, operations, sales, marketing, technology, customer support, and aftermarket services.
“The strength of our industry depends on developing talented people who are ready to lead, collaborate, and take on new challenges,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “These eight professionals are already demonstrating those qualities, and their accomplishments show the tremendous potential within the next generation of PMMI member-company leaders.”
2026 On the Rise Award Winners
Diana Laura Castro Franco, after sales manager, Huapaq
Castro Franco helped reduce import costs and grew annual spare parts revenue while strengthening after-sales operations and customer support.
Samuel Cediel, CX specialist & L2 technician, Sneed Coding Solutions, Inc.
Cediel has earned recognition for solving complex technical challenges, improving the company’s technical knowledge base, and mentoring customers and colleagues.
Ryan Frederick, IT programmer, Morrison Container Handling Solutions
Frederick developed digital tools and system integrations that improve manufacturing, scheduling, data accuracy, and day-to-day operational efficiency.
Jonathan Hodge, marketing specialist, Septimatech Group Inc.
Hodge led a website relaunch that doubled traffic, increased website-attributed revenue, and boosted monthly leads.
RaeDon Lee, product support manager, PAC Machinery
Lee has improved field service response times, reduced customer downtime, and strengthened technical training for employees and distributor partners.
Joe Leonard, director of sales, BW Packaging
Leonard rebuilt a North American sales team and increased its pipeline by more than 25% in nine months while delivering strong sales and product leadership.
Matt Seitel, operations director, Norwalt
Seitel introduced lean manufacturing and automation initiatives that increased throughput, reduced downtime, and improved operational efficiency.
Haochen Yu, research & development engineer, FANUC America Corporation
Yu is advancing robotic palletizing through innovations in collision avoidance, multi-gripper programming, AI-based solutions, and patented technologies.
“These eight professionals represent exactly what the On the Rise Awards are all about. They demonstrate initiative, curiosity, leadership, and a willingness to challenge the status quo,” says David Wales, senior OEM/pharma account manager, Videojet Technologies and chairperson of PMMI’s Emerging Leaders Committee. “Their accomplishments show that you don’t have to wait until later in your career to make a significant impact. They are already solving problems, developing new ideas, mentoring others, and helping move their companies and our entire industry forward.”
The 2026 honorees received complimentary registration, airfare, and hotel accommodations to attend the 2026 PMMI Annual Meeting, where they were recognized on Sept. 13 during the Chairperson’s Dinner. Winners will also be featured in OEM Magazine and gain additional opportunities to connect with and engage in the packaging and processing community.
For more information about the On the Rise Awards and PMMI’s Young Professionals Network, visit pmmi.org/young-professionals/awards.
