Experiences of the Past 25 Years and Current Issues for the European Fertiliser Industry – 22nd Francis New Memorial Lecture

Gunnar was a good friend and a highly respected colleague, not only within Norsk Hydro but also for many others working in the fertiliser industry. He died only 52 years old from the muscular disease ALS (Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis). He was grateful and proud of being awarded the Francis New Memorial Medal for 2001. He intended to give the Francis New Lecture himself, and had made notes with the assistance of his wife Anne. However, time did not allow for him to be here today. I will, with my deepest respect for Gunnar, try to convey his views on the past, present and future of the European fertiliser industry.

Gunnar always took a strong interest in understanding the connection between technology and business. He underlined team-working and development of internal and external networks as a key for his achievements. Gunnar made the most of it – he moved from technical research into agronomic research, to market research and market intelligence, assessment of price developments and trends, and he was involved in business development and re-structuring issues. During the last years Gunnar was more and more involved in strategy and economic evaluations.

For Gunnar, and I believe we all agree with this, good teamwork and critical feedback are essential for making progress. Gunnar requested that Mr Ole Hannibal Lie, former Technical Director in Hydro Agricultural Division, should be mentioned as one of his most important supervisors. He was always reminding Gunnar to think for some seconds before speaking up, advice that probably would be valid for many of us.

This paper refers mainly to Norsk Hydro, since this was where Gunnar made his career and worked for more than 25 years.

Tore K. Jenssen, Norsk Hydro, in memory of Gunnar Kongshaug, Norsk Hydro

13 pages, 9 figures.