By Tina Black—
MUNCIE, IN— Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc. has announced the promotion of two company executives.
Effective January 1, 2026, the Board of Directors has approved the promotion of Chad Smith to President & Chief Executive Officer of Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc., reflecting the scope of operations across four Muncie locations and international facilities. John W. Smith will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Division.
With this leadership team in place, Mid-West Metal Products will continue to build upon its 105-year legacy as a family-owned and operated manufacturing company, advancing growth both domestically and internationally.
Chief Executive Officer Steve Smith retired effective December 31, 2025, following the celebration of his 50th anniversary with the company. Smith’s retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary career dedicated to the growth, stability, and success of one of Indiana’s longstanding family-owned manufacturing businesses.
Chad Smith
Chad Smith was promoted from the role of Chief Financial Officer, a position he has held since joining the company in May 2015. He earned both his Bachelor of Science degree and MBA from Indiana University and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Cardinal Ethanol, LLC.
Prior to joining Mid-West Metal Products, Smith worked in investment banking with BMO Capital Markets, followed by leadership roles at USIC, where he served as Analysis Manager and later Director of Financial Planning & Analysis.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work side-by-side with my dad, Steve, for the past 11 years,” said Chad Smith. “With our outstanding team at Mid-West, I’m excited to build on his strong foundation and carry the company’s legacy forward into an even brighter future.”
John W. Smith
John W. Smith was promoted from President of the Industrial Division, where he has been an integral part of Mid-West Metal Products for more than 20 years. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University and has played a key role in engineering innovation, academic partnerships, and community-focused projects that support local businesses and enhance the cultural landscape of Muncie.
“It has been a great honor to work alongside my father, who I greatly respect and admire,” said John Smith.
Steve Smith
Smith began his career at Mid-West Metal Products in 1975 and was elected to the company’s Board of Directors in 1977. He was named Corporate Treasurer in 1983, assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in 1995, and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2009. Throughout his tenure, Smith proudly represented a now fourth-generation, family-owned business, guiding the company through decades of industry change while maintaining a strong commitment to employees, customers, and community.
Beyond his leadership at Mid-West Metal Products, Smith has demonstrated an enduring dedication to service and education. He was an active member of the Wired Fabricators Association (USA) from 1996 to 2015, serving on its Board of Directors and as a past president, and was honored in 2014 for his outstanding service.
Smith served on the Yorktown Community Schools Board from 2004 to 2012, including two years as Board President. Since 2006, he has been a member of the Miller College of Business at Ball State University Marketing and International Business Advisory Board, and was named a Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter Honoree for professional achievement.
He also served as a Board Member and past Chief Volunteer Officer for the Muncie YMCA, chairing the new facility planning team from 2008 to 2024. In 2021, Smith received the Outstanding Policy Volunteer Award from the Indiana Alliance of YMCA’s.
Smith has served or continues to serve on numerous boards, including Business & Economic Research at Ball State University, Maxon Foundation, Delaware Advancement Corporation, Economics America, Shafer Leadership Academy, Meridian Health Services, Minnetrista Cultural Center, Kitselman Foundation, and the Muncie & Delaware County Community Foundation, holding roles such as President, Chair, and Treasurer.
In recognition of his civic leadership, Smith received the Al Rent Spirit of Muncie Award from the Muncie–Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
Smith remains actively engaged in service, currently serving on the Board of Directors for the George & Frances Ball Foundation since 2019, which supports the Cradle to Career initiative in Muncie.
The company extends its deepest appreciation to Steve Smith for his decades of leadership and service, and wishes him a fulfilling retirement filled with travel, family time, and well-earned leisure.
About Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc.
Founded more than a century ago, Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc. is a family-owned and operated manufacturer serving domestic and international markets with a commitment to quality, innovation, and community leadership.
