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SOULÉ NEWS
september 1968 fall issue volume 6 number 3
FOREIGN STEEL THREATENS U.S. STEEL JOBS
*Photo: Shipment of steel from foreign mill being unloaded in U.S. helps send first-quarter imports to new high of 3.4 million tons, an increase of 41.3 percent over same period of last year.*
Steel Imports Can Take 60 Per Cent of Western Steel Market by 1970
The foreign steel market is after a good portion of the jobs of America's Steelworkers as well as the jobs of those who sell for our steel industry.
Foreign export of steel in the United States last year reached 1½ million tons or over 12% of the market for steel in the United States. By the 1970's Japanese steel producers will have completed a major expansion of their steel production facilities. At that time the Japanese alone will have a surplus of over 40 million tons of steel to export. With foreign steel imports currently representing nearly 33% of the steel used in the Western United States, Japan's 1970 surplus could mean a take-over of nearly 60% of the market for steel in the West!
Large national steel companies with their major market the American Midwest and somewhat removed from port cities might be able to survive the attack on America's steel industry by the foreign steel market. For Western
steel companies and those steel com-panies located near major port facili-ties, the matter of imports from Japan and other foreign nations presents more of a problem in terms of survival.
Already selling steel at "cut rate" prices, the foreign steel producers could by the 1970's reach the point where they will be dumping all their surplus on the American markets.
Foreign steel has a price advantage over United States steel because of lower labor costs. The hourly costs for wage employees only presents an inter-esting comparison.
U.S. . $4.63 Netherlands . $2.08 Luxembourg . $2.04 Belgium . $1.97 West Germany . $1.88 Italy . $1.69 France . $1.55 Japan . $1.08
The hourly wage costs in the United States are more than four times greater than those in Japan!
In addition, foreign governments through tax rebates, low-cost loans for expansion, tax credits, transportation allowances and artificially high prices in home markets subsidize their steel industries. This allows foreign steel companies to sell their product in the United States for even lower prices.
To provide relief for American steel against the foreign attack, a bill has been introduced in the United States called the "Iron and Steel Orderly Trade Act" that would curb but not completely eliminate the import of foreign steel into the American market.
The "Iron and Steel Orderly Trade Act" or "Quota Bill," as it is com-monl called, sets a quota on steel imports for each country and for each steel product with the quotas tied to the share foreign steel had in the market in 1964-66. The "Quota Bill" would still allow foreign steel a share of the United States market and allow expansion of that share as the market itself gets bigger. For example, in 1964-66 the average yearly total con-sumption of finished steel in the United States was 95.6 million tons. Of the 95.6 million tons in this period, the average yearly total of imported steel was 9.2 million tons or 9.6% of the total consumption in the United States. Thus, the basic quota percent-age of foreign steel would be set at 9.6%. Further, as the United States market for finished steel expands, the percentage for the importer would increase.
The "Quota Bill" was introduced for three major reasons.
1. The threat in terms of lost jobs, destruction of the steel industry and the effect of a steel recession on the economy.
2. The further upset of the United States balance of payments which increased import of foreign steel would create.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3)
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SAFETY TIPS ## You Can Avoid that Car Accident!
*by Mike Michel*
Sure, you're a careful driver! But what about the other guy. An auto accident doesn't have to be your fault to happen. Here are five ways you can reduce your chances of having an accident.
1. Drive defensively – drive on the defensive. Anticipate the worst. Ask yourself – "What would happen IF?"
2. Drive courteously – give the other guy a break, and he may do the same for you.
3. Drive skillfully – what goes on around you; stay a reasonable distance behind the car ahead; check in your rear view mirrors before changing lanes; use good judgment.
4. Control yourself – your driving reactions stem from the switchboard in your mind. If it's clogged with an emotional crisis, or dulled by fatigue or drink, or lulled into lethargy by highway hypnosis, you are setting the stage for an accident.
5. Keep your car in shape – if anything is wrong, have it corrected – you may thus avoid your next accident.
AND REMEMBER TO WEAR SEAT BELTS (even going to the corner store!!)
SOULÉ DRIVERS NAMED FLEET SAFETY CHAMPS
Soulé Steel Company's truck drivers drove away with top honors in the Greater Los Angeles Fleet Safety Contest for their division classification – Building and Construction Materials Fleets.
The Soulé truckers logged 598,384 miles during the contest year.
The award was presented to the company in September, in official recognition of the company's position in the 24th annual Fleet Safety Contest.
Soulé's gaining the trophy was because of Cliff Mayo, now retired, Ralph Derrick, L.A. Traffic Manager, and drivers: Frank Kusy, James Madden, Frank Cascio, James Kerr, Roy McFarlane, Richard Tubbs, Robert Main, Frank Bravo, Arby Hollingsworth, Luther Burns, Lewis Smith, Oscar Spencer, Maurice Cates, Clifford White, Jack Burns, John Sousa and Ray Shambow.
HARD HAT, SAFETY GLASSES DEFLECT BLOW
Soulé Steel mill employee Manual Zarate reports "he's convinced" of the effectiveness of safety equipment in helping prevent serious injury.
The convincer – a jagged chunk of slag that fell while Zarate was working on the lower level of the concast machine. His hard hat and safety glasses deflected the slag, reducing Manual's injuries to cuts and bruises only!
Could have been a lot worse … without the safety equipment.
Support the Steel Quota Bill
Foreign steel sold in the U.S. at ruinous prices threatens the very survival of a sound steel industry in this country.
The Iron and Steel Orderly Trade Act (Quota Bill), now in Congress, could curb those imports – and help save jobs in our industry.
Write your U.S. Senator and Congressman …. let your representatives in Washington, D.C., know how you feel – and how important this Bill is to America!
Edward Lee Soulé, Jr., President SOULÉ STEEL COMPANY
Soulē Old Timers
*by Niles O. Millar*
Photo: *Portrait of a man in a suit and tie wearing glasses.*
We've added a couple of names to our old timers list, in that Cliff Mayo and Fred Trinkle, both of Los Angeles, retired recently. (See Soulé News, Summer Issue, 1968).
I was very happy to receive a letter from Homer Anderson (who you all know was for many years one of our hot metal lath salesmen in Los Angeles). In his letter he said, "Niles, please keep the Soulé News coming."
I would like to reiterate to all old timers my previous request that they send to me anything that would be of interest to publish in the Soulé News such as photos of what you are doing: traveling, hobbing, fishing, golfing, and so forth. Send to my attention at Soulé Steel Company, 1750 Army Street, San Francisco.
FIRE BRIGADE ORGANIZED FOR S.F. PLANT
A formally organized Fire Brigade is now in operation for firefighting at the headquarters office and plant in San Francisco.
Fire Chief is Noah Bennight, who heads the S.F. Maintenance Department.
Current Assignment: Training, training and more training, under Safety Manager Mike Mickel.
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SOULÉ – A Diversified Company
A company that encompasses five divisions, selling a diversified line of steel and metal products throughout the United States and overseas – this is Soulé Steel Company today, in its 57th year.
In 1911, when Edward L. Soulé, Sr. founded the company, one product launched Soulé – steel reinforcing bar for the construction industry. With this beginning a company was created that:
- Today manufactures, as well as sells and installs, a complete product line of reinforcing steel. - Manufactures and erects custom curtainwall for skyscrapers and office structures. - Markets a steel building system that is used by industrial "giants" as well as thousands of retail business establishments. - Supplies the building industry with a complete line of metal lath and accessory products, and expanded metal products. - That today is rolling – at its Long Beach, California, Mill an expanding line of steel mill products including the company's own studded "T" fence posts.
The growth of Soulé Steel Company can be told in terms of company history – the establishment of the company's present headquarters at 1750 Army Street, San Francisco, in 1923; Soulé's role as a defense contractor during World War II, expansion to aluminum products in the 1950's; and the first production of steel at the company's Long Beach Mill in 1959 – but, even more dramatic, is the Soulé story told in terms of the continued expansion of product lines.
The company's largest division is the one that gave Soulé its start: Steel Reinforcing Bars. This division manufactures, sells and installs reinforcing steel bars, reinforcing accessories, steel column spirals, steel forms – nearly every kind of steel used in the reinforced concrete construction industry.
Soulé Buildings, pre-engineered, and fabricated in its Los Angeles facility are in use as commercial structures; retail stores, schools, churches, libraries, auto dealerships, and by industry, as factories, warehouses, airplane hangars, truck terminals. The division's product line includes components for steel buildings, and the Temp-Con® wall system insulated panels for temperature-controlled storage buildings.
Soulé Steel's Architectural Products Division was launched in 1930; today it is a leader in the design, fabricating, and erections of aluminum "curtain" and "window walls" for multi-story buildings.
The division, operating from San Francisco, includes a complete anodizing facility for color anodizing of aluminum for wall systems; sells and installs vertically, pivoted windows; sliding windows; sliding door units for multi-story buildings and aluminum insulated curtain walls.
The Company's Commodity Products Division is responsible for three different product categories used in the building industry and in manufacturing: Metal lath and drywall products; expanded metal products used for making furniture, grills, trays and outdoor furniture; and structural framing components.
Soulé Steel Company's newest division is Steel Mill Products (see Summer 1968 issue of Soulé News). The Division's primary product is Soulé studded "T" fence posts and accessories for fencing livestock. In addition, the Division (newly renamed from Special Products Division) rolls at the Long Beach Mill a rapidly growing line of "merchant mill" steels.
Look to Soulé News for detailed articles on each of the Soulé product lines, and for news about new products for Soulé Steel Company is continually expanding as a company involved with and growing with the construction industry.
FOREIGN STEEL THREATENS U.S. STEEL JOBS
3. A strong domestic steel industry is vital to our country's defense. During war time it is necessary that we make and supply all essential steel for a war economy. We should not be dependent on foreign sources.
Lee Soulé in reviewing the proposed legislation, comments, "The 'Iron and Steel Orderly Trade Act' is especially important to Western independent steel companies. Smaller independent steel companies stand to be hardest hit by the import of cut-rate steel. We are in a fight for our very survival. The passage of our 'Quota Bill' is most important to the Company and its employees. I urge all employees of our Company to personally express their feelings with respect to this proposed legislation to their United States Senator and Congressman in order that Congress may be made aware of the importance of this proposed legislation."
Names in the News
**ROBERT A (Bob) JONES** has transferred to the Los Angeles office of the Architectural Products Division as a salesman. For the past three years Bob has been with Soulé in San Francisco.
While at San Francisco he was an active member of the Construction Specifications Institute. He held the job of Program Chairman for the Institute and the group's East Bay Chapter. Was awarded an outstanding service trophy for the newly organized East Bay group by Mr. Ernie Cannon, CSI President.
**BYRON BERG** has received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree from Loyola University School of Law ... an accomplishment that required five years of evening classes and study. Byron, congratulations!
*Photo: New as a nurse for Soulé's San Francisco plant is PAULINE PRYOR.*
**ALPHONSO F. (Al) RANGEL** has been newly promoted to sales representative in the San Francisco office. Al has been with Soulé for 13 years ... holding positions of increasing responsibility. His most recent assignment was estimating curtainwall bids.
*Photo: STYLIANOS B. (Lucky) MALAMATENIOS has been named the new production foreman for the Soulé plant in Los Angeles.*
**BRADLEY COLE** moves from Soulé's Portland office (Reinforcing Detailer) to Reinforcing Estimator in Detailing in San Diego.
**BART CIANCIOLA** has become a design draftsman for the L.A. Wilmington Avenue Plant.
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SOULÉ BUILDINGS WELCOMES ARIZONA DEALER
"Remember the old-time way you shopped for groceries — how it was necessary to make many trips to individual stores for each item? The butcher shop sold meat, and nothing else. There were vegetable stands, dairies and bakeries — all selling only their own products.
As the pace of modern living increased, the public rebelled against the time-consuming methods of shopping necessary in grandfather's day, and the Supermarket was born.
The same thing is happening today in the construction field.
A Phoenix-based firm, Shuart Brothers Construction Company, has applied the same principle to their way of conducting business. Where formerly everything from site study to separate construction phases, coordinating construction, master planning the project, doing the design, the architectural renderings ... and all the additional details of a job, Shuart Bros. does the entire job ... right down to the landscaping."
This was the beginning of a recent article in Arizona Modern Industry, describing Soule Steel Company's Building Division's newest franchise dealer: Shuart Brothers Construction Company.
Shuart Bros. assumes nearly every phase of the job — every responsibility in the construction of plants and buildings for industry.
The Phoenix, Arizona, Company begins with site study and analysis; then does the design of the structure, including, if necessary, transportation facilities studies, reviews of utilities provided and analyzes the future growth of the area.
They also provide final drawings and specifications, complete engineering services, obtain the required permits and governmental approvals.
An insurance analysis is made, and coverage obtained, and then, of course, construction is done by Shuart Bros. including the landscaping.
The possibility exists that a company can buy the land and call Shuart Bros. — and after one stop need not worry about the plant until the key to the front door is presented.
At a recent Soulé District Technical Training Meeting, Barry Shuart, Wayne Shuart, Dale E. Lay and Iver Johnson were on hand for a formal signing of the Phoenix Dealers Franchise at Arizona Manor.
In addition, the Shuart team gained a complete technical backgrounding on the Soulé Buildings Division's building systems — because for this advanced Arizona construction company, the building part of the "total" package is Soulé!
Photo: NEW SOULÉ MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE.....John T. Weidmann, President of the Trasher Company of Jackson, Mississippi, signs to make his firm a Soulé manufacturer's representative, to sell Temp-Con® panels. Mr. Weidmann is president of the Distributors Council, Inc., a nationwide organization of manufacturer's representatives — many of whom are Soulé Temp-Con® representatives.
IN MEMORIAM
*It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Philomena McKeon. She was for many years Head Biller of the Accounting Department at Los Angeles.*
Soulé Explorer Post No. 159
Soulé Explorer Post members for the 1967-68 semester are (L. to R.) Rear — Harry Duff, Asst. Post Advisor; Bob Prado; Bill Martinez; Carlos Gallardo, Reg. Member; Mario Gallardo; Howard Soule, Institutional Rep.; Maurice Gallardo; Carlos Zuniga, Assoc. Advisor; Stan Frink; Ian Ferguson, Committeeman, Chmn.; Ken Thomas, Committeeman; Rolando Osario; Lee Soulé, Sponsorer; Paul O'Brien, Hon. Committeeman; Paul Rico; Bill Hicks; John Vallerga, Assoc. Advisor; Steve Yip, Assoc. Advisor; Gary Powell, Assoc. Advisor; Tony Acosta, Assoc. Advisor; Chuck Mekeel, Post Advisor.
(L. to R.) Front — Mike Chin; Rich Brodek; Ron Fielden; Allen Jensen; Al Leong; Tim Brown; Darrell Blaser; and John Helfrich.
Photo: Company Sponsors Senior Scout Group at San Francisco
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What's NEWs
*Photo: The offices of Mrs. Sue Chapin, Industrial Nurse at Los Angeles, were remodeled recently.*
*Photo: Roy Fisher, Sheet Metal Shop Foreman at the San Francisco Plant, proudly stands by the Punch Press Guard that he recently designed and installed on one of his machines. GOOD WORK, ROY!*
*Photo: Soulé's San Diego Fabricating Shop recently gained as new equipment a new shear, shear table and a vertical light bender. On the scene are Ruben Valenzuela, Willus Drescher, George Hetz, Foreman; Frank Bravo (L.A. truck driver), and Kenny Ruiz.*
*Photo: An attractive new lobby for Soulé Steel Company's San Francisco headquarters gains admiring looks from Carol Marty, Yvonne Kissinger, Elsie Kopfmann, Elfie Baker and Windy Colombo.*
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"IKE," THE ARTIST, AT IT AGAIN
Idilio Gonzalez, senior detailer in the Soulé Buildings Division, turns his cartooning talents to sketches of three fellow employees for this issue of the Soulé News: Bob Owens, Southwest Superintendent (upper left), Al Hotard, Manager of special accounts in the Southwest (lower left), and Marilyn Baima, sales secretary, Los Angeles (below).
*Photo: IKE*
*Photo: IKE GB*
PICNIC SIGN—L.A. STYLE
*Photo: SOULE — CAN'T FIND 1109999... BESIDES WHERE DOES IT GO?? — PICNIC*
At the August picnic of the Los Angeles Reinforcing Division. Held at Whittier Narrows Dam Recreational Area, here's one of the direction signs — Soulé "ReBar" of course!
*Photo: SOULÉ BUILDINGS*
SOULÉ CONVENTION BOOTH
Soulé Steel's booth was one of the attractions at the 44th Annual Convention of the Pacific Dairy & Poultry Association at Palm Springs, California. Approximately 2,000 poultry processors attended from the western states and Canada. From Soulé Carolyn Bryant, Al Hotard, Gene Springer, Steve Skromeda, Jack Utter and Riverside, California dealer R. D. Hall were on hand to answer questions about Soulé Buildings and Temp-Con® panels.
*Photo:*
HELPING ALL AGES....UNITED CRUSADE
Steel Workers, according to popular view, are rough, tough men — men of "iron" — who are more concerned with mills and ingots than with people.
We know better of course. And each year we have an opportunity to show people we've got as much (if not more) "heart" than the next guy, even though many of us work at hard jobs, in a "heavy" industry.
That opportunity is the United Crusade in Northern California and United Aid Fund in Southern California.
Because we're working people ... and because we're a part of an industry that is basic to our nation, and touches the lives of so many other people, we know the problems people have, and the suffering that sometimes comes into a life.
We all know — because we're people (and people with families and friends) that everyone doesn't have it "as good as we do," and that "for God's grace" go we. And we benefit too, on many occasions, from a helping hand from others.
The United Crusade and United Aid help many people in many ways, providing funds to support the important work of over 150 different community service organizations. Youth groups, such as Boy Scouts, YMCA, Senior Citizens Clubs, USO and the Red Cross. Organizations that help families and children.
As "steel-men" and Soulé-men (and women) we're people. People feeling for other people ... and a concern for other lives.
Here's our chance to show that concern. Let's all give our "Fair Share" ... and show 'em we're rough, "hard," "steel men" ... with lots of heart.
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Soulē -- Men in the Field
NEW FOR COOKSON ROLLING DOOR.....Soulē Buildings Division crews complete resheeted Cookson Rolling Door Company, San Francisco, with Soule's new shadow line, high-rib sheets. The San Francisco Office No. 2 is leasing space at Cookson for the Soulē Buildings Division. (Above Left).
ANTIOCH TEAM.....Involved in the installation of a new Soulē Building for Kaiser Gypsum at Antioch, California, are Jim Derossetti, Ed Pineo, foreman Sonny Williams and Don Radonich. The four are posing with a new fork lift used at the job. (Above Right).
SANTA ANA BANK BUILDING.....The outside walls of a bank building in Santa Ana, California, take shape as Soulē Steel Company-men place reinforcing bar in position. The Soulē crew includes J. Jantzen, H. Anderson, L. Elwell, J. Pollock and (not shown) job foreman D. Carr. (At Right).
SOULÉ AT STANFORD.....Reinforcing bar from Soulē is going into a new art building at Stanford University; and Soulé's "big men on campus" are Buzz Dennison, Mickey Pagan (Foreman), Rico Molinari, Gill Capote and Vic Mancebo. (Below Right).
IN THE FIELD.....at the Crippled Children's Hospital under construction in Los Angeles are (left-to-right) Bob Moon, Sterling Lee and foreman S. McAlexander. (Below Left).
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SOULÉ
Serving You with These Modern Plants:
*Photo: Salt Lake City Office & Plant*
*Photo: Long Beach, California, Mill*
*Photo: San Francisco Plant & Home Office*
*Photo: Ventura, California, Office & Plant*
*Photo: Los Angeles Plant & Office*
*Photo: Santa Anna Office & Plant*
*Photo: Portland, Oregon, Office & Plant*
*Photo: San Diego, California, Office & Plant*
*Photo: Phoenix, Arizona, Office & Plant*
*Photo: Fresno, California, Office & Plant*
SOULÉ NEWS
Published quarterly by the Soulé Steel Co. Howard S. Soulé, Editor Associate Editors Niles O. Millar, Alumni
Mike Michel San Francisco Safety
Betty Copps Ventura
Dolores Bedgood Portland
Lucile Van Dusen Salt Lake
Esther Longnecker Santa Ana
Robert Liley Los Angeles
Furman Davis Phoenix
Jo Davis Fresno
John Rogachenko Dominquez
Grace Johnson San Diego
SOULÉ