ITU AbsorbTech Expands Regional Footprint Through Strategic Acquisition of Industrial Absorbent Solutions
ITU AbsorbTech named a 2025 Top Workplace
ITU AbsorbTech Named 2024 ATD Champion of Learning We’re proud to share that ITU AbsorbTech has been named a 2024 Champion of Learning by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). This recognition reflects something we believe strongly: investing in our people helps drive long-term success—for our employees, our company, and the communities we serve. Whether it’s developing new skills, advancing careers, or building financial confidence, learning is built into the way we work.
November 2024 – We are pleased to announce Craig Bald as ITU AbsorbTech’s next President and CEO, the first non-family member to hold this role in our 90+ year history. Craig transitions into this position after 14 years as our Chief Financial Officer, where he has been a vital part of our senior leadership team and the implementation of our Strategic Plan. His deep understanding of our business and commitment to our Business Tenets make him an exceptional choice to lead ITU AbsorbTech into the future. After more than three decades as President and CEO, Jim Leef will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board. Reflecting on his time as the company’s third-generation leader, Jim shares, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by a supportive family and dedicated employees who have helped grow ITU AbsorbTech into what it is today.” Craig will take over day-to-day operations in January 2025. “I’m honored to follow Jim’s lead and build on the strong foundation that he and the Leef family have set for the company,” Craig says. “I look forward to driving continued growth and expanding the sustainable business practices, innovations, and values that make us a trusted partner and industry leader.” Looking ahead, Jim adds, “My family and I are thrilled to see Craig take on this leadership role, and we’re confident he will be an outstanding leader for ITU AbsorbTech for years to come.”
ITU AbsorbTech has been named a Top Workplace by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplaces for the fifth consecutive year! The Top Workplaces program is Southeast Wisconsin’s most prestigious recognition of the region’s best employers. The award is based on feedback that employees from our New Berlin facilities offered through an employee survey administered late last year.
Congratulations to Missy, Production Supervisor out of Neenah, WI, who received the high honors of our George L. Leef award at our President's Circle Award dinner last week! The award honors ITU AbsorbTech's second-generation president and goes to an employee who has played an important role in improving the processes that maintain or build on our leadership position. Missy has done a fantastic job of driving operational efficiency improvements as well as #6S and #LeanEvents for our Neenah plant to support our goal of having our plant facilities be visually appealing, well cared for, and impressive to someone with a discerning eye. We are grateful that you are part of the #ITUAbsorbTechFamily, Missy!
Congratulations to Matt, Senior Account Executive from our Winchester, TN location, who received the high honors of the George H. Leef award at our annual President's Circle dinner last week! The award honors the founder of the Leef Bros in 1908, which then spun off into what became ITU in 1930 and goes to an ITU AbsorbTech employee who exemplifies the “can do” attitude of entrepreneurship. Matt understands people; and people like, respect, and trust him. His confidence in himself, his teammates, and what we can do for customers is exceptional. Congratulations to Matt on this well-deserved recognition. We are grateful to have him as part of the #ITUAbsorbTechFamily!
