THE Australian Steel Institute (ASI) has appointed Managing Director of Ahrens Group, Stefan Ahrens as Chairman of the peak industry body’s Board of Directors commencing 2008 for a minimum two-year term.
The Ahrens Group is a nationally focused company processing 13,000 tonnes of steel a year. It was listed as one of the BRW Top 500 private companies and amongst the Top 100 fastest growing private companies for five years running.
The Ahrens Group is a fourth generation family business with operations in South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Tasmania.
The Group designs and constructs industrial and commercial buildings, rural and domestic sheds, structural steel, grain silos and materials handling projects.
Ahrens was awarded the 2003 South Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year accolade and has served on various Boards for a range of prominent organisations.
“Steel fabrication is a very fragmented industry and the only way to success as an industry is to work together to combat the real competition coming from overseas imports,” he said.
“The ASI plays a key role in promoting steel in construction, taking technical leadership and advocating local content.”
Other key areas where Stefan sees the ASI benefiting the industry are in safety, greater integration of computer and communications technology and bringing more innovation into the steel industry.
ASI Chief Executive, Don McDonald said Mr Ahrens brings to the role a wealth of business acumen from developing markets and embracing emerging technologies right from the shop floor.
“Stefan is well equipped provide deft direction for our marketing efforts on behalf of Australia’s steel industry with deep insights across the entire steel value chain,”McDonald said.
“He believes in steel and clearly wants to build the industry and make it more competitive with a marketing focus.”
Stefan replaces immediate past Chairman, Bernie Landy who is General Manager Industrial Markets for BlueScope Steel.