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Magnode President Named Chairman of Aluminum Extruders Council
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| Martin Bidwell |
March 16, 2001-Martin J. Bidwell has been with Magnode Corporation and part of the aluminum extrusion industry since graduating from Miami University in 1979. During his college years he had the opportunity to work or supervise most of the jobs in an extrusion operation. "I had cast billet, driven forklifts, installed dies and operated extrusion presses before taking any role in the company's front office," Bidwell says.
Bidwell has a new distinction to add to his career and to Magnode's history. Today the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) elected him for a two-year term as chairman of the professional association, which represents more than 200 companies, including industry leaders Alcoa Aluminum, Reynolds Metals Company (maker of Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil), BASF and Alcan.
There's a unique twist to Martin's chairmanship that makes his latest accomplishment especially meaningful. His father, Arthur Bidwell, was elected to the same AEC position 20 years ago and currently serves as Magnode's chairman and CEO. This is the first time in the AEC's 51-year history that a father and son have served as chairman.
"My father thinks a lot of his colleagues in the aluminum industry," says Martin.
"At meetings he'd greet them like old friends, which is what they were. He considered it a duty and a privilege to serve in the organization's leadership. I feel the same way."
Martin has also served the AEC as vice chairman and in a number of committee capacities. During his tenure as chairman, he plans to focus on four areas.
"Professional development is key, especially for some of our smaller members," he says.
"We'll hold seminars on business operations and technical issues as well as human resource functions such as safety reporting."
Martin will promote the distribution of business information within the AEC, such as studies on operating ratios and benchmarking. "Members find it useful to see where they stand on these issues compared to industry averages," he says.
He'll also encourage the AEC's development of marketing materials and customer-information tools. "We want to make sure our customers are sold on the benefits of aluminum. We are committed to marketing our processes and added value capabilities to engineers and students entering our industry," he says.
Legislative liaisons are also key issues for the new chairman. "We have a law firm in Washington keeping watch on governmental issues affecting our industry," he says. "We'll rely on our Washington contacts heavily in the coming weeks as we determine any regulatory changes resulting from the new presidential administration."
After he finishes his term as chairman, Martin will serve two years as immediate past chairman. "It's a multi-year commitment to the AEC," he says. "You have to be willing to devote your time as a leader and, when your term is up, help the new leader get up to speed. It is a privilege to serve the AEC in this capacity. I look forward to meeting the challenge as our industry and organization continue to grow."
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Mark Butterfield, Doug Howell
Co-Editors
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