Esmark Steel Group Expands Presence in Mexico to Supply Growing Flat Rolled Steel Market Demands, Names Monclova-Based Leader

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mr. Jim Bouchard, CEO and Chairman of Esmark, Inc., today announced that Esmark Steel Group has established Esmark Steel International, a new business entity focused on supplying the Mexican industrial steel market. Located in Monclova, Coahuila, Esmark Steel International will service steel mill customers to supply flat rolled steel products for the construction, metal products, rail cars, auto machinery, tin plate, and electrical equipment markets. Esmark Steel International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Esmark Steel Group.

Luis Landois has joined Esmark Steel International as President, leading the growing team and entirety of the operations, reporting to Esmark Steel Group CEO Roberto Alvarez. Landois has more than 30 years of experience in the Mexican steel and industrial markets. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the ITESM in Monterrey, Mexico, and an M.B.A. from National University. Has been board member of the AISI and CANACERO and resides in Monclova.

Esmark Steel International’s flat roll steel products include hot roll, cold roll, tin plate, metallic coated, painted, and digital printed coils. Product is immediately available.

“Over the last few years, we have seen the Mexican industrial steel market face significant challenges, especially with the reliability of its suppliers for flat rolled products. We know customers are actively seeking alternative sources that can offer reliable and continuous supply of products, as well as local service and North American origin," said Bouchard. “We are focused on creating consistent supply for our customers, leveraging localized service, processing and logistics support.”

Monclova has emerged as a prominent hub of rail car fabrication in the Americas, attracting operating equipment manufacturers (OEM) and fabricators due to its abundant material availability and skilled workforce. The city has also experienced growth in the energy industry, particularly in the fabrication of steel poles, windmill towers, pressure vessels and pipes. Monclova is also home to the automotive industry, specializing in the fabrication of truck frames and trailers.

“We are excited to welcome Esmark Steel International to Monclova to not only fulfill the growing needs of our local industrial companies, but also to leverage our unmatched workforce,” said Mario Davila Delgado, Monclova Mayor. “Esmark’s reputation in North America is one of reliability, trust and expertise. We look forward to a long-standing relationship with this new community partner.”

“Esmark has been consistently buying steel products from Mexico for more than a decade. We know the market and understand its current challenges,” said Alvarez. “The local team, like Luis, are highly skilled commercial, sales, marketing and production. Matching that with Esmark’s expertise.” Alvarez was born in Mexico City and raised in Monclova until the age of 15. He currently resides in San Antonio, Texas, and Chicago, Ill.

In addition, Esmark Steel Group announced several promotions of its global business operations.

Dominic Grossmann

Dominic Grossmann, currently chief operating officer of Esmark Steel Group, has been named president of Esmark Steel Group, effective immediately. He will report to Alvarez. He joined Esmark in 2008 as an inside sales representative and had increasing roles of responsibility over the next 15 years. He graduated with a B.S. from Purdue University.

John Dergentis

John Dergentis, currently vice president of operations, has been promoted to vice president and general manager at Esmark Steel Group, effective immediately. In this role, Dergentis will be responsible for the Chicago Heights and University Park, Ill. Division operations and will report directly to Grossmann. Dergentis joined Esmark in 2019 after 30 years in management and operations. He earned a B.A. from Northern Illinois University and an M.B.A. from De Paul University.

Patrick Frey

Patrick Frey, currently vice president and general manager of Esmark Steel Group University Park, Ill. Division, has been promoted to senior vice president of purchasing and will report to Grossmann. He has more than 35 years of experience in the steel industry and joined Esmark in 2005. He studied at the Indiana University and Purdue University.

About Esmark Steel Group

Esmark Steel Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Esmark, Inc., is one of the United States’ leading processors and distributors of value-added flat-rolled steel and its affiliate is the third-largest U.S. producer of tin plate steel. We offer the products, services and innovations to help our customers gain and sustain the competitive edge in their industries. www.esmarksteelgroup.com

About Esmark, Inc.

Esmark, Inc. is a diversified, privately-held family company with a portfolio of industrial companies with strong roots in the steel industry. Over the years, Esmark has diversified its interests and operations into a number of businesses engaged in the industrial and commodity sectors. Esmark (a former publicly traded company on NASDAQ: ESMK) has focused on several key industries including steel services, oil and gas exploration, aviation, real estate, professional services, technology and youth sports development. The company is also an active corporate citizen in the communities it serves, having committed more than $10 million in philanthropic support of a wide range of humanitarian, education, family wellness and youth sports programs in Pennsylvania, Illinois and internationally. www.esmark.com

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