IPEX Chairman had broad influence on industry (March 02, 2005)

Thomas E. Torokvei, a leading figure in the vinyl industry and Chairman of pipemaker IPEX Inc. (Montreal), died unexpectedly on Feb. 24. Torokvei dedicated his professional life to building the company founded by his father Evald into one of the most successful plastic piping businesses in the world. IPEX has manufacturing facilities and distribution centres across North America.<br>
Torokvei was also an active participant in the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, serving on the board of directors of the Vinyl Council of Canada for the past 11 years.<br>
Torokvei’s father Evald founded Scepter Manufacturing in 1949. The company grew steadily and adopted injection molding, blow molding and extrusion processes. Torokvei took over as president of the company in 1974. In 1992, Scepter merged with Canron to become IPEX. The injection molding and blow molding operations continue to operate under the Scepter name (based in Toronto), while IPEX has become a powerhouse in the pipe industry.<br>
Torokvei was named CPIA Industry Leader in 1986. He was a strong believer in technology and innovation, and used those concepts to keep Scepter and IPEX at the forefront of the industry.<br>
He is survived by his wife Cynthia, daughter Kiki, son Tom Jr., and brother Robert. If desired, donations may be made to the North York General Hospital, Torokvei Foundation, 4001 Leslie St., Toronto, ON, M2K 1E1.<br>