About IMF
Who We Are
A group at the University of Pittsburgh created the Ingot Metallurgy Symposium. Participants and the annual symposia decided that they would like to meet more often than once per year and from that decision, the IMF was created.
The IMF has 25 member companies & growing. It has evolved from an annual, industry-wide meeting on ingot making called the Ingot Metallurgy Symposium, which began in 1987. This one-day symposium was created so people involved in producing steel and alloy ingots could learn and discuss technical aspects of the metallurgy of ingot making. Lately, ingot production is largely ignored at the national steel making conferences, and a need was identified to provide a forum for technical discussions on this topic for many who will continue to produce ingots for a long time.
IMF Board
Howard Yang
President
In 2005, Howard moved from California to New Jersey to start his career in the refractory industry as an inside sales rep for CeramSource, Inc. (Previously InterSource USA). Howard gained most of his experience through on the job training and is eager to apply those skills to the IMF organization. He volunteered in hopes of widening his expertise within ingot production and the steel industry as a whole.
Ryan Shoplik
Vice President
Centre Foundry & Machine Co.
Wheeling, West Virginia
Calum Learn
Past President
Relatively new to the industry, Calum graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2015 with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. Having interned at the ArcelorMittal Steelton Ingot Facility in the summer, Calum returned to work there full time after graduation. As a Project Engineer with ArcelorMittal Steelton, Calum focuses on all aspects of the vacuum stream degassing process from production to shipment and continuous improvement.
Dan Cirelli
VP - Programs
Account Manager at Imerys, May 2018 - Present
Section Manager at Casting and Slab Shipping, April 2011 - January 2018
Casting Operator at Alcoa, September 2007 - April 2011
Earned a Bachelor's Degree in Science & Technology from California University of Pennsylvania, 2004-2007
Darrin Schwartz
Treasurer
Darrin graduated from the University of Pittsburgh where he obtained a BS in Materials Science.
Darrin started his career at the former Lukens Steel located in Coatesville, PA as a Metallurgist in both the Bottom Pour Area and Strand Caster. He then moved into Production positions supporting the Ladle Furnace, Degasser and VOD before adding the responsibilities of the Refractory Department. Darrin joined Ellwood Quality Steels in 2006 as a Project Engineer before joining the Bottom Pour Department and eventually adding the responsibility for Refractories and Scrap Handling in the Auxiliary Department.
Mike Labanow
Secretary
Mike has been with Stollberg Inc since 1984 in Niagara Falls as a Metallurgy Technical Support Engineer–Responsible for sales of continuous casting mold powders, bottom pouring fluxes and tundish covers. Developed specific powders suited to customer’s requirements. Visited most steel mills in North America.
Mike graduated from the University of Cincinnati, College of Engineering Cincinnati, OH. He is also a part of several organizations including:
Secretary for Ingot Metallurgy Forum
Member of Association for Iron & Steel Technology
Member of ASM International
Aaron Teske
At-Large Board Member
Tom Sands
At-Large Board Member
Tom graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology in 2011 with a BS in Metallurgical Engineering. He started his career with Carpenter Technology in Reading, PA working in their Electroslag Remelting Department. Tom joined Nucor Steel Longview in 2018 as a Process Metallurgist.
Virteom