World's Stainless Steelmaker Executives
Coming to Kentucky
Next month, the heads of the world's major stainless
steelmaking enterprises will arrive in Kentucky for the 2006 International
Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF). Governor Ernie Fletcher announced in late
2004 that Louisville had been chosen to host the Forum, which will run from May
15-20.
ISSF comprises 56 company and affiliated members representing
21 countries. Jointly they produce 80 percent of all stainless steel
manufactured in 2004. Their mission is to enable stainless steel
producers to meet and discuss common issues, to promote the rapid development
of the use of stainless steel worldwide, to increase shareholder value and to
give the industry a common proactive international voice.
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Past Chairman and current Vice Chairman of ISSF, Victoriano Muñoz Cava,
Chairman and CEO of Acerinox S.A. of Madrid, Spain, the second largest
stainless steel producer in the world, accepted the invitation extended by
Governor Fletcher during an economic development trip in 2004 to host the 2006
Forum in Kentucky. "I believe the ISSF Conference presents a unique
opportunity for Kentucky to be shown to 150 world leaders of the stainless
steel industry, as well as the industry and economic press," stated Mr. Muñoz.
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Acerinox S.A. is the parent company of North American Stainless
located in Ghent, Kentucky. The $1.4 billion stainless steel production
plant represents the largest Spanish investment in the United States.
Locating in Carroll County 16 years ago, the company has gone through one
expansion after another, currently employing approximately 1,100 people.
"Kentucky and North American Stainless have built a strong
partnership that has cultivated one of Kentucky's biggest success stories,"
said Secretary Gene Strong. "We're proud to be the home of North American
Stainless and look forward to hosting the members of the International
Stainless Steel Forum next month."
This year's conference will be special, as it coincides with
the 10th Anniversary of the ISSF's founding. Previous conferences were
held in: Seoul, Korea (1997); Madrid, Spain (1998); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(1999); Yokohama, Japan (2000); Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2001); Sun City, South
Africa (2002); Berlin, Germany (2003); Seoul Korea (2004); and Helsinki,
Finland (2005).
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