In Memoriam: Dr. Albrecht C. Meinecke

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Dr. Albrecht C. Meinecke of J.M. Voith GmbH, displayed outstanding leadership and inventiveness in several fields of papermaking as evidenced by an impressive list of patents and publications. When nominated as a TAPPI Fellow in 1991, he had earned more than 20 patents for his developments, including twin-wire paper machines and hybrid formers.

During his career, Dr. Meinecke oversaw the application of twin-wire paper machines to newsprint, lightweight coated grades, heavy board, and tissue. Another important contribution he made to the industry was the development of thermogrinding, which controls the increase of grinding zone temperature. This innovation allowed the industry to get a greater fraction of long-fiber and better strength properties of groundwood pulp.

After earning M.S. and PhD. degrees from the University of Braunschweig in Braunschweig, Germany, Dr. Meinecke pursued a post doctoral fellowship at the University of North Carolina. He joined Voith in 1966 as a research engineer and was promoted to director of R&D in 1971. He became VP of Voith's R&D division in 1977. A member of Zellcheming, the German Association of Pulp and Paper Chemists and Engineers, he served on the Professional Education Committee and was VP of the local section in South Germany.

Dr. Meinecke's work stands as an inspiration to future engineers entering the industry. His career path demonstrates how a talented innovator can work his or her way into leadership positions within the pulp and paper industry, overseeing the implementation of new technologies they've help create and design.