An elastomer expert: Tim Reski
Date: 10.10.25
For nearly 5 decades, Tim Reski has dedicated his career to Trelleborg, exemplifying what it means to be both a lifelong learner and an innovator.
Starting in 1978, straight out of university with a chemistry degree, Tim took his very first and only job at what would eventually become Trelleborg, setting the stage for a professional career committed to the science and evolution of elastomers and material development.
Tim’s expertise has been instrumental in a wide array of fields, from energy exploration and healthcare to ensuring the safety of food and water systems. He has led the development of both silicone and non-silicone elastomers for diverse applications, including medical devices and water system components, consistently tackling new challenges and adapting to evolving regulatory environments.
Tim credits much of his success to staying relentlessly engaged with both customers and suppliers. “I always ask, ‘What do you wish this could do that it’s not doing today?’” he shares. This approach has led to breakthrough innovations, ensuring that Trelleborg stays at the forefront of material science and continues to deliver the best possible solutions for every challenge.
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Crafting solutions across industries
Early on, Tim immersed himself in materials, spending a dozen years fine-tuning recipe formulations, mixing procedures and troubleshooting processes while developing an expertise that would prove invaluable across a multitude of industries. “I’ve always been a materials guy,” Tim says, underscoring his deep-seated passion for the craft. His experience is woven into the very fabric of the company’s impact, from energy to medical devices, and even water softeners and faucet parts.Tim’s expertise has been instrumental in a wide array of fields, from energy exploration and healthcare to ensuring the safety of food and water systems. He has led the development of both silicone and non-silicone elastomers for diverse applications, including medical devices and water system components, consistently tackling new challenges and adapting to evolving regulatory environments.
Global collaboration
As technology advanced and the company’s footprint expanded globally, Tim’s collaborative spirit only grew stronger. Currently based near Minneapolis, Minnesota, he works in close partnership with Trelleborg teams across Germany, Malta and Sweden, contributing his deep expertise to projects that shape both the company and its customers' industries. This constant exchange of knowledge is something that energizes Tim as he finds inspiration in the drive, professionalism and curiosity of his colleagues across the globe.Tim credits much of his success to staying relentlessly engaged with both customers and suppliers. “I always ask, ‘What do you wish this could do that it’s not doing today?’” he shares. This approach has led to breakthrough innovations, ensuring that Trelleborg stays at the forefront of material science and continues to deliver the best possible solutions for every challenge.
Words for the future
Looking ahead, Tim believes the keys to growth and progress are curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to learn. He encourages future generations to seek out knowledge, build strong networks and be unafraid to challenge limits. “Stay ahead of technology, value your partners, and never stop asking questions,” he advises. “That’s how we collectively advance, as a company, an industry and a community while fostering professional growth and creating groundbreaking solutions.”