Features
Former Nucor CEO David ‘Dave’ Aycock passes at age 94
Written by Kristen DiLandro
June 11, 2025
Steel industry veteran and former Nucor Chairman and CEO David ‘Dave’ Aycock died on Saturday at the age of 94.
Aycock started his career at Charlotte, N.C.-based Nucor in 1954, when he joined as a welder. He continued to advance through the organization, becoming COO and president in 1984.
After retiring in 1991, Aycock joined Nucor’s board of directors.
He came out of retirement in 1999, rejoining the company as chairman of the executive management team. In 1999 and 2000, he would also serve as president and CEO. During these years, the company implemented critical initiatives that shaped the Nucor of today.
Teaming with Ken Iverson and Sam Siegel, Aycock led Nucor’s revolutionary recycling-based production methods.
“Dave Aycock was part of the foundation of leaders that built Nucor into one of the most successful steel companies in the world,” Leon Topalian, Nucor’s current president, chair, and CEO, said in a statement. “Dave was the perfect embodiment of our Nucor culture, as his career showed that there are no limits on what a teammate can accomplish at Nucor.”
Aycock retired from the Nucor board in 2001.
“Our hearts go out to Dave’s wife, Daphne, and their entire family,” Topalian added. “Dave was a blessing to our company and his positive impact on the growth of Nucor is a tremendous legacy.”
Kristen DiLandro
Read more from Kristen DiLandroLatest in Features
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the pricing and analysis tab and look under the “survey results” section for “latest survey results.” Past survey results are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the survey results, or if […]
SMU Survey: Steel Buyers’ Sentiment sinks to near pandemic levels
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices moved in opposing directions this week. Our Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index sharply fell to one of the lowest levels recorded in five years, while Future Buyers’ Sentiment marginally improved.
CRU: Sheet demand remains weak, tariff changes again alter markets
Subdued demand has continued to weigh on steel sheet prices globally.
Final Thoughts
Steel equities and steel futures fell hard after news broke earlier this week that the US and Mexico might reach an agreement that would result in the 50% Section 232 tariff coming off Mexican steel. The sharp declines didn’t make much sense, especially if, as some reports indicate, Mexico might agree to a fixed quota. They didn't make sense even if steel flows between the US and Mexico remain unchanged.
SMU Survey: Mill lead times tick higher after late-May lows
All five of the averages for sheet and plate mill lead times tracked by SMU extended moderately this week, according to buyers responding to our latest market survey.