Daniel DiMicco, CEO, Nucor Corp.
2011 IW Manufacturing Hall of Fame Inductee
Leading the nation's largest steelmaker isn't enough for Dan DiMicco. He also is a leading voice for U.S. manufacturing and the nation's steel industry.
Named CEO of Charlotte-based Nucor Corp. in 2000, DiMicco shepherded the company through a period of unprecedented growth. During the past five years the company has provided a 371% return to shareholders. And its commitment to employees is demonstrated through its no-layoff philosophy.
DiMicco, who joined Nucor in 1982 as a plant metallurgist and manager of quality control, became chairman in 2006. Prior to joining Nucor he was with Republic Steel Corp. He has a bachelor of science in engineering, metallurgy and materials science from Brown University and a master of science degree in metallurgy and materials science from the University of Pennsylvania.
Nucor, which operates through three segments -- steel mills, steel products, and raw materials, was a pioneer with electric-arc furnaces and minimills. The company also is one of the world's largest steel recyclers.
An outspoken critic of China's alleged steel dumping and currency manipulation, DiMicco has helped keep fair trade on the forefront of the public-policy agenda. In 2006, he was appointed to the U.S. Manufacturing Council by U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and re-appointed in 2010.
In testimony before Congress in 2010, he expressed his support of the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act.
"For far too long our government has tried 'quiet diplomacy' to address currency manipulation," he stated. "This approach has failed. Passing the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act is the type of firm and decisive action needed. This bill allows injured industries and workers to seek a remedy under our trade laws by treating currency manipulation for what it is -- an illegal export subsidy."
In January 2010, the Harvard Business Review included DiMicco as one of the top-performing CEOs in the world.
