June 28, 2006 -- Jaime Vigil has been named to succeed Joseph F. Lapinsky as president and CEO of Republic Engineered Products Inc. The Ohio-based producer of special bar quality (SBQ) steel was acquired last year by Industrias CH, S.A. de C.V., and Vigil has been the new owner’s executive adviser since the takeover. He is the former chief executive officer of Pytsa Industrial S.A. de C.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of ICH, and previously served as investor relations manager and as an alternate director of the group.
"Republic is in a good position today and ICH continues to invest in the business," Lapinsky said. "I've decided this is a good time for me to step aside and pursue other interests. Jaime Vigil will continue the progress we have made since ICH's acquisition, particularly our focus on developing operations that serve the best interests of our valued customers."
Vigil said he looks forward to "helping Republic continue to make strides in improving operations and enhancing productivity and efficiency in order to grow the business and expand our ability to provide value-added opportunities for our customers."
Republic Engineered Products is North America's largest producer of SBQ, with steelmaking operations in Canton and Lorain, OH, and rolling and finishing plants in Canton, Lorain, and Massillon, OH; Lackawanna, NY; Gary, IN; and Hamilton, ON.