Fred Ulbrich Sr. Honored with MSCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals is proud to announce that our founder, Fred Ulbrich Sr., has been posthumously awarded the Metal Service Center Institute’s (MSCI) Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award was established in 2003 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to our industry through exceptional business leadership, unwavering integrity, and a commitment to community service.
The Metals Service Center Institute is a trade association in Mt. Prospect, Ill., representing metals producers, distributors, and processors. MSCI provides its members with knowledge, thought leadership, data, education, industry advocacy, and a forum for debate, discussion, and learning.
The MSCI Lifetime Achievement Award is symbolized by the Roman god Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions. Janus represents the achievements of the past as the foundation of our vision and hopes for the future. He also symbolizes the transition from one generation to another, a fitting representation of Fred Ulbrich Sr.'s legacy.
Fred Ulbrich Sr. led our company through some of the most challenging times in history, including the Great Depression and World War II. His bravery and foresight allowed him to pivot the direction of his business multiple times, transforming from a scrap collector to a cutlery manufacturer, and eventually into a stainless-steel precision reroller. Each of these shifts required immense courage and a keen eye for emerging opportunities, showcasing Fred’s ability to continually reinvent himself and his business.
Fred was not only a
pioneering businessman but also a devoted family man. He was the proud father
of Fred Jr., Dick, and Dan, and a loving husband to Ada. His achievements laid
a solid foundation for his children, who have become industry leaders in their
own right. Fred Sr. embodied the American dream of free enterprise, prosperity,
and innovation. His legacy of bravery, innovation, and excellence continues to
inspire us all.
Fred Sr. was honored at the MSCI-SMA 2024 Annual Meeting, which took place from June 3rd to June 4th in Scottsdale, Arizona. Accepting the award on behalf of his grandfather, Chris Ulbrich shared anecdotes about Fred Sr.'s achievements, character, personal traits, and legacy.
We are immensely proud of this achievement and the enduring success of Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the MSCI for this incredible honor and recognition of Fred Ulbrich Sr.'s remarkable contributions to our industry. His legacy continues to guide and inspire us as we look to the future.
If you'd like to learn more about Fred Sr.'s life, check out our history series on Ulbrich's century of excellence.