Our Story — From Powder to Polish
General Carbide is a vertically integrated manufacturer of finished tooling, wear parts and components for customers in more than two dozen market segments. The ISO 9001:2015-certified company employs more than 250 highly-skilled professionals in its production operations.
General Carbide has four facilities and sells its products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company was established in 1968 by Premo Pappafava (1926-2002) and is headquartered in Greensburg, PA, near Pittsburgh. Premo, a chemical engineer by training, started the company after working for several manufacturers in the Pittsburgh area following his graduation from Carnegie Tech.
Since 2002, Premo’s daughter, Mona Pappafava-Ray, has been at the helm of General Carbide. After joining the company in 1986, upon completion of her Industrial Management degree at Carnegie Mellon University, Mona held numerous staff and management positions before she was named General Carbide’s president in 1997.
As President and CEO, she has grown the company by transitioning from a manufacturer of semi-finished tooling to a leading producer of finished tooling. Mona has also led the company’s efforts to acquire several strategically significant businesses. Despite those changes, she has retained the family atmosphere that has been one of General Carbide’s distinguishing features from the beginning. Throughout her career, Mona has been the recipient of numerous awards for leadership and philanthropy.
As a woman-owned business, General Carbide has achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and has received widespread recognition for business excellence.
News
Newsroom – At General Carbide, good things are happening. Check this page periodically to get the latest from us.
General Carbide Celebrates The Launch Of Its Career Academy To Help Team Members Grow Professionally & Personally
Mona Pappavafa-Ray, General Carbide’s President and CEO and (left to right) Denis Pasay, the company’s Director of Sales and Marketing; Randy Roadman, Government Relations Director; Jason Ray; and Jim Miller, Plant 1 Manager, celebrate the launch of the General Carbide Career Academy which allows new and established team members alike to hone their existing skills and develop new ones.
Greensburg, PA, October 18, 2023 – In an effort to empower excellence among team members, General Carbide, a vertically integrated manufacturer of finished tooling, wear parts, and components for customers in more than two dozen market segments, recently marked the start of the General Carbide Career Academy (GCCA) with a breakfast attended by employees and members of the community. The GCCA consists of a series of in-depth eight-week training courses that General Carbide’s plant managers have developed for new employees, and weekly classes for established employees, to hone their skills and develop new ones.
Courses offered during the new employee training sessions include Best Quality Practices for 5S Lean Manufacturing; Use of Calipers & Micrometers; Math for Manufacturing; CNC Programming, Milling & Lathe; and Print Reading. In addition, the GCCA will offer professional development classes on a variety of subjects, including Advanced Machining, Training with Live Tooling, G-Code, Leadership, Communication, and Safety.
“We created the GCCA to empower excellence among our employees,” says Mona Pappafava-Ray, General Carbide’s President and CEO. “We want to give them the resources to be successful and grow in their careers at General Carbide all the way to retirement, and I am delighted that members of our community showed up to support this innovative effort.”
The GCCA drives home General Carbide’s commitment to enhance workforce development by creating an intentional space where all new employees can attend the in-depth sessions and also provides courses for the established workforce to home in on specific areas in between the in-depth sessions.
Additionally, the GCCA will further enhance the company’s efforts to shorten the learning curve of high school students that General Carbide recruits out of school to begin their careers with the company upon graduation. Those individuals will also participate in the GCCA.
About General Carbide
General Carbide has four facilities and sells its products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. The company was established in 1968 by Premo Pappafava (1926-2002) and is headquartered in Greensburg, PA, near Pittsburgh. Since 2002, Premo’s daughter, Mona Pappafava-Ray, has been at the helm of General Carbide. After joining the company in 1986, upon completion of her Industrial Management degree at Carnegie Mellon University, Mona held numerous staff and management positions before she was named General Carbide’s President in 1997.
As President and CEO, she has grown the company by transitioning from a manufacturer of semi-finished tooling to a leading producer of finished tooling. Mona has also led the company’s efforts to acquire several strategically significant businesses. Despite those changes, she has retained the family atmosphere that has been one of General Carbide’s distinguishing features from the beginning. Throughout her career, Mona has been the recipient of numerous awards for leadership and philanthropy.
As a woman-owned business, General Carbide has achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and has received widespread recognition for business excellence.
General Carbide Corp. Wins Pair of Awards for Sustainability & Leadership
Pittsburgh, PA, November 29, 2023 – General Carbide, a vertically integrated manufacturer of carbide and steel parts for customersin more than two dozen marketsegments, is the recipient of two awards given at a recent Smart 50 Awards Luncheon in Pittsburgh. The event was hosted by Smart Business, an organization that offers numerous networking and educational business events for entrepreneurs and senior executives nationwide. Smart Business also provides content for those audiences, including the publication of Smart Business magazine.
General Carbide won the Sustainability Award for its success operating in an increasingly environmentally friendly manner and Mona Pappafava-Ray, General Carbide’s President & CEO, was presented with a Smart 50 Award in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments as a corporate leader.
“Both awards reflect the efforts of the entire General Carbide team,” says Pappafava-Ray. “I am extremely proud of everyone’s dedication to excellence. That mindset and the actions that follow from it put us in a strong position to continue thriving in an increasingly dynamic business environment.”
Pappafava-Ray’s leadership is illustrated by General Carbide’s creation of the General Carbide Career Academy (GCCA) earlier this year. The GCCA offers professional development classes to experienced team members on subjects such as Advanced Machining, Training with Live Tooling, G-Code, Leadership, Communication, and Safety. The GCCA also teaches new hires about Best Quality Practices for 5S Lean Manufacturing, Use of Calipers & Micrometers, Math for Manufacturing, CNC Programming, Milling & Lathe, and Print Reading.
“We created the GCCA to empower excellence among our employees by giving them the resources they need to be successful and grow in their careers at General Carbide all the way to retirement,” says Pappafava-Ray.
About General Carbide
General Carbide has four facilities and sells its products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. The company was established in 1968 by Premo Pappafava (1926- 2002) and is headquartered in Greensburg, PA, near Pittsburgh. Since 2002, Premo’s daughter, Mona Pappafava-Ray, has been at the helm of General Carbide. After joining the company in 1986, upon completion of her Industrial Management degree at Carnegie Mellon University, Mona held numerousstaff and management positions before she was named General Carbide’s President in 1997.
As President and CEO, she has grown the company by transitioning from a manufacturer of semifinished tooling to a leading producer of finished tooling. Mona has also led the company’s efforts to acquire several strategically significant businesses. Despite those changes, she has retained the family atmosphere that has been one of General Carbide’s distinguishing features from the beginning. Throughout her career, Mona has been the recipient of numerous awards for leadership and philanthropy.
As a woman-owned business, General Carbide has achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and has received widespread recognition for business excellence.
General Carbide Recognizes and Honors Our Veterans
Greensburg, PA, Nov 1, 2024
General Carbide’s Mona Pappafava-Ray Named East Central Regional Winner of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 Award
Greensburg, PA, June 14, 2019 – Mona Pappafava-Ray, president and CEO of General Carbide Corp., has been selected as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 Award East Central Region winner. The competition recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are succeeding in the areas of innovation, financial performance and community engagement. A panel of independent judges chose Ms. Pappafava-Ray as a regional winner. She was honored at a black-tie dinner on June 13 at the Cincinnati Music Hall and will participate in the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Spring, CA, on November 16.
“I am deeply honored to bring this award back to my entire team at General Carbide,” says Ms. Pappafava-Ray. “Their unwavering support, dedication and loyalty brings our vision to life, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
“This award is the result of everyone at General Carbide continually doing more than is required of them,” says Ms. Pappafava-Ray. “By exceeding customers’ expectations time and again, we have created a degree of loyalty that has put us in a position to re-invest in the business and give back to the community.”
Now in its 33rd year, the Entrepreneur of the Year program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities and 60 countries.
Mona Pappafava-Ray Named Entrepreneur Of The Year Regional Winner, page 2 of 2
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Local sponsors for the East Central region’s program include PNC, VRC, Smart Business Network and Frost Brown Todd.
About General Carbide
General Carbide (generalcarbide.com) is a vertically integrated manufacturer of finished tooling and components for customers in more than 20 market sectors. The ISO 9001:2015-certified company employs more than 250 highly-skilled professionals in its production operations. General Carbide has six manufacturing facilities and sells its products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company was established 51 years ago and is headquartered in Greensburg, PA, near Pittsburgh. As a woman-owned business, General Carbide has achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries. For more information, visit ey.com/eoy
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The company’s expertise helps to build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies worldwide. For more information, visit ey.com.
General Carbide’s Mona Pappafava-Ray Named Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 East Central Region Finalist
Greensburg, PA, May 15, 2019 – Mona Pappafava-Ray, president and CEO of General Carbide Corp., is a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 East Central Region award. The competition recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Ms. Pappafava-Ray was selected as a regional finalist by a panel of independent judges. Regional winners will be announced at a black-tie gala on June 13 at the Cincinnati Music Hall.
“This award is both a great personal honor and a testament to the strength of the General Carbide team,” says Ms. Pappafava-Ray. “Through our collective efforts, we have achieved a level of success which allows us to re-invest in the business and give back to the community.”
Now in its 33rd year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world.
Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year national competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, CA, on November 16.
Mona Pappafava-Ray Named Entrepreneur Of The Year Finalist, page 2 of 2
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Local sponsors for the East Central region’s program include PNC, VRC, Smart Business Network and Frost Brown Todd.
About General Carbide
General Carbide (generalcarbide.com) is a vertically integrated manufacturer of finished tooling and components for customers in more than 20 market sectors. The ISO 9001:2015-certified company employs more than 250 highly-skilled professionals in its production operations. General Carbide has six manufacturing facilities and sells its products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company was established 51 years ago and is headquartered in Greensburg, PA, near Pittsburgh. As a woman-owned business, General Carbide has achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries. For more information, visit ey.com/eoy
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The company’s expertise helps to build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies worldwide. For more information, visit ey.com.
Hempfield company General Carbide celebrates 50 years
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports on General Carbide’s 50th anniversary.
General Carbide Earns Family Business Award
The Pittsburgh Business Times acknowledged General Carbide’s excellence by presenting the company with the Family Business Award at a special event on May 1.
The Award recognizes multi-generational, family-owned businesses in the Pittsburgh region for overall excellence, innovation, ethics and philanthropy.
Pictured (left to right): Brian Linderman, Mark Stumpo, Carrie Gartland, Jason Ray, Mona Pappafava-Ray, Drew Elhassid, Kathleen Green and Michael Midlik.
Ready, Aim, Sell
We’re solidifying our position as a player in the ammunition tooling market by exhibiting at the SHOT SHOW. The event is being held in Las Vegas from January 23-26. Representing the company (left to right) are Mike Ansell, Mike Bulebosh and Mark Klingensmith. The SHOT Show is in its 40th year and attracts attendees from around the world. Last year’s event drew nearly 65,000 people.
About General Carbide
General Carbide is a vertically integrated manufacturer of finished tooling for a wide range of industrial wear and metal forming applications. The company employs more than 200 highly-skilled professionals in its production operations. They enable General Carbide to sell its products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company was established almost 50 years ago and is headquartered in Hempfield Township, PA, near Greensburg. As a woman-owned business, General Carbide has achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
For more information, contact Sales & Marketing at 724.836.3000, x130, or sales@generalcarbide.com or visit generalcarbide.com
General Carbide Corporation Earns ISO 9001:2015 Certification
June 7, 2017
General Carbide Corporation, a vertically integrated manufacturer of finished tooling for a wide range of industrial wear and metal forming applications, has upgraded its ISO quality certification to ISO 9001:2015. The company earned its ISO 9001:2008 certification several years ago. General Carbide’s desire to update its ISO certification results from the company’s strategic commitment to continually improving its quality systems and processes. By being ISO-certified, General Carbide is positioned to benefit from emerging opportunities in a range of markets, including automotive, oil & gas, and aerospace.
“This investment in the latest ISO quality certification exemplifies our ongoing commitment to having an intense focus on our customers, on the quality of our products and on the desire to continually improve all aspects of our business,” says Mona Pappafava-Ray, General Carbide’s President and CEO.
“The new standard is an excellent model for managing risk throughout the organization,” Ms. Pappafava-Ray continues. “It also provides an outstanding framework for helping us cultivate the high degree of customer loyalty which is essential to our long-term success. Additionally, ISO 9001:2015 demands more from top and senior management regarding accountability for the effectiveness of our quality management system. These new responsibilities should help us achieve measureable improvements company-wide.”
General Carbide’s ISO re-certification occurs at a time when sales have been holding steady. “Our success is due to the hard work and dedication of our management team and production staff,” says Ms. Pappafava-Ray. “By upgrading to the latest ISO quality certification, we strengthen our competitive advantage by complementing the innovative thinking, technical expertise and personalized service that have allowed us to thrive under the most challenging market conditions.”
The ISO 9001:2015 standard is based on the principles of customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision-making and relationship management. According to Michael Midlik, General Carbide’s Quality Assurance Manager, “ISO 9001:2015 is a useful standard to follow because it is designed to be compatible with other standards, such as ISO 14001,” which focuses on environmental management.
About General Carbide
General Carbide is a vertically integrated manufacturer of finished tooling for a wide range of industrial wear and metal forming applications. The company employs more than 200 highly-skilled professionals in its production operations. They enable General Carbide to sell its products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company was established almost 50 years ago and is headquartered in Hempfield Township, PA, near Greensburg. As a woman-owned business, General Carbide has achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
For more information, contact Sales & Marketing at 724.836.3000, x130, or sales@generalcarbide.com or visit generalcarbide.com
General Carbide Shows Support For Local Organization That Assists Victims Of Domestic & Sexual Violence
More than 80 General employees participated in “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.” The 7th Annual Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence was held in Greensburg, PA’s St. Clair Park on Saturday, April 22. Proceeds go to support the Blackburn Center, a social service organization that has been providing assistance to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and other types of violence and crime in Westmoreland County, PA, since 1976. (Photo courtesy of SkySight Photography)
April 24, 2017
Hempfield Township, PA, April 24, 2017 – This past weekend, 81 employees of General Carbide, a Hempfield Township-based manufacturer of tungsten carbide tooling for industrial wear and metal forming applications, participated in “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” the 7th Annual Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence. The event was held along Maple Avenue in Greensburg’s St. Clair Park to support the Blackburn Center, a social service organization that has been providing assistance to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and other types of violence and crime in Westmoreland County, since 1976. The company’s walkers were among the 1,200 participants representing area businesses, institutions of higher learning and other not-for-profit organizations. Since the initial event in 2011, participation has quadrupled.
“I am pleased that many of the men in our company took the initiative to participate in an event that raises awareness of violence toward women and benefits so many vulnerable members of our community,” says Mona Pappafava-Ray, General Carbide’s president and CEO. “The empathy they have shown by acknowledging the importance of the Blackburn Center’s mission demonstrates that they are quality individuals in addition to being highly skilled professionals. I am most proud to count them as members of the General Carbide family.”
About General Carbide
General Carbide is a vertically integrated manufacturer of finished tooling for a wide range of industrial wear and metal forming applications. The company employs more than 200 highly-skilled professionals in its production operations. They enable General Carbide to sell its products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company was established almost 50 years ago and is headquartered in Hempfield Township, near Greensburg. As a woman-owned business, General Carbide has achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
About the Blackburn Center
For more than 40 years, the Blackburn Center (www.blackburncenter.org) has been providing services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and other types of violence and crime in Westmoreland County, and presenting education programs across the community. The organization is based in Greensburg.
General Carbide’s Mona Pappafava-Ray Wins Outstanding Ceo Award
April 19, 2017
Hempfield Township, PA, April 19, 2017 – Mona Pappafava-Ray, president and CEO of General Carbide Corporation, a manufacturer of tungsten carbide tooling, was named a winner of the Pittsburgh Business Times Outstanding CEOs and Top Executives Award. Since taking over in 2002 the company her father, Premo, founded in 1968, General Carbide has shifted from manufacturing commodity-type unfinished products to complex ones. Today, all of the company’s tooling is finished or semi-finished for applications related to manufacturing a wide range of products, including automotive components, ammunition and drill heads on oil and gas drilling rigs.
“This award is a tribute to the more than 200 team members whose skills and tireless work ethic have continued to make our company successful,” says Ms. Pappafava-Ray. “Their dedication to technical excellence and outstanding customer service, and to one another, have enabled us to strengthen our position as an industry leader while retaining the family atmosphere my father created. Encouraging balance among work, family and community involvement continues to make the company a highly desirable place to earn a living.”
About General Carbide
General Carbide is a vertically integrated manufacturer of finished tooling for a wide range of industrial wear and metal forming applications. The company employs more than 200 highly-skilled professionals in its production operations. They enable General Carbide to sell its products throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company was established almost 50 years ago and is headquartered in Hempfield Township, PA, near Greensburg. As a woman-owned business, General Carbide has achieved certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
For more information, contact Sales & Marketing at 724.836.3000, x130, or sales@generalcarbide.com or visit generalcarbide.com
Awards
(Boldface denotes a company award.)
2024 - Business of the Year (Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce)
General Carbide Corporation is proud to announce that we have been named 2024 Business of the Year by Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. As we celebrate this award, we look forward to continuing our mission rooted in family, growth, integrity, excellence, and dedication, while making a lasting impact on both our industry and community.
2023 - Sustainability Award (Smart Business) Mona Pappafava-Ray awarded Top 50 Award (Smart Business)
Sustainability Award (Smart Business) Mona Pappafava-Ray awarded Top 50 Award (Smart Business)
Smart Business Magazine held their “Smart 50” Awards luncheon at the Westin Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh on November 29th. Fifty of the top executives in the Pittsburgh area were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments as leaders of their companies.
Mona Pappafava-Ray, President & CEO of General Carbide, was presented with the “Sustainability” Award for her continued success in guiding the company in new directions to sustain economic growth.
2019 - Mona Pappafava-Ray Named East Central Regional Winner of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 Award
Mona Pappafava-Ray Named East Central Regional Winner of EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 Award
Mona Pappafava-Ray, president and CEO of General Carbide Corp., was selected as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2019 Award East Central Region winner. The competition recognizes entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who are succeeding in the areas of innovation, financial performance and community engagement. A panel of independent judges chose Ms. Pappafava-Ray as a regional winner. She was honored at a black-tie dinner on June 13, 2019 at the Cincinnati Music Hall.
2018 - Family Business Award (Pittsburgh Business Times)
Family Business Award (Pittsburgh Business Times)
2017- Outstanding CEOs & Top Executives (Pittsburgh Business Times) / Business Women First Award (Pittsburgh Business Times) / Panelist - CNBC Small Business Week Panel (Allegheny Conference on Community Development)
Outstanding CEOs & Top Executives (Pittsburgh Business Times)
“This award is a tribute to the more than 200 team members whose skills and tireless work ethic have continued to make our company successful,” says Ms. Pappafava-Ray. “Their dedication to technical excellence and outstanding customer service, and to one another, have enabled us to strengthen our position as an industry leader while retaining the family atmosphere my father created. Encouraging balance among work, family and community involvement continues to make the company a highly desirable place to earn a living.”
Business Women First Award (Pittsburgh Business Times)
Panelist, CNBC Small Business Week Panel (Allegheny Conference on Community Development)
2016 - Business Women First Award (Pittsburgh Business Times) / Panelist - Pittsburgh's Role in the Global Economy Briefing Breakfast (Pittsburgh Business Times) / Torch Award (Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania)
Business Women First Award (Pittsburgh Business Times)
Panelist, Pittsburgh’s Role in the Global Economy Briefing Breakfast (Pittsburgh Business Times)
Torch Award (Better Business Bureau of Western Pennsylvania)