Great Lakes Fabricators & Erectors Association
D. James Walker, CEO
28411 Northwestern Highway
Suite 825
Southfield, MI 48034
Phone: 248.354.0001
Fax: 248.354.0005
E-mail: jim@glfea.org

The Great Lakes Fabricators & Erectors Association (GLFEA) is a leading voice supporting the steel industry in southeastern Michigan. GLFEA has been advancing the value of the southeastern Michigan steel industry since 1938.

GLFEA's membership roster includes more than 70 of the top firms located throughout southeastern Michigan. GLFEA members include businesses that develop and build steel and structural steel, erectors of steel, fabricators of steel and the builders of steel frame buildings and steel compounds.

GLFEA provides its members with a variety of resources that offer added value including a wide-range of educational programs and services. The association monitors legislation that may impact steel businesses and shares key developments with its members.

GLFEA 2009 Officers & Board of Directors

Officers

D. James Walker, CEO
GLFEA
Southfield, MI 48034

John Rieckhoff, President
C. L. Rieckhoff Co., Inc.
Taylor, MI 48180

John S. Papalas, Vice-President
John A. Papalas & Co.
Lincoln Park, MI 48146

Patrick (Mike) Dimet, Secretary/Treasurer
Vertex Steel Inc., Milford
Milford, MI 48381

Directors

John Wozniak, III, Barton Malow Rigging Co., Oak Park
Doug Jardine, International Industrial Contracting Corp., Sterling Heights
Kyle Thoren, Ross Structural Steel, Inc., Detroit
Chris Vlk, Dobson Industrial Inc., Bay City
Joe Leslie, MBM Fabricators, Romulus

Past Presidents

Dan Iafrate, Phoenix Machinery Movers, Shelby Township
Frank Nehr, Jr., Davis Iron Works, Walled Lake
Mike Rogers, Douglas Steel Inc., Lansing
Donald Makins, MBM Fabricators, Romulus
Bill Treharne, Midwest Steel Inc., Detroit
Ron L. Beckwith, Douglas Steel, Lansing
Jerry Raugh, MBM Fabricators & Erectors, Romulus
Gary Broad, Midwest Steel Inc., Detroit
Jim Edwards, Vulcan Iron Works, Detroit
M.E. Woodbeck Jr., J.L. Peters Co., Detroit
Kip Anderson, Grosse Pointe Farms
M.E. Woodbeck Sr., Overhead Conveyor Co., Ferndale

GLFEA believes in the importance of providing added value for its members. Regular and associate members pay just $200 a year; allied membership is $150 per year. Benefits of GLFEA membership include:

Labor Relations
GLFEA assists members by answering questions that may result when interpreting contract language. GLFEA also provides up-to-date information on issues affecting employment.

Communications
GLFEA keeps members informed about the latest news on labor, technology, health and safety through the association's newsletter, Framework, mailed quarterly to all members.

Legislative Action
GLFEA monitors federal and state legislation that may impact member businesses. GLFEA can initiate appropriate action when necessary and advise members on issues that affect our industry.

Education
GLFEA hosts monthly meetings along with periodic seminars on topics of interest to member organizations. GLFEA coordinates breakfast meetings to further enhance opportunities to interact with the architectural and engineering communities.

In addition, GLFEA's bulletins and newsletter are effective tools for referencing the latest information affecting membership.

Public/Industry Relations
GLFEA can proactively assist in the development of news releases and provide crisis intervention as needed.

Resource Center
GLFEA has a free lending library where members can borrow training and educational videos to enhance their professional aptitude.

Social and Networking Opportunities
GLFEA hosts membership meetings offering networking and educational opportunities. The association's annual meeting and dinner also provides an opportunity for members to socialize and exchange information.

The steel industry in Michigan has a fascinating history. This page is dedicated to presenting periods of that history.