Where we’ve been, where we’re at and

In the years between World Wars I and II, the power needs of industry changed drastically as electricity and steam usage soared. Much of the needed utilities were generated onsite, and the person responsible for operating and managing these power plants were served by a magazine called Power Plant Engineering, which had been started in 1896 under the name The Practical Engineer.

Now there are two

For much of my career, I didn't put much stock in awards — especially not journalistic awards. Most awards programs, I argued, were more about impressing a small group of judges than about doing your job, day in and day out, in an exemplary manner. For example, I've seen journalists win awards for articles that were of little or no interest to their readers.

The people thing

Over the past few years, it has been my privilege to visit a number of plants with excellent plant engineering and maintenance operations. To be sure, they have all made good use of technology. But the thing that impresses most, and always, is the people.

A little spin

Every year, we commit a substantial amount of editorial space to coverage of the National Plant Engineering & Management Show and Conference. There are a number of reasons why we do this. But at the top of the list is our commitment to you, our readers.

Basics of plant radio systems

Wireless communications have become so commonplace in industrial plants that they are often taken for granted. But rapid advances in technologies and capabilities make periodic reviews of radio systems a smart move.

A special trust

Plant engineers are industry's stewards. That may not sound like much of a compliment. But in the truest sense of the title, it is a very high position indeed.

Beyond Y2K

With practically everyone else making their predictions for the turn of the century, the temptation is too great to resist. So, at the risk of going out on a limb, here are some thoughts.... - In general, the Y2K thing will be a big yawn.

Awards, awards

With the prominence of our Product of the Year Awards in this issue, it seems appropriate to tell you of some other awards that should be of interest.

A fork in the road

DATELINE: Chicago, August 1999 -- Heat wave. The lights have gone off. Electric power is out. Some areas will be without power for days. Others will have it returned only to have it go out again.

Enthusiasm beats logic

The preacher was sermonizing on evangelism. Between squirms to prevent dozing off, I was contemplating the state of the industrial maintenance profession.