A chance phone call from a friend in 1977 culminated this week with Robert Nelson being awarded the International Lead Medal at the 16th Asian Battery Conference.
The former teacher marked his 38th year in the business by joining a list of medal winners dating back to 2003.
Nelson is regarded as an industry expert in valve-regulated lead-acid battery product development.
The medal is awarded to those people who increased the use, raised awareness, improved the image, or encouraged individuals to excel in the lead-acid battery field.
Nelson said: “I was teaching in Georgia (US) in 1977, when I got a call from a mate who asked if I would like to get into the [battery] industry.
“And so it’s been 38 years and counting and I’m not sure how many more years there will be, but its been a very interesting time.
“There has been a lot of people I’ve go to know as good friends, so lets see how long it goes on for, but its been a fun ride so far.”
