REM Surface Engineering Celebrates 20-Year Milestone for President & CEO Justin Michaud
REM Surface Engineering is proud to celebrate the 20th work anniversary of its President and CEO, Justin Michaud. Over the past two decades, Michaud has been the driving force behind the company’s technological evolution, expansion into cutting-edge industrial sectors, and a significant broadening of its global footprint.
Michaud joined the family-owned enterprise in 2006, continuing a legacy of innovation started by his grandfather, Robert Michaud, in 1965. Beginning his career as corporate special projects manager, Justin rapidly assumed increasing leadership responsibilities. He served as director of operations starting in 2009 and as vice president in 2012, before being officially appointed as CEO and president in 2017.
Throughout his 20-year tenure, Michaud has worked across every business segment of the REM organization. Under his guidance, the company has transformed its application portfolio, driving critical surface finishing advancements in metal Additive Manufacturing (AM), aerospace, defense, and wind turbine gearbox OEM sectors.
A defining pillar of Michaud’s leadership has been the strategic physical expansion of the company to better serve industrial hubs. During his tenure, REM successfully expanded its operations with a dedicated facility in Merrillville, IN, positioning the company at the heart of the Midwestern manufacturing corridor to support aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery partners. Furthermore, Michaud oversaw the critical addition and expansion of REM’s European operations in Germany, securing the company’s status as a truly international partner capable of delivering localized technical support and advanced surface engineering solutions to the European Union and beyond.
“I have had the privilege of working at REM under the leadership of two generations of the Michaud Family,” says Lane Winkelmann, vice president of technology, “and was part of the transition team mentoring Justin as he took the reins. As the years have passed, I have been very proud of his growth into the CEO position and the growth of REM under his leadership. Justin recognized the potential of additive manufacturing very early and struck a new course for REM, ensuring our position in this new and growing industry for years to come. I did not think it was possible, but Justin’s passion for REM matches step-for-step the passion I saw in his father, Mark. REM has a bright future with this generation at the helm. Congratulations on 20 years of service.”
Michaud’s influence extends far beyond REM’s operational footprint. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he is an accomplished author of numerous technical papers covering additive manufacturing, isotropic superfinishing, gear failure modes, and surface textures. He also serves an active role in the broader manufacturing community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA).
