Western Magnesium Corporation has announced the appointment of Colonel (retired) Michael Rutkowski to serve as its executive vice-president for Enterprise Business and Defense as the company answers the critical demand for eco-friendly magnesium metal produced in the United States.
Colonel Rutkowski recently retired after 29 years of service in the United States Army as a highly decorated UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter pilot, and an acquisition and contracting expert for the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the company noted that he brings a wealth of government and private sector experience in his new role for Western Magnesium.
In a statement, Rutkowski said: “I’ve had the honor of helping produce some of the most technologically advanced products in the DoD in my career but to be on the ground floor of producing clean magnesium that will revolutionize everything we touch as a country - is truly remarkable in so many ways. I am humbled by the opportunity to help shape and rebuild our industrial and defense base here in America, reducing supply dependance on foreign competitors with Western Magnesium.”
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Sam Ataya, executive president and CEO of Western Magnesium commented: “All of us here at Western Magnesium are honored to have someone who’s dedicated 29 years of his life in service to this grateful Nation by joining our team. Colonel (R) Rutkowski’s proven leadership at the DoD is unparalleled. We are very excited to be expanding into new business sectors in the United States with the Colonel leading from the front as he has done throughout his entire career."
Ataya added: “We are on the verge of producing magnesium metal here in the United States and reducing foreign dependance here in America in an eco-friendly way that’s not been accomplished to date. This is a truly historic time for America to produce 'green' metal in the United States and once again be self-sufficient within its own borders for magnesium production.”
Western Magnesium’s executive chairman, Ed Lee, said he believes re-establishing the United States prominence in metal production by producing 'clean' magnesium has never been accomplished. The United States will once again secure its competitive advantage on the world stage with clean sustainable precious metal made here in America.
“These are exciting times for Western Magnesium, and I am proud of the advancements we have made as a company over the past 10 years to get to this point.” Lee added. “Colonel Rutkowski’s knowledge of procurement, contracting, Space and Aviation Industries will help further our goal of a truly “green” metal made here in the United States. I have no doubt in his ability to help lead this company into the future.”
Western Magnesium's goal is to be a low-cost producer of green, primary magnesium metal, a strategic commodity prized for its strength and lightweight. Unlike outdated and costly production processes, Western Magnesium looks to use a continuous silicothermic process to produce magnesium, which significantly reduces labor and energy costs relative to current methods and processes, while being environmentally friendly.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com