The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) announced Thursday that Gerdau Ameristeel, the fourth largest steel company and the second largest minimill steel producer in North America, is now a member of AISI. The AISI Board of Directors approved Gerdau Ameristeel as a member at its quarterly meeting held in Washington, D.C.
"I'm pleased to welcome Gerdau Ameristeel President and CEO Mario Longhi to the AISI Board of Directors," AISI President and CEO Thomas J. Gibson, said. "With its significant presence in North America, including 19 electric steel mills and an extensive network of recycling and fabricating facilities, Gerdau Ameristeel adds strength to AISI's already established presence on Capitol Hill and our influence with policymakers. We also believe AISI's strong advocacy on behalf of the North American steel industry, our collaborative research and our support for a pro-manufacturing agenda, will deliver added-value to Gerdau Ameristeel in support of its mission to create value for its customers, employees, shareholders and communities."
Gibson said Gerdau Ameristeel joins at a time when AISI is aggressively working to advance policies "that improve the competitiveness of North American steelmakers across a range of issue areas." He said these include restoring a healthy manufacturing sector and creating millions of new jobs through removing artificial barriers built by our trading partners and enforcing our trade laws, rebuilding our transportation infrastructure, encouraging government to invest in research and development and developing a national energy policy that creates low carbon, affordable and abundant sources of energy.