TINLEY PARK, Ill.— U.S. Minerals, producers of Black Diamond abrasive blasting media and high-quality slag roofing granules, recently welcomed Peter Kossis as president. He has extensive experience managing national and international enterprises, having most recently served as plant manager for the Cement Slag Operations in Chicago for LafargeHolcim, the largest building materials supplier in the world, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.

“We are thrilled to have Peter join the company at a time when our world-class slag products are supporting mission-critical infrastructure initiatives,” said Fred Vukas, founder of U.S. Minerals and current chairman of the board. “He is well-positioned to drive innovation at the plant and corporate levels, and to ensure that U.S. Minerals continues to be the most reliable source of coal, copper, and specialty slag products for the many industries we serve.”

Since taking the helm in April, Kossis has ensured that all U.S. Minerals plants continue to operate safely amid nationwide shelter-in-place orders. He has also been driving upgrades and facility enhancements to meet steady demand from the abrasives and roofing industries.

“It is a unique challenge to join any organization during this unprecedented time,” said Kossis, “and I am encouraged by the support I’ve received from the U.S. Minerals Board, our leadership team, and the hardworking men and women across all of our locations.”

Kossis holds a master of business administration from Duquesne University, an master of science in Chemical Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology, and a bachelors of science in Chemistry from Gannon University, where he is a Hall of Fame inductee. In addition to his most recent roles with LafargeHolcim, he has held leadership roles with Italcementi Group in Cyprus and Kazakhstan, Maillis Group in Greece; Titan America; Michael Baker Corporation; and Keystone Environmental Services.