Gerdau Honored at Global Steel Industry Award for Its Centennial History

Gerdau Honored at Global Steel Industry Award for Its Centennial History

The founding family of Gerdau, the largest Brazilian steel producer, has received the Steel Vision Award, which celebrates the visionary trajectory of companies in the sector.

São Paulo, June 17, 2026 - The Gerdau Johannpeter family, controlling shareholders of Gerdau the largest Brazilian steel producer was honored at the Global Steel Dynamics Forum, organized by World Steel Dynamics, held today (June 17) in New York, United States. The company received the Willy Korf / Ken Iverson Steel Vision Award, a recognition granted to leaders who have not only transformed the market through innovation and efficiency but also built a legacy of integrity and forward-looking vision in the global steel industry.

The honor recognizes Gerdau's more than century-long history and reinforces the company's leading role in the internationalization of Brazilian industry, as well as its established presence in the global steel market. André Bier Gerdau Johannpeter, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gerdau, and Guilherme Chagas Gerdau Johannpeter, Vice Chairman of the Board, received the award on behalf of the company, in recognition of the organization's journey and all of its employees.

"Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and a major recognition of Gerdau's more than 125-year history. I share this award with each of our employees, customers, partners, and shareholders, whose daily commitment to integrity and excellence allows us to shape the future of steel," said Johannpeter.

Founded in 1901 as a nail factory in Porto Alegre (RS), Gerdau has become the largest Brazilian steel producer and one of the leading suppliers of long steel in the Americas and specialty steels worldwide. In the 1940s, the company began its steel production operations with the acquisition of Riograndense, in Sapucaia do Sul (RS). In the 1970s and 1980s, it expanded beyond Rio Grande do Sul, entering Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.

Internationalization followed in subsequent decades, with acquisitions and expansions in Uruguay, Canada, Argentina, the United States, Peru, and Mexico.

The Willy Korf / Ken Iverson Steel Vision Award was established in 1991. In 2001, Jorge Gerdau Johannpeter then CEO of Gerdau and a member of the controlling family also received the award, being recognized for the company's international expansion and the modernization of production through the mini-mill model.