ASTM International’s committee on copper and copper alloys (B05) presented its top annual award – the Award of Merit – to Charles “Chuck” Blanton of Mueller Industries Inc., of Memphis, Tenn. The prestigious award, which includes the accompanying title of fellow, is ASTM’s highest recognition for individual contributions to developing standards. 

Blanton was recognized for outstanding leadership and service in the committee, committed development and maintenance of pipe and tube standards, and advocacy of copper and copper alloy technical issues across multiple ASTM committees. 

A member of ASTM International since 1999, Blanton was previously awarded the Arthur Cohen Memorial Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and the Copper Club Award in 2015 by the committee. He is also a member of the ASTM committees on cannabis (D37), analytical chemistry for metals, ores, and related materials (E01), metallography (E04), pesticides, antimicrobials, and alternative control agents (E35), environmental assessment, risk management and corrective action (E50), sustainability (E60), and plastic piping systems (F17).

Blanton, corporate director – EH&S at Mueller Industries Inc., has been with Mueller since 1998, having previously served at Halstead Metal Products. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Belmont Abbey College and a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. 

In addition to ASTM International, Blanton is also a member of the American Chemical Society.