11/8/2023

Awards Presented at the 2023 WJTA Conference & Expo

Congratulations to the recipients of WJTA’s distinguished awards. On October 31, 2023, a large crowd gathered for the presentation of WJTA’s awards honoring outstanding achievements.

View Photos of the Awards Ceremony

WJTA Award Categories

WJTA's highest honor, the Pioneer Award, is presented to honorees in recognition of their contributions to the waterjet industry and to the achievement of the goals of the WJTA, their high moral character and strong personal and business ethics, and dedication to the future of the waterjet industry and to the growth of WJTA.

The WJTA Service Award honors individuals or organizations who have contributed in time and talent toward improvement in the industry or in the WJTA.

The WJTA Technology Award honors individuals or organizations who have introduced new and innovative ideas in engineering or manufacturing.

The WJTA Safety Award honors individuals or organizations who have introduced new and innovative ideas to safety in our industry.

2023 Awards

The 2023 Pioneer Award was presented to Terry Gromes Sr. of Terydon, Inc., in recognition of his career developing visionary and innovative waterjetting solutions, advancing safety, efficiency and hands-free automation technology.

The 2023 Safety Award was presented to Frank G. Romito of StoneAge, Inc., in recognition of his contributions to the WJTA training and certification program and industry safety.

Two 2023 Service Awards were presented, one to Kent Maddie of Advanced Pressure Systems in recognition of his many years of service and outstanding support to the industry and one to Bill Shires of StoneAge, Inc., in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the industrial cleaning community advising on safe practices and hands-free technology.

The 2023 Technology Award was presented to Aquajet Systems AB in recognition of their application of waterjet technology to concrete removal, particularly novel systems to control the movement of the lance. CEO Roger Simonsson accepted the award on behalf of Aquajet Systems.

2023 Awards

WJTA President Jimmy Peck kicks off the Awards Ceremony

Hans Borgt - Pioneer Award — Terry Gromes Sr. is presented the 2023 Pioneer Award by his son, Terry Gromes Jr.

Mikaela Larkin - Service Award — Kent Maddie is presented the 2023 Service Award by Chris Ewart

Aquajet Systems AB - Technology Award — Roger Simonsson of Aquajet Systems AB is presented the 2023 Technology Award by Kerry Siggins

Award Presentations — 2023 awards were presented in conjunction with the WJTA Conference & Expo

Display of Awards — Awards were designed and fabricated by A.M. Gatti

Frank G. Romito of StoneAge — Frank G. Romito accepts the 2023 Safety Award from Jimmy Peck

Crowd Gathering — A crowd gathers in the exhibit hall for the start of the Awards Ceremony

Terry Gromes Sr. Speech — Terry Gromes Sr. give an acceptance speech after being awarded the 2023 Pioneer Award