Kent Lorenz Recieves 2018 Distinguished Achievement Award

Each year the University of Wisconsin - Madison College of Engineering recognizes outstanding alumni during Engineers’ Day—a celebration of engineers, held on Homecoming weekend. Kent Lorenz of Oconomowoc was among the engineers honored at an October 19 Awards Banquet held on the UW Madison campus where he received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Engineering Physics Department.

For the better part of his career, Kent worked in industrial robotics. His interest in applying emerging technologies enabled him to make significant contributions in advanced automated machining solutions. Starting as a sales engineer for Ellison Technologies in 1985, he ultimately became chairman and CEO of its spinoff, Acieta LLC, retiring in 2017. He now is the managing partner for a commercial real estate company, serves on numerous boards of both public and private companies, and is a public advocate for manufacturing in Wisconsin.

Kent was selected for this award for his dedication as a leader whose efforts to advance industrial robotic automation have led to new and improved manufacturing processes. These advancements have helped to improve quality, lower costs and increase safety for North American manufacturers. Kent’s passion in industrial robotics has also inspired future generations of engineers through his work with Project Lead the Way and the Waukesha Business Alliance’s Schools to Skills program.