The Pioneer Award honors individuals who have played a pivotal role in advancing the composites industry through hands-on innovation, technical expertise, and dedication to excellence. This award recognizes the unsung heroes—the engineers, technicians, craftsmen, and problem-solvers—who have made lasting contributions through their work, often behind the scenes.
This award is sponsored by Composites One
Jim Bono Biography
Jim Bono is an accomplished composites industry professional with more than 35 years of experience in the composites industry. He currently serves as a Technical Manager for Polynt Composites USA Inc., where he has spent the past 18 years supporting the company’s high-temperature resin product line throughout the United States.
In his role at Polynt (formerly Reichhold), Jim is responsible for the technical development of applications utilizing Polynt resin systems, resin product development, and providing technical support to a broad range of customers. His expertise spans numerous composite manufacturing processes, including Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), Bulk Molding Compound (BMC), Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), Light RTM, prepreg processing, compression molding, injection molding, cast polymers, and pultrusion. He particularly enjoys working directly with customers to address technical challenges, develop solutions, and support the implementation of composite technologies across diverse applications.
Prior to joining Polynt, Jim spent 19 years with Continental Structural Plastics (formerly ThyssenKrupp Budd), where he managed the company’s SMC compounding facility engineering and quality functions after having worked in R&D on the development of composite products for numerous automotive programs. His contributions included working on many automotive vehicle development platforms which involved the development of new materials and processes. These experiences provided him with a strong foundation in both manufacturing and product development, helping to advance the adoption of composite materials in demanding automotive applications.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Oakland University and a Master of Science degree in Macromolecular Chemistry from the University of Detroit Mercy. Demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning and professional development, he completed his master’s degree while working full time in the composites industry. The combination of academic study and hands-on industry experience provided him with a unique perspective, enabling him to bridge the gap between polymer chemistry and practical manufacturing applications.
Throughout his career, Jim has been driven by a commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and problem solving. He enjoys tackling complex manufacturing and design challenges, finding practical solutions, and sharing those lessons with colleagues, customers, and industry partners. He believes that some of the most valuable professional experiences come from collaborating with others and learning from the challenges presented by new opportunities.
Outside of work, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, especially his five grandchildren. He is also an avid runner and gardener, activities that allow him to stay active, maintain balance, and enjoy time outdoors. Whether in his professional or personal life, he values growth, perseverance, and the opportunity to learn something new every day.