Economy

SMDI Announces Dr. Jody Hall as New Head of Automotive Programs
Written by Sandy Williams
August 5, 2014
The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) announced that Dr. Jody N. Hall will succeed Ronald P. Krupitzer as Vice President Automotive Market following Mr. Krupitzer’s retirement at the end of the year.
Dr. Hall is a former Technical Integration Engineer at General Motors Company Global Body Manufacturing Center in Warren, Mich. She received her doctorate in Materials and Sciences and Engineering from the University of Michigan, under a General Motors Fellowship in 1994 and has focused much of her career on applying new steels and manufacturing techniques in automotive applications. Her previous experience includes roles on the GM Global Sheet Metal Specialists Team, Auto/Steel Partnership, Galvanizing AutoBody Partnership, and the Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center (ASPPRC) at Colorado School of Mines.
Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of AISI, said, “Our auto market division is aggressive and fast-paced, and we are pioneering technological advances in auto steel. Dr. Hall will be an outstanding leader as we meet the challenges of competing materials head on. We look forward to her breadth of knowledge and expertise in driving this critical market division.”
Note: Ron Krupitzer, who has held the position of VP of Automotive Market for the past 13 years, will be one of SMU’s speakers at the Steel Summit Conference to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, Sept 3 & 4.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy

Beige Book: Tariff pressures mount, flat outlook
All districts reported “experiencing modest to pronounced input cost pressures related to tariffs, especially for raw materials used in manufacturing and construction.”

Steel exports recovered in May but still historically low
US steel exports rose 10% from April to May but remained low compared to recent years. This came just one month after exports fell to the lowest level recorded in nearly five years.

AISI: Raw steel production ticks up near recent high
The volume of raw steel produced by US mills inched higher last week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). After steadily increasing in April and May, domestic mill output stabilized in early June and has remained historically strong since.

Steel groups welcome passage of budget bill
Steel trade groups praised the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) in Congress on Thursday.

Industry groups praise Senate for passing tax and budget bill
The Steel Manufacturers Association and the American Iron and Steel Institute applauded the tax provisions included in the Senate's tax and budget reconciliation bill.