Plastics Academy Hall of Fame :: http://www.plasticsacademy.org

Elected to the Plastics Hall of fame for outstanding support of the development of new machinery and materials during the critical years of World War II. In the post-war years, provided strong encouragement for plastics innovation and market development. A pioneer in plastics communications; started the Cleworth Publishing Company in 1942.

In 1925, Mr. Cleworth was working for McGraw Hill's Electrical World. Radio was just beginning its growth and the primary market for plastics was electrical insulation components. His creative approach prompted him to include coverage of unusual applications for plastics and processing procedures in the magazine. He was a pioneer in promoting and expanding the production of plastics.

In 1937, he started Packaging Parade, a publication designed to extend the use of plastics even further -- into the packaging industry. This journal also illustrated the value of molded plastic premiums, which were helpful sales aids in merchandising.

His background enabled him to anticipate the enormous potential market for the novel injection molding system, styrene, cellulose, acetate, and the newly developed vinyls. He brought together a panel of plastics processing, design, and styling experts for regular meetings, greatly contributing to the favorable introduction of plastics into American homes.

The early war years placed extraordinary demands upon U.S. industry for metals and other raw materials. Because of these production needs, manufacturers were demanding more technical information about the new plastics materials.

In 1942, he started Cleworth Publishing Company, and founded Plastics World magazine, which focused on plastics processing, mold and die design, and machinery and methods. The magazine also featured a plethora of innovative ideas for the largely untapped plastics market. Mr. Cleworth personally uncovered the engineers and experts who were willing to share the secrets of plastics processing. Plastics World performed a unique service in educating production people during the critical war years. He later founded Reinforced Plastics magazine.

Following the war, he continued his search for new markets and more economical production methods. he concentrated on finding and publishing the essential "how to" stories that were crucial during this period when injection and blow molding were maturing. His work undeniably contributed to the rapid expansion of the plastics industry.

Mr. Cleworth served as an officer in the Tank Corps under Lt. Col. George S. Patton during World War I, and in 1921 he received his degree in electrical engineering. The American Business Press commemorated his 50-year contribution to the business publication field. He was named "Man of the Year" in 1964 by the Reinforced Plastics Division of SPI. In 1978, the Plastics Pioneers gave him their "Well Traveled Shirt" award and a testimonial was given to him as the Pioneer Plastics Publisher at the Bachner Awards Dinner on June 18, 1979.

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