Leading South Korean steelman receives institute's premier award

Leading South Korean steelman receives Institute's premier award This year The Institute of Metals has awarded its premier prize, the Bessemer Gold Medal, to Mr Tae Joon Park, Chairman of the Pohang Iron and Steel Company Ltd (POSCO) in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the planning, development and successful operation of the Korean steel industry. After graduating from Military Academy in 1948, he served in the Korean Army for fifteen years retiring with the rank of Major General in 1963, shortly after the establishment of the civilian government. After retiring from the Army, Mr Park became Chairman and President of the Korea Tungsten Mining Company Ltd, quickly restoring that company to profitability. Meanwhile, he was also supervising preparations for the establishment of POSCO assuming the Presidency of the Company upon its incorporation in 1968 and serving in that capacity until 1981 when he became Chairman. Mr Park, with the support of the then National President, Chung Hee Park, played a key role in securing the financial and technical resources necessary an agreement with Japan in December 1969. Construction began at the Pohang site in April 1970 and the entire first stage facilities were completed a month ahead of schedule in July 1973, with an annual production capacity of 1.03 million tons. In the ensuing eight years, despite critical shortages of skilled labour and technical resources, POSCO's annual production capacity was rapidly increased in successive stages, culminating in May 1983 with an annual capacity of 9.1 million tons. In 1984 South Korea became self-sufficient in steel. With the completion of a second integrated mill at Kwangyang scheduled for October 1988, POSCO will increase its capacity to 14.5 million metric tons making it the world's second largest steel producer after Nippon Steel. Since 1975, Mr Park has served as Chairman of the Korean Iron and Steel Association and, as a director of the International Iron & Steel Institute

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for the last ten years, has become a prominent figure in the world steel community. The Institute of Metals, 1 Carlton House Terrace, London SWlY 5DB, UK

IMechE announceswinners of Tribology essay awards The IMechE/Exxon Chemical Tribology Award for 1986 has been shared between a 29-year-old senior development technologist at Coventry and a 26-year-old Chester scientist. A total of £500 was being offered by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Esso Chemical Limited (now known as Exxon Chemical). Mr Alan Frank Tibbatts, who is 29 and works as a senior development technologist with Dunlop Aviation at Holbrook Lane, Coventy, has been awarded £300 for his essay: 'Development of a Sintered Friction Material for Vehicle Use'.

Dr. Andrew Mercer, who is 26, receives £200 for his essay: 'Abrasive Wear - an Environmental Issue?' He is a scientist with Shell Research Limited at the Thornton Research Centre, near Chester. The Tribology Award is for an essay of between 2,000 and 5,000 words which covers the practical aspects of lubrication, friction or wear. The original work has to cover tasks in industry which have solved a practical problem or relate to performance within industry or the academic world with a potential practical application not yet exploited. The Award is given to those under 35 years of age who are working or studying within the United Kingdom. The awards were presented to Mr Tibbatts and Dr. Mercer at a meeting of IMechE's Tribology Group in the Institution's London Headquarters, on Thursday 28th May 1987. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London SWl H 9J J, UK

From the left; Dr C M Taylor, Chairman of the IMechE Tribology Group; Mr A F Tibbats, Dunlop Aviation (A ward winner); Dr A P Mercer, Shell Research L td (.4 ward winner); Mr R F Haycock, Manager - Automotive Developments and Environmental Affairs, Exxon Chemical Technology Centre (A ward Presenter)

August 1987 Vo120 No 4