BANGKOK—The late Daniel French, former chairman and CEO of French Oil Mill Machinery Co., traveled the world as an active member of the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers.
It's fitting, then, that the IISRP posthumously honored French with its prestigious General Award on May 7 during its 64th Annual General Meeting in Bangkok.
"Reflecting on my father's extensive travels for these meetings, I am in awe of the global footprint he left behind," his daughter, Tayte French Lutz, said in accepting the award on his behalf. "From Italy in 1993 to Boston just last year, he traversed continents and cultures, most often accompanied by my mother and various members of the French team.
"My dad visited over 15 countries for attendance at IISRP Annual General Meetings, spanning at least 30 years," said French Lutz, CEO and chairman of the board of the family-owned maker of hydraulic presses, rubber mixers, oilseed and polymer processing equipment.
The IISRP's General Award is granted for outstanding contributions to the synthetic rubber industry. French, who was active in the Piqua, Ohio-based firm, for more than five decades, died in October 2023 at the age of 79. The company was founded by his grandfather more than 120 years ago.