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SMDI Honors Steel Innovators at Detroit Auto Show

March 1, 2017

At the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI) presented its annual Men and Women of Steel awards, designed to recognize those who are championing the use of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS).

SMDI, a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute, presented the Industry Innovator award to Gregory Warden, executive director and global functional leader, body, exterior and dimensional engineering at General Motors. The award acknowledges automotive designers or engineers who showcase superior innovation in their use of AHSS. Warden’s team is leading in the application and advancement of AHSS, and General Motors’ ongoing use of steel in its vehicles exemplifies this.

Steve Marks, industry technical support manager at Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), received the Community Hero award, which recognizes individuals and organizations whose work using steel impacts the quality of life of the community. Marks’ work includes conducting research on collision repair, OEM contract training and development, and he is a lead instructor for certification programs for I-CAR. Marks educates the next generation of technicians about the repair processes for steel, and as new steel grades are produced, Marks aids in the redevelopment of the repair process.

“The continued use of steel shows the resilience of the industry and the recognition of its strength, durability and value by automakers and consumers alike,” says Dr. Jody Hall, vice president-automotive market for SMDI. “We are extremely pleased to honor Greg and Steve for their work with steel and their commitment to creating and repairing lighter, stronger, more sustainable vehicles.”