Mr Richard J Cover was appointed as program manager

The Strategic Alliance for Steel Fuel Tanks together with the Steel Market Development Institute a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute recently announced the appointment of Mr Richard J Cover as program manager. In this position Mr Cover will be responsible for managing SASFT’s technical and market development initiatives and leading technology transfer of steel fuel tank design and benefits with automakers suppliers, equipment manufacturers, universities and other strategic groups. Cover replaces Mr Peter Mould, who retired in July 2012 after heading the group for more than 10 years.

Mr Ron Krupitzer vice president automotive market, SMDI said that “With more than 30 years of experience Rich brings a wealth of knowledge in the steel and automotive industries to SASFT.” He added that “We’re confident that his background in the communications, technical and commercial sides of the industry contains the experience needed to help make steel the preferred material in fuel tanks.”

In addition to his position with SASFT Mr Cover serves as president of Mr Richard J Cover & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm in Rochester, Mich. The consulting firm specializes in metals and materials engineering, training in quality performance management surface quality monitoring, metallurgy and welding, strategic planning, investment analysis, market research and global purchasing.

Prior to this Mr Cover worked for General Motors Company from 2002 to 2009 as global commodity manager of steel and as manager of steel quality where he led a team of engineers and was responsible for steel quality in metal fabricating plants and suppliers. Earlier he held various positions of increasing responsibility for more than 20 years with LTV Steel an integrated steel producer.