The 2005 Hewitt Wilson Award was recently presented to J.J. Lukacs of North American Mfg. This award is given annually to a contributor to the Southeast Section of the American Ceramic Society in the field of education or industry. Lukacs has contributed much to the chapter over the years, with frequent presentations, papers, lectures, and training seminars in combustion theory, and kiln design and control. Many of the advancements in kiln technology of the past two decades can be attributed to his work in the firing of ceramics and brick. He has been responsible for much of the progress made in pulse fire technology, kiln pressure control, and computerizing the temperature control of tunnel and batch kilns.

North American's website is located at www.namfg.com.