MPP Wins MPIF Design Excellence Award for PM Clutch Shoe in a Chainsaw Application
Noblesville, IN (June 23, 2025) – Metal Powder Products, LLC (MPP), a leader in custom-engineered components using powder metallurgy (PM) and metal injecti
on molding (MIM), has received an Award of Distinction in the 2025 MPIF Design Excellence Award in the Lawn & Garden/Off-Highway category for its work on a precision clutch shoe. This mission-critical component controls power transmission in a professional-grade chainsaw. The part is manufactured in partnership with a global OEM in outdoor power equipment.
Presented by the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF), a trade association representing North American powder metallurgy and particulate materials industries, the Design Excellence Awards recognize innovation in PM, MIM, and additive manufacturing, spotlighting advancements in net-shape design, performance, cost-efficiency, and precision. The MPIF Design Excellence Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the powder metallurgy industry.
Since 1966, MPP and its legacy brands have earned more than 45 MPIF awards across various categories, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to engineering innovation and customer collaboration.
The awarded component is critical to a centrifugal clutch system, enabling reliable torque transfer and clutch engagement in high-load, high-speed environments. MPP collaborated closely with its customer to develop a high-density solution using advanced tooling geometries, delivering a part with greater durability and improved performance compared to conventionally machined components.
By leveraging its in-house tooling expertise and metallurgical capabilities, MPP delivered a near-net-shape solution that eliminated secondary machining, enhanced consistency, and lowered manufacturing costs. The result: a streamlined production process with fewer manufacturing steps, improved throughput efficiency, and cost-effective components capable of withstanding extreme loads and harsh environments.
The OEM selected PM over traditional methods like casting or machining due to its ability to produce complex geometries at scale, reduce material waste, and shorten production timelines. This project reinforces how PM is a high-value solution for demanding applications across the lawn and garden, off-highway, and power tool industries. This project strengthened MPP’s role as a strategic manufacturing partner to a top global OEM and showcases the potential of collaborative engineering to accelerate innovation.
“This award reflects the kind of high-performance, collaborative work we’re doing every day at MPP,” said Jon Jensen, CEO of MPP. “We’re investing in our U.S. facilities, advanced equipment, and top talent to respond quickly and deliver custom-engineered solutions at scale. We have the resources and readiness to be the right partner for companies looking to localize production or accelerate their programs.”
To learn how MPP can deliver a competitive edge for your next program, or to explore a custom-engineered solution, contact our team today: solutions@mppinnovation.com