The United Performance Metals family and Vulcanium are sad to announce the passing of Jim Ellis.
In title, Jim was the Vice President of Operations, but to all those who knew him, Jim was our friend, co-worker, and leader since 2006. Jim was transformational in Vulcanium's history and development; he moved us through Lean concepts, and helped us devise what would become a pivotal service model in the titanium distribution industry.
Jim Ellis was involved in the metals’ business all of his life. His family owned Ellis Steel in Detroit, and he spent much of his youth around the business, driving trucks and running equipment. Jim’s distinctive, professional career included positions in outside sales, inside sales and in operations, totaling more than 30 years in metals distribution arena. Prior to joining Vulcanium, Jim served as Plant and Operations Manager of the largest flagship operation in two of the nation's leading metal service center organizations. He was a senior member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the scholastic honor society, and a past Rotary Club President. Mr. Ellis graduated with a B. A. in Communications and Business from Western Michigan University, and held an MBA from Wayne State University, graduating first in his class; and continued on as an adjunct professor of Quality. Jim is survived by his wife, two daughters, a sister, and his mother.