The International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers, Inc. (IISRP) honored the late Daniel P. French, former Chairman and CEO of French Oil Mill Machinery Company, with the prestigious General Award at its 64th Annual General Meeting on May 7, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. This award recognized Mr. French’s significant contributions, over his more than five-decade tenure at French, a family-owned business founded by his grandfather over 120 years ago.
Company President and COO, Jason P. McDaniel, made the General Award nomination for Mr. French, articulately tracing the journey of Dan’s involvement with the synthetic rubber industry and his dedicated participation in IISRP. Under Dan’s leadership, the company experienced successful growth, emphasizing its core values of customer first and continuous innovation. These values were achieved through the global delivery of customized, durable equipment designed to meet the unique needs of customer plants. Additionally, his effective management and dedicated efforts significantly enhanced the well-being of the company’s employees and improved the productivity of numerous synthetic rubber production plants.
IISRP General Award 2024
Mr. Kazuyoshi Matsuura presented the IISRP General Award to Dan’s daughter, Tayte French Lutz, the company’s fourth-generation leader, Chairman of the Board and CEO. Mr. Matsuura stated with the award citation, “Mr. French demonstrated exceptional leadership within the industry and the IISRP. Over the course of his illustrious career, his contributions heightened awareness and added value to our industry and society, improving our quality of life.”
Tayte French Lutz – Chairman of the Board and CEO
Mrs. Lutz’s acceptance speech she commented, “The annual meetings of IISRP have always been very special to our company and to my dad, offering invaluable opportunities to connect with fellow industry leaders, forge lasting friendships, and allowing us to stay abreast of the latest industry trends which shape our business.” She reflected on her father’s extensive travels, “I am in awe of the global footprint he left behind…He traversed continents and cultures, visiting over 15 countries for attendance at IISRP Annual General Meetings, spanning at least 30 years.” In closing, she expressed her desire that her father’s legacy inspire us to strive for excellence and to leave a positive mark on this world.
After his passing, the company has continued to flourish under the leadership of Tayte French Lutz, who has taken on the role of CEO. Tayte, Dan’s daughter, continues to uphold the family’s legacy of innovation and quality, steering the company forward with a focus on technological advancement and customer satisfaction.
Our History
Founded in 1900, The French Oil Mill Machinery Company makes machines to make people’s lives better. The company manufactures a vast array of hydraulic presses, essential for molding and shaping rubber, composite materials, and laminated components. It also supplies oilseed processing and extraction machinery to the food industry and industrial sectors, including biodiesel and other fuel productions. Additionally, French offers a wide range of mechanical dewatering and drying presses tailored for the synthetic rubber industry. Located in Piqua, Ohio, French’s extensive 225,000-square-foot facility serves as its manufacturing hub and corporate headquarters. Certified to the ISO 9001:2015 standard, French boasts a robust domestic and international clientele, extending its reach to over 80 countries.