“The World Foundry Organisation (WFO) bids farewell to Mark Fenyes as he steps back from his active responsibilities within the association. His tireless dedication and substantial contributions have left a lasting mark on the organisation,” said José Javier González Estévez, General Secretary of the WFO.
“While expressing deep appreciation for his exceptional work, the WFO looks forward to continuing to benefit from his expertise in the future. The organisation remains profoundly thankful for his achievements and is committed to carrying forward his legacy.”
“As Chairman of Omega Sinto Foundry Machinery Limited and a former President of the WFO, Mark Fenyes was instrumental in steering the organisation toward a bright future, ushering in a new era of global collaboration. His leadership set a standard of excellence and inspired the entire team to deliver greater value to the industry.”
Fenyes served as President for the 2018/2019 period as well as serving on the executive board for several years before and after his time as the President.
Mark Fenyes – seated centre – with fellow board members of the WFO
Operating under a country member organisation structure, the WFO is tasked with representing the needs of 30 plus member countries from the casting tonnage dominating forces of China and the US to much smaller economies – but each with their own membership requirements. However, there is one element that unites all WFO member countries – the desire for information and collective debate.
The administrative structure of the WFO encompasses a general assembly committee, where all member countries are equally represented, an executive board and secretariat for detailed development, and executive officers to help guide the organisation.
Fenyes was awarded the EJ Fox Medal during the ICME National Awards Luncheon in June 2023. The prestigious award is to recognise an individual’s contribution to the industry.
Fenyes himself has been in the foundry industry for his entire working career, having started off as a sand technician at Renishaw Foundry in the UK.
“I left school at 16 and started work at the foundry in Sheffield as a metallurgical trainee. At the same time, I went to night school at the local college and qualified as a metallurgist after six years. I then left the foundry and joined a supplier to the industry and was based in Birmingham for some time before being sent to the USA on a year’s contract that lasted five.”
“The opportunity to join Omega Foundry Machinery as MD then came up and I moved back to the UK. A year later I led a management buy-out to take over the company.”
So began a “long and happy relationship” he told clients, agents, staff and fellow foundry personnel gathered to celebrate the milestone anniversary of the company.
A series of accolades have been bestowed on the company over the years with much recognition coming from industry peers. Throughout the decades, the company has adapted and responded to the industry’s desire for more sustainable and efficient production processes.
In 2018 Fenyes was instrumental in negotiating with Sintokogio Corporation of Nagoya, Japan, who acquired a majority interest in the company and was named Omega Sinto Foundry Machinery. Fenyes has remained on as Chairman of the company.
“Omega and Sinto have enjoyed a long working relationship together (since 2006) and this move has enabled both companies to benefit from an expanded equipment range in the field of chemically bonded sand,” said Fenyes.
“Being part of the world’s largest manufacturer of foundry equipment has opened up opportunities both geographically and technically for Omega and all of our companies and joint venture companies around the world. However, we haven’t forgotten our roots and the company still operates as a customer orientated and driven entity,” said Fenyes.
For further information contact Rui Dias on TEL: 011 907 1785 or visit www.endeco-omega.co.za