Abstract

The Institution of Plant Engineers (IPlantE) had its origins in the Second World War, when engineers who found themselves responsible for the operation and maintenance of the large excavators and other mobile plant brought from the USA to work open-cast coal met together for the exchange of information and to discuss their problems. These meetings were so successful that the engineers concerned decided to continue them in a more formal manner through the medium of a properly incorporated body. The Institution amalgamated with the Institute of Road Transport Engineers to form a new body called the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE). The Society of Operations Engineers is a small-scale reflection of the engineering profession as a whole, embracing a wide range of disciplines and activities. The purpose of the Society is to promote safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable operations engineering to the benefit of society. Its vision is to be the preferred professional body for those engaged in the life cycle management of systems, facilities, vehicles, and equipment, and the recognized authority on these matters.