Former Purdue Chairman, Keith Krach, Receives Nation’s Highest Manufacturing Honor

Former U.S. Under Secretary of State Recognized for Transformational Leadership and $4.5 Trillion Global Productivity Impact

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University announced Sept. 16 that noted alumnus Keith Krach — chair and co-founder of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, former U.S. under secretary of state, and business executive — has been named the 2025 recipient of the M. Eugene Merchant Manufacturing Medal.

The prestigious award, jointly awarded by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and SME (formerly known as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers) is considered among the manufacturing sector’s highest honors, recognizing exceptional innovation and leadership that advance the science and practice of manufacturing.

Over the years, Krach launched and led several technology-focused companies, and also laid a foundation for national service, where technology found common ground with democracy. His journey was highlighted in a recent Life & News article, “The $4.5 Trillion Productivity Architect: How Keith Krach Rewired Trust, Technology, and American Competitiveness.” Krach’s leadership has driven an estimated $4.5 trillion in cumulative global productivity gains, spanning five sectors and four decades — including robotics, engineering automation, business-to-business e-commerce, digital business productivity and semiconductor manufacturing.

Read the full announcement on Purdue University’s website.