ASD Names 2017 Steel Man of the Year Award Winner

The Association of Steel Distributors (ASD; Elgin, IL), a technology affiliate of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International® (FMA; Elgin, IL) announced that Brian D. Robbins, the chief executive officer of MidWest Materials, Inc. (Perry, OH), has received their 2017 Steel Man of the Year Award. Since 1956, this award has recognized individuals who have made lasting contributions to the steel distribution industry over a significant period of time, and it is the most distinguished honor in the industry.

Robbins served as president of ASD from March 2014 to April 2016. He led a major effort on behalf of ASD to rebuild and ensure the future of steel manufacturing by encouraging young talent to join steel’s ranks and inspiring companies and industry leaders to get involved with their greater communities. “Brian has been and remains a tremendous leader in the steel industry and has always been at the forefront of promoting and expanding our industry in a very favorable way,” says ASD chairman Andrew Gross, the president of Alliance Steel, LLC (Bedford Park, IL). “He has tirelessly served us for many years and embodies the full essence of a Steel Man of the Year Award winner.”

Upon receiving the award, Robbins felt humbled to become part of this rich legacy: “I am honored to be chosen for this prestigious award. My family has been associated with the steel industry for more than 65 years, and it is humbling to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather, Joseph Koppelman, the founder of MidWest Materials, who was one of the earliest members of the ASD and served as their president 50 years ago,” noted Robbins. “I look forward to continue working with the FMA and ASD to promote another active year of growth, education, communication, and furthering friendships.”

As a third-generation, family-owned business, MidWest Materials, under Robbins’ leadership since 2002, has achieved great success and been dedicated to increasing quality, achieving greater efficiencies, and improving safety. He is very proud of the relationships built with their vendors and customers, along with the steel community, and he recognizes that this honor could not be achieved without the support of his dedicated management team and employees. Robbins will be honored at a special celebration during the FMA Annual Meeting on March 7 in Scottsdale, AZ. To learn more, please click here.

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