In a statement, Unity Aluminum said Barry Schneider’s decades of metals industry experience will be of benefit as the company looks to advance its mill project, which would produce approximately 350,000 tons of series 3000, 5000 and 6000 aluminum sheet for the automotive, transportation and distribution markets. 

“Unity Aluminum is excited to welcome Barry Schneider to the team,” said Charles Price, chairman of the Unity Aluminum board of directors. “His hands-on experience in mill start-ups and management will translate into valuable governance and oversight for our shareholders.”

Schneider, who serves as the senior vice president for SDI’s flat roll group, will become the sixth director on Unity Aluminum’s board. His appointment took effect on 1 January. 

“Like others in the industry, I have been watching the Unity Aluminum project closely and am impressed by its strong projected financial returns as well as its environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects,” said Schneider. “The senior leadership team has worked tirelessly to put this company on the path to success and establish a results-oriented team culture. I’m eager to contribute to this on-shoring comeback that is vital to the global aluminum industry and our national interests.”