In The News

Utica native named to Hall of Fame

11/20/2008 - Philippi-Hagenbuch Inc. has announced LeRoy G. Hagenbuch's induction to the AEM Hall of Fame.

The induction took place during the AEM Annual Conference Nov. 11 in Scottsdale, Ariz. The AEM Hall of Fame recognizes, celebrates and preserves the history of outstanding leaders in the off-road equipment industry. The Hall of Fame seeks to create a wider public understanding and appreciation of the industry’s role -- not only in the past but for the future -- in global economic and social prosperity.

LeRoy G. Hagenbuch is president and cofounder of the engineering and manufacturing firm Philippi-Hagenbuch in Peoria. He is a Utica native and Ottawa Township High School graduate. He is the eldest son of Ethel and the late Charles Hagenbuch of Waltham Township.

His first patent was for the first commercially available tailgate designed for off-highway haul trucks. He now is credited with 89 patents, 51 in the United States and 38 in other countries. The most recent patent refines rear-ejection technology, allowing operators to push the load from the back of a haul truck instead of raising the bed. To advance the process of mine reclamation, he developed many products to efficiently haul overburden and other materials.

Hagenbuch, a professional engineer, has made outreach and industry progress a mainstay of his career. He has written white papers on vital industry topics, spoken at conferences and trade shows worldwide and been active with many associations on behalf of the industry.

His operating philosophy has been to extend the safety focus beyond training and awareness. Each Philippi-Hagenbuch engineer is challenged on the safety of their product designs. In addition, each staff and production meeting at the company starts with a discussion of a critical safety topic.

Hagenbuch is a member of many state and national business and industry associations. He is currently serves on the board of directors for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and its Small Manufacturers Action Council, the National Mining Association Manufacturing Council and the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association Manufacturers and Suppliers Council.

He participates in the Wyoming Mining Association, the Mining Associates of Wyoming, the Association of Equipment Dealers, the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute, the Association of Iron and Steel Technologies, the Master Mechanics, the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Society of Mining Engineers.

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