Ponko resigns as president of Worthington business unit

Worthington Industries Inc. reported June 5 that Edmund L. Ponko Jr., president of Dietrich Metal Framing, has resigned. George P. Stoe, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Worthington Industries, has been named interim president of Dietrich.

Ponko had been with Dietrich Metal Framing for more than 25 years and had been an instrumental part of the growth of the business. He had a remarkable career as he began as a salesman and worked his way to being named president in 2001.

“While market conditions in the steel framing sector are soft, we believe that Dietrich has the best market position and the best people and products in the industry,” John P. McConnell, chairman and chief executive officer of Worthington Industries, said. “We wish Ed well and thank him for his positive contributions over the years. We are committed to the continuing growth of Dietrich and positioning it to provide the best value to our shareholders.”

Dietrich Metal Framing is the largest manufacturer of steel framing products in the United States. Dietrich’s 2,000 employees in 26 facilities use state-of-the-art equipment and in-house metallurgic labs to ensure superior product performance and competitive prices. Dietrich Metal Framing, founded in 1959, is a Worthington company.

Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with annual sales of approximately $3 billion. The Columbus, Ohio-based company is North America’s premier value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as metal framing, metal ceiling grid systems, pressure cylinders, automotive past model service stamping and laser welded blanks. Worthington Industries and its subsidiaries employ more than 8,000 people and operate 64 facilities in 10 countries.