At the opening of the Blasting Day, the annual conference by Norwegian Tunnelling Society, on 20th November 2008 the Gullfeisel (Golden Hammer) was awarded to Tom Melbye. The Golden Hammer is a distinction awarded by NFF for outstanding contributions to Norwegian rock technology.
This year the price was given to two persons; to Hans Petter Thorsteinsen and Tom Melbye for their efforts on development of wet concrete spraying to be the main support method for tunnel constructions around the world.
“Tom Melbye has influenced a lot to the quality and effective placement of sprayed concrete also internationally. Tom’s home base has for many years been Switzerland. First it was Basf and now Normet which benefits much for his competence. We - NFF – follow him interested, congratulate him for the earned distinction and hope to keep good contact with him also in the future” said Ruth G. Haug, the chairman of the society, when she presented the price to Tom.
Tom said that he is grateful for the award and thanked all the personnel of the companies he has worked in, his fellow Norwegians and the Norwegian Tunnel Society who have maid this possible.
About Normet
Normet provides demanding solutions for selected customer processes in underground mining and tunnelling. Normet develops manufactures and markets equipment and vehicles for mining and underground construction as well as provides a comprehensive range of life time care services around the equipment and the processes they are used for. Normet Group is the global market leader in its product areas. The company’s head office and factory are located in Iisalmi, Finland, with a combined space of 23,000 sqm. The Group's turnover in 2008 will total approximately EUR 120 million. Normet currently employs 420 business professionals.
Further information:
Tom Melbye, COO
+41 79 449 85 55
tom.melbye@normet.fi