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2024 Innovator of the Year Award: Celebrating Excellence in Innovation at Midrex
December 26, 2024
At this year’s Q1 company meeting, Midrex proudly introduced the 2024 Innovator of the Year Award, named in honor of Stephen C. Montague, our former president and CEO. This prestigious annual award recognizes individuals whose technical achievements significantly advance the company’s engineering, technological innovations, and breakthroughs in leap innovations. By celebrating these remarkable contributions, the award underscores Midrex’s commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in the workplace.
About the Award
The Innovator of the Year Award will be presented annually to a team member who has demonstrated outstanding technical achievements in one or more of the following categories:
- Engineering Improvement: Advancing engineering processes and efficiencies.
- Technological Achievement: Developing or implementing new technologies that enhance operations.
- Leap Innovation: Making significant strides that radically improve or change traditional methods and processes.
In recognition of the recipient’s hard work, the award includes an exciting prize: a training conference of their choice to further their professional development and education. This valuable learning opportunity is followed by additional time for a family vacation in the same location after the training concludes, allowing the recipient to both grow professionally and enjoy quality time with their loved ones.
About the 2024 Recipient: Katsuma Fujiwara
The recipient of the 2024 Innovator of the Year Award is Katsuma Fujiwara, nominated by Pei Yoong Koh and Steve Brooks. Katsuma is a research engineer at Midrex’s Research and Development Technology Center. Pei, in his nomination, expressed the immense impact Katsuma has had as part of Midrex’s Innovation Team. According to Pei, Katsuma’s deep understanding of thermodynamics, chemical processes, and Midrex technologies has made him an invaluable asset in solving complex challenges.
Pei elaborated on Katsuma’s remarkable work on the H2 design review, a pioneering project for the industry.. “Katsuma’s innovative ability to understand plant behavior through different project phases and operating conditions was vital. His work allowed us to address critical risks, including potential plant failures,” Pei said.
Utilizing the Innovation Engineering methodology, Katsuma conducted a thorough investigation, identifying risks and working collaboratively with Technology Development and Engineering departments. Pei continued, “Katsuma was key in developing H2GS plant startup flowcharts, ensuring better risk management and plant control. His involvement gave management a clear understanding of plant operability and its alignment with contractual obligations.”
On a personal note, Pei added, “Katsuma’s approach to problem-solving and his ability to work across departments have set a high standard for the team. His contributions were not only technical but also deeply collaborative.”
Reflecting on his work, Katsuma said, “I’m incredibly honored to receive this award. I want to give a special thanks to Steve Brooks for his great management and support, and Pei Yoong Koh for the nomination. The work we’ve done as a team has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m grateful to contribute to the continued innovation at Midrex.”
Katsuma’s exceptional contributions were instrumental in driving Midrex’s success in innovative plant design, and his efforts have set a high standard for future advancements within the company.