Association of Steel Distributors Announces
2003 Honorary Steel Man of the Year
Keith Busse of Steel Dynamics Receives Steel Man of the Year Award

December 17, 2003 -- The Association of Steel Distributors (ASD) announced that Keith Busse, CEO and president of Steel Dynamics, Inc., will receive the 2003 Honorary Steel Man of the Year award. This year, ASD is pleased to bestow its highest honor, an industry distinction, to the first-ever manufacturing candidate, Keith Busse. Keith will be honored at a black-tie reception and dinner on Sunday, March 14, 2004, coinciding with the association’s Annual Convention at the Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resort in Orlando, Florida, March 13-17.

It is an ASD tradition to honor one individual who, through their distinct leadership skills, dedication and commitment strives to achieve excellence for the steel industry and ASD. Keith Busse is a longtime member of ASD. During his involvement with ASD over the past few years, Keith has attended annual meetings as a guest speaker and participated in regional events networking with ASD members.

“ Keith Busse continues to make strides for the Steel industry as a whole, creating a dynamic company that is turning profits and being competitive in a growing international marketplace,” says Maurice Loeffel of Loeffel Steel and ASD President.

Busse started his career at Nucor Steel in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Later in 1993, when many companies in the U.S. steel industry were confronted with bankruptcy, Busse co-founded Steel Dynamics – a new kind of steel company. His state-of-the-art flat-rolled mini-mill opened in 1996 and six months later, it was turning a profit in November of 1996, Busse took Steel Dynamics public. Today, his facility has expanded to produce cold-rolled and galvanized sheet steel. Additionally, a second mini-mill in Columbia City produces structural steel and standard and premium rail. Last year it announced plans to acquire the inactive Qualitech Steel mini-mill in Pittsboro. Steel Dynamics has begun construction to reopen the facility, with anticipated production of the Steel Dynamics Bar Products Division beginning in the first quarter of next year.

“ Keith Busse has had a strong impact both on his community in northern Indiana, as well as the steel industry as a whole while at Nucor Steel and now at Steel Dynamics,” says Dave Raco of Tomsin Steel Company.

Electronic Photograph of Keith Busse available upon request

# # #

The Association of Steel Distributors, www.steeldistributors.org, is dedicated to the advancement of the steel distribution industry by providing our members with increased communication and market information.