Alton Steel names new CEO

Chris Ervin has been announced as the new CEO of Alton, Illinois-based electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaker Alton Steel Inc. (ASI), effective Feb. 5.

Ervin, an Alton native, has succeeded Jim Hrusovsky, who announced his retirement after what Alton Steel calls “10 years of distinguished leadership.”

The two will work together closely during the transition until Hrusovsky’s retirement in September, according to ASI. After that, Hrusovsky will remain involved with the company as a consultant.

“Chris was the perfect choice as the new CEO to help transition ASI into the future, which is very bright,” Hrusovsky says. “We have several big projects underway right now, and we need someone with Chris’ background and leadership skills to help see them through successfully.”

Ervin was chosen to lead ASI by the company's board of directors after an extensive national search for Hrusovsky’s replacement. The steel industry veteran has more than 25 years of experience in steel production and processing.

“ASI has a strong track record of success, and together we can build on this legacy and create even more success in the years to come,” Ervin says.

Previously, Ervin spent 19 years with Gerdau-Long Steel North America in a succession of roles, eventually becoming vice president of the Brazil-based firm’s West Coast rebar operations. More recently, he worked as the general manager of service center Dubose Steel in North Carolina and as the regional general manager for steel products distributor Canam Steel Corp. in Jacksonville, Florida.

Ervin will focus on driving technological advancements, expanding into new markets and solidifying the company’s sustainability efforts in steel production.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as CEO for ASI," Hrusovsky says. "This is a bittersweet decision for me. I’ve worked for many companies over the years, and ASI has been the most rewarding place I’ve ever worked.”

ASI has melt shop capacity of 750,000 tons per year, and produces special bar quality steel, among other grades that include rounds, round-cornered squares and bar-in-coil steel.