Máximo Vedoya, CEO of Ternium, a leading manufacturer of flat and long steel products with production centers in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Guatemala and the United States, was awarded “Steelmaker of the Year” at AISTech 2025 for his contributions to the steel industry. The award was presented by Thomas Toner, President of the American Iron and Steel Technology Society (AIST) and Vice President of Operations for SSAB Americas.
“Vedoya's commitment to advanced technology, fair trade and long-term growth for the North American steel industry has created fundamental and enduring value across the region's industrial ecosystem,” Toner stated, highlighting Vedoya's development of Ternium's Pesquería project and the company's commitment to decarbonizing its production.
In accepting the award, Vedoya dedicated his speech to the 34,000 Ternium employees. “This recognition belongs to the men and women of Ternium who believe every day that steel can be a powerful driver of progress,” he emphasized, highlighting the company's commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability and social mobility.
In his speech, the CEO also noted the low-carbon steel plant under construction in Pesquería, Mexico, which is scheduled to be commissioned in 2026. Developed with state-of-the-art solutions from Tenova, part of the Techint Group, this plant will have the capacity to produce 2.6 million metric tons of low-carbon steel per year. The plant will offer automotive-grade products with the lowest CO₂ emissions per ton.
Vedoya also highlighted geopolitical challenges, noting the need to strengthen regional supply chains and build industry coalitions to combat unfair imports from China and satellite countries. “This next chapter in manufacturing must be built on safety, environmental protection, community engagement and smarter technologies,” Vedoya stated, calling for cooperation to make the USMCA (US-Mexico-Canada Agreement) a more effective trade agreement.
Concluding his speech by highlighting AIST's role in promoting innovation in the steel industry, Vedoya emphasized the importance of promoting technical training and knowledge sharing. “Steel is not an industry of the past; it is the foundation of the future we are building together,” he underlined.
The non-profit AIST operates on a global scale with 18,500 members from more than 70 countries. With 29 Technology Committees covering all aspects of iron and steel production and 22 Local Member Chapters spanning six continents, the Association is a major hub for sharing industry knowledge and expertise.
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