Albert P. Gagnebin,
Former Chairman of the International Nickel Co. of Canada, Ltd.

       Albert P. Gagnebin died on February 14, 1999 in Jupiter, Florida at the age of 90. Born in Torrington, Connecticut, he was a graduate of Yale University where he received a degree in mechanical engineering in 1930 and a Master’s degree in Metallurgy in 1932. He spent his entire career with INCO, starting as a research metallurgist in 1932. He became President 1967 and retired as Chairman of the Board in 1974, but continued as a Director until 1980.
     After leaving Yale, he worked in the Bayonne, N.J. laboratory for seventeen years. During the course of this work, he directed all the research on ferrous castings which led to a number of patented inventions, the most notable being Ductile Iron, acclaimed as one of the major metallurgical inventions of the twentieth century, and now manufactured in millions of tons worldwide. The invention was based on the introduction of a small quantity of magnesium into cast iron, which transforms it from a weak, brittle material into a strong, tough material with properties resembling those of steel. In 1949, when the patent was issued, he was put in charge of its commercial development. Several hundred foundries were licensed for its manufacture. Ductile Iron became the second largest casting material with an endless variety of applications, including automotive crankshafts and centrifugally cast pipe.
     In 1956, he became Manager of nickel sales and subsequently, as Vice President and Executive Vice President, he was responsible for the research, development, sales and marketing of all the company’s metals and products. With a completely restructured marketing system, in combination with a favorable industrial climate, sales expanded steadily, nickel production increased sharply with the opening of new mines in Manitoba, and the company entered one of the most prosperous eras in its history.
     After extensive study of the complexities involved, he pioneered International Nickel’s entry into post-war Japan and established a position that has developed into one of the company’s major markets. In a parallel objective, he established an INCO joint venture in Indonesia with Japanese and Indonesian participation for a nickel operation which has become a major supplier of nickel to Japan. He also negotiated an agreement with the French government that resulted in the acquisition of extensive nickel deposits in New Caledonia.
     In recognition of the invention of Ductile Iron, he was awarded gold medals by the American Foundrymen’s Society and the American Institute of Mining & Metallurgical Engineers, as well as the Grande Medaille d’Honneur and the Ordre National du Merite (Officier) by France. He was a member of the National Academy of Engineers and received a citation from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
     He was also a Director of Abex Corp., Atlantic Mutual Insurance Co., Bank of New York, Ingersoll Rand Co., Illinois Central Industries, Schering Plough Co., the Toronto Dominion Bank, a member of the North American Advisory Board of Swissair and a Board Member of the Institute of International Education. He was a founder of the National Mining Hall of Fame and a past President of the international Copper Research Association.
     He was a member of the Yale Club and the University Club of New York, the Rumson Country Club, the Seabright Beach Club in New Jersey and the Tequesta Country Club in Tequesta, Florida.
     He is survived by his wife, Genevieve Hope, whom he married in 1935, two daughters, Mrs. John D. Coffin and Mrs. David O. Wicks, Jr., both of New York City and four grandchildren.
     A memorial service was held on February 20, 1999 at St. George’s-by-the-River, Rumson, New Jersey.
     Contributions may be made to the Albert P. Gagnebin Fellowship Fund, Yale Development Office, c/o John M. Sargent, P.O. Box 2038, New Haven, CT 06521-2038.

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