Beckman takes reins as new president at Crucible

CNY Business Journal (1996+), Dec 07, 2001 by Fitting, Beth

SYRACUSE - J.D. 'Jim' Beckman is president of Crucible Specialty Metals, replacing David G. Yates who retired after 42 years with the specialty-steel producer. The transition became effective Dec. 1.

Beckman, 47, most recently executive vice president, has held various management positions in metallurgy, sales and marketing, and operations in his 24 years with the steel company.

Crucible Chairman John Vensel says Beckman's promotion created an opening for vice president of manufacturing, which has been taken by Richard Byrnes. Byrnes has been with Crucible for 32 years.

Vensel adds that Byrnes' promotion resulted in Louis Lougnot being made director of materials for the company. Lougnot is a 35-year veteran of the company.

"These are all easy choices," says Vensel. He adds that "these people have all proven their ability and made it easy for me."

Prior to becoming president, Beckman had been vice president of sales and marketing and vice president of operations. He grew up in Philadelphia and has B.S. and M.S. degrees in metallurgy from Pennsylvania State University. Beckman went to work for Crucible out of college and then obtained an M.B.A. from Chapman University.

Of his plans for the future, Beckman says, "Business conditions in the steel industry have been tough. Many steel companies have gone bankrupt or closed their doors. We're working with the government on the court me against dumping [importers selling steel at below cost]." Beckman says he has been and will continue to work with the International Trade Committee for results that will benefit all steel companies to "get them on their feet [so they can do] capital investing."

Beckman is on the board of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and the American Red Cross. He is involved with the United Way drive and is a member of the Penn State alumni association. He says, "Crucible has always been active in the community and I want that to continue."

Yates's career with Crucible began as a management trainee in Chicago, with a succession of assignments throughout the corporation as vice president of various divisions and president of three divisions - Crucible's Stainless Steel division in Midland, Pa.; Crucible Services Centers in Camillus; and Crucible Specialty Metals in Syracuse. His most recent management responsibilities also included Crucible Compaction Metals in Pittsburgh and Crucible's European operation, Crusteel Ltd. in Sheffield, England.

Yates is currently an executive vice president with the Steel Service Center Institute, and has served as president of the institute's foundation. He will remain on the board of directors of Crucible Materials Corp. while enjoying golf and retirement in Florida.

Reflecting on Yates' departure, Vensel says he is "sorry to lose Dave, and be is sorry to leave too," but health reasons dictated the move.

The change, Vensel says, came "two to three years before we planned this to happen.