Metropolitan Steel provides its own stimulus package to workers
Despite the challenging economic times which have many steel firms cutting shifts and laying off workers, one family-run steel company has provided its own "stimulus package" to help its employees make ends meet as well as boost the local economy.
Metropolitan Steel, a fabricator and erector of structural steel, in Frederick, Maryland earlier this month made an unprecedented move to help out their employees and local economy during these challenging times, giving checks to each of the company's 50 steelworkers.
Metropolitan Steel President and CEO Rick Hill, who came up with the idea, explained, "It was just a little frustrating to watch our national leaders drag their feet while the hardworking families at the steel shop faced the day to day grind of having to make ends meet. By putting a little extra money into the hands of the Metropolitan Steel worker, we're hoping not only to make it a little easier for everyone at home, but motivate spending in the local economy as well."
The employees were pretty scared when they were called to a surprise meeting, but the panic quickly turned to elation when they were each awarded a $600 check. "When the boss called the meeting, I started to panic a little," said David Clevenger, a 15-year employee at Metropolitan. "What happened next, nobody expected. I couldn't believe it. Everybody here is ecstatic. It makes you really feel appreciated that someone's looking out for you in these hard times."
Steel byproduct may help curb harmful emissions
Although steel production is accountable for significant carbon dioxide emissions, scientists are reporting that a byproduct of steel production could be used to absorb greenhouse emissions and help control global warming.
In a recent study posted in the science journal, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, a group of scientists led by Professor Mourad Kharoune suggest a new method of sequestering, or capturing, carbon dioxide using steel slags, which are a mixture of compounds produced during the separation of molten steel from impurities.
According to the study, the slag suspensions from electric arc furnaces (EAF) and ladle furnaces (LF) could be used for green house gas sequestration, though the LF slag has a higher capacity than the EAF slag, possibly due to the LF's higher content of a rare mineral called portlandite.
Kharoune and colleagues are hopeful that their findings will eventually be used to help curb steel production emissions - The scientists say that production of one ton of steel releases up to one ton of CO2.
Steel art community launches new website
A Hobart, Washington-based metal art sculpting community called FistFire Metal Art has launched a new website all about steel sculptures.
The group, which aims to bring metal artists into a deeper relationship with the art and artists from around the world, explains on its webpage the history of steel sculpture.
"Steel sculpture came into being at the hands of artists born at the beginning of the 20th century. These artists approached sculpture from a painter's point of view rather than a sculptor's and found meaning and beauty in industrial products and the use creation of geometric designs and abstract shapes. For them, steel was the material of choice. They understood that steel could replace not just the lines and planes of marble, iron and even wood, but give the finished work of art a power and presence no other material could match.
"Steel sculpture opened the doors to new concepts. The size of the sculpture was now limited only be the imagination of the sculptor. And since steel was immune to effects of weather, large outdoor sculptures became common."
More information on steel art can be found at Fistfire's Metal Art Steel Sculpture Website at: www.fistfire.com.
AK Steel's Ashland Works celebrates Steelworkers Appreciation Day
The United Steelworkers of America Local 1865 threw a special party for its members and their families last weekend.
Several hundred active and retired members of the union, which represent the hourly employees of AK Steel's Ashland Works, gathered Saturday for its annual Steelworkers Appreciation Day.
In addition the fun time provided by the good company, barbecue lunch and rides and games for the kids, the gathering had a deeper purpose, Local 1865 President Mike Hewlett told press.
"It's an opportunity for our younger members to interact with the retirees and learn about the people who built the mill and kept it going."
He did acknowledge, though, that the food was probably the main draw.
"With the economy being what it is, anytime you can get a free meal, it's definitely a good thing."