Universal Stainless Adds Former Patriot Forge Exec

Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc. appointed Jeffrey D. Daw as its vice president of Business Development. Daw held that same title until recently for Patriot Special Metals Inc., the Ohio forging plant that Universal Stainless bought last summer for $104.5 million. The company said Daw will be in charge of marketing the plant’s products, and processes, add technical expertise to Universal’s sales force, and assist with process improvement and product expansion at the plant.

Daw’s career covers 36 years, with a range of management and technical positions, including as president and CEO of Republic Special Metals and president of Patriot Forge Group.

Republic Special Metals Inc. is a Canton, OH, subsidiary of Patriot Forge that supplies ingots and billets to forgers and other hot-working operations. It also forges VAR and ESR ingots on a 3,700-ton press. It announced the 200,000-ft², Patriot Special Metals plant in 2008 as a greenfield project for a 180-acre site near Youngstown, OH. That project was sold to Universal stainless last summer.

Universal intends to expand its product range with the purchase, adding “higher-margin products” and giving it access to new markets. “Specifically, the addition of the largest hydraulic radial forge in the Western Hemisphere will expand the company's products to include large and long forged squares, rounds, bars, and custom shapes for aerospace, power generation, petrochemical, and general industrial tool steel and shafting applications,” it stated.

Dennis Oates, chairman, president and CEO, called Daw “a welcome addition” to Universal Stainless. “Beyond his metallurgical credentials, Jeff brings extensive knowledge of steel processing and broad experience with customers in the industries that we serve. We look forward to his contribution as we continue to bring on line and grow the North Jackson facility," Oates said.