Thomas Embley, CEO of Precision AirConvey, was honored in April as the recipient of a 2015 Distinguished Career Award from the University of Delaware’s Mechanical Engineering Department.

First established in 2005, the award honors alumni of the department who have accrued “significant career achievements [and] measurable impact on their field of endeavor,” according to the department. Additional criteria include the uniqueness of the alumnus’ career and the level of interest in the career shown by colleagues, students, peers, and the public.

Embley, who received his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the university in 1987, is ecstatic to be recognized.

“Any award is an honor, but one coming from my alma mater is especially so,” Embley said. “I’m thankful for the quality education I received at the University of Delaware and very proud just to be considered among the Mechanical Engineering Department’s many professional success stories.”

Following his graduation from the University of Delaware in 1987, Embley immediately entered the packaging industry, taking a job as Chief Engineer for Precision Cutters, Inc. He served successfully in the position for eight years, before forming his own company, AirConvey Systems. After four years of leading the company through rapid growth, Embley helped facilitate a merger between AirConvey Systems and Precision Cutters, Inc., forming Precision AirConvey. Embley was named Chief Executive Officer of the new company, a title he has held since.

Throughout his career, Tom has developed a reputation as both an innovative engineer and an astute business executive, overseeing operations, sales, marketing, development and administrative functions. He also serves on the Tag and Label Manufacturing Institute’s Technical Conference and Environmental Committees, and previously on the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. His success, business strengths, and dedication to his industry were recognized in the Distinguished Career Award program guide.

“Tom has years of successful experience leading productive teams, implementing profitable initiatives, and fostering positive customer relations,” the entry reads. “He enjoys a solid reputation for resolving complex issues and understanding ‘customer pain,’ and has been commended for his perseverance and efficiency, as well as his leadership in business development.”

Embley was one of four recipients of the 2015 Distinguished Career Award, joining a group of about 50 individuals who have received the honor since its inception 11 years ago. Embley joined the other 2015 honorees for an award presentation at the school’s Senior Appreciation and Career Celebration Event, held on the University of Delaware’s North Campus on April 10.