MISSION

The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) is an international association dedicated to helping manufacturers, engineers, architects, and others to discover why aluminum extrusion is the preferred material process for better products. Since 1950, AEC's has served its industry well by implementing its mission:

• Provide opportunities to network with peers and suppliers, address common internal and external issues, share data, train, and sponsor research.
• Work together to enable members to function more efficiently, cost-effectively, and knowledgeably.
• Enhance the growth of the aluminum extrusion industry by promoting the advantages of the processes and product applications.

FUNCTION

AEC is committed to helping its members overcome the challenges that arise in a competitive manufacturing environment by offering products programs, and support services as follows:

• Educates designers and manufacturers on the advantages and applications of aluminum extrusions.
• Publishes a directory of member companies that is used as a buyer's resource.
• Informs members about emerging technologies and industry trends via its numerous publications and training seminars and conferences.
• Collects, analyzes, and disseminates production and management statistical information to help benchmark operations.
• Works with government and regulatory bodies on matters pertinent to the industry, and reports back to its members on a regular basis.
• Offers technical and managerial publications to keep the aluminum extruder knowledgeable of the latest issues of importance.
• Provides numerous networking opportunities for members to exchange, discuss, and problem-solve their common challenges.
• Advocates North American aluminum extrusion industry interests.
• Listens to members' concerns and allows for member input through various committees

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND ADVOCACY PROGRAMS

With an eye on the future, AEC represents the interests of its members to regulatory, code, and standard-setting bodies. When appropriate, AEC performs as an advocate on behalf of its members and may form task forces to address relevant concerns.

One such example is the Keep Aluminum Windows (KAW) campaign, whose mission is simple-to keep aluminum windows as a viable and preferred component within the residential and commercial construction markets. As a battle whose front is continuously challenged, a lot of time, money, and energy continues to pour into this aggressive advocacy program fueled with proactive initiatives and constant vigilance.

AEC also has memberships and maintains active involvement with industry-critical organizations that ultimately give members a voice and keeps AEC apprised of a multitude of issues, including:

• American National Standards (ANSI)
• ASTM International
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)

The Council also closely monitors the activities and participates in public forums of such agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Energy (DOE).

AEC LEADERSHIP
The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) elects their Board of Directors and Officers during the Board of Directors meeting that is held in conjunction with the AEC Annual Meeting.

Board of Directors
Chairman: Tom Schabel, Alexandria Extrusion Company
Vice-Chairman: Duncan Crowdis, William L. Bonnell Co., Inc.
Immediate Past-Chairman: Craig Werner, Werner Extrusions Sollutions LLC
President: Rand A. Baldwin, CAE, Aluminum Extruders Council

Independent Extruder Directors

Rick Merluzzi, Pennex Aluminum

John Noordwijk, Sapa, Inc.
Curt Rone, Jr.*, The Loxcreen Company, Inc.
Herbert Schuler, Jr., General Extrusions Inc.
Robert Swartz, Kaiser Aluminum

Producer Director
John Casaldi, Alcoa Primary Metals

Supplier Director
James Foy, Foy, Inc.

At-Large Directors

Lynn Brown, Hydro Aluminum

Jim Dickson, Rio Tinto Alcan

Past chairman
Thomas E. Hutch, Jr., Aerolite Extrusion Company

*At-large member of the Executive Committee