Mr Paullin is president and CEO of Capstan Inc, based in Torrance, California, which has with plants in Mexico, California, Massachusetts and Tennessee. It is among the largest US privately-held powder metallurgy parts businesses. Previously president of the Powder Metallurgy Parts Association (PMPA), he has a BS degree in economics from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Southern California. He received the MPIF Distinguished Service to Powder Metallurgy award in 2007.

Mark Paullin literally grew up in the PM parts business under the guiding hand of his father, the late Donald Paullin, founder of Pacific Sintered Metals (PSM). PSM became a subsidiary of Capstan that eventually acquired other PM operations. In 1997 PSM again became a separate company, owned by Mark’s brother Craig.

Mark assumed the Capstan corporate name and retained three PM parts plants in Mexico, California, and Massachusetts, before acquiring Caterpillar’s PM business in Tennessee in 2004. The four businesses currently generate annual sales exceeding $50 million.

Mr Paullin’s move meant the election of a new president of the PMPA.  William A Heath, vice president of Metal Powder Products Corporation, of Westfield, Indiana, was elected. 
The MPIF has more than 240 member companies and organizations in six trade associations, affiliate and overseas membership categories. They are: the Metal Powder Producers Association (MPPA), the Powder Metallurgy Equipment Association (PMEA), the Powder Metallurgy Parts Association (PMPA), the Advanced Particulate Materials Association (APMA), the Refractory Metals Association RMA and the Metal Injection Molding Association (MIMA).

At the fall management conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, last month that elected Mark Paullin, MPPA President Mike Lutheran reported that business and production levels had slipped this year, compared to 2006. However, MPPA members forecast a brighter outlook in 2008. Most companies reported little or no impact of foreign competition on their domestic business. Metal powder producers say the PM industry must invest in and focus on innovation to create new applications and improve competitiveness. Chuck Rose, PMEA president, reported that two thirds of members responding to the annual state-of-the-industry survey have enjoyed an increase in business this year. PMEA members project selling 25 compacting presses in North America from September 2007 through the end of 2008. The outlook for furnace sales is up as well.

Mark Paullin reported negative numbers from PMPA members: Half the companies responding to the annual survey projected a shrinking growth rate. Half of the companies projecting sales declines anticipated decreases exceeding 10 per cent. Among the declining markets so far are Automotive Drivetrain, other automotive applications, and Lawn & Garden. Fewer companies reported losing business to China in 2007 compared to last year.

Matt Bulger, MIMA president, presented a glowing report about the current MIM market. Sales in the EU and Asia rose sharply while North America retreated. Medical, dental, and electronics markets account for the lion’s share of MIM business.
Members of APMA reported an increase in shipments and orders according to Cliff Orcutt, president. RMA members reported robust business and good capacity loads, said Egon Okorn, president.