LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Jerry Warmkessel, sales engineer for Mack Trucks, Inc., was recently awarded the Silver Spark Plug Award from the Technology and Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Associations.

The award is the highest honor given by TMC, North America’s premier technical society for truck equipment, information technology and logistics professionals.

Warmkessel, a TMC member since 1989, has served on and chaired numerous Task Forces within the Cab and Controls Study Group, currently serving as the study group’s second vice chairman. He also has served as an organizer or panelist for numerous technical sessions at TMC meetings.

The Silver Spark Plug is awarded annually to individuals who have: Given outstanding service to TMC; Donated a minimum of five years of active service to TMC, including three years active service with a Study Group and/or Task Force; Contributed new ideas, practices, or innovations in the maintenance of commercial motor vehicles, which have contributed materially to the improvement of equipment; Demonstrated strong support of TMC by organizing, chairing, and/or participating in several sessions, or serving on meeting committees or as sergeants-at-arms or other TMC supporting activities, and participating in various Study Group or Task Force meetings outside of TMC’s three yearly meetings; and Earned the respect and admiration of their peers in the trucking industry.

Since the award’s 1968 inception under the Regular Common Carrier Conference Maintenance Committee, 154 individuals have been recognized with the Silver Spark Plug Award. Warmkessel, a 2000 recipient of TMC’s Recognized Associate Award, is the first Mack employee to receive both awards. He joined the company in 1972, and spent sixteen years in service engineering before assuming his current position. He and his wife, Ann, have two children and reside in Allentown, Pa.

"We are very proud of Jerry and the fine work he has done representing Mack in the technological advancement of the industry," said Paul Vikner, Mack president and CEO.

For more information about Mack, visit www.macktrucks.com