Spring 1982

Soulé Steel News

**"WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"**

Volume VI — Spring 1982 Issue — Number 10

Soulé Steel Mill Begins Major Modernization Program

The Soulé steel mill, which was completed in 1959 and subsequently has gone through several improvement programs, commenced 1982 with a major modernization program. According to Sandy Soulé, head of the Company's Mill Products Group, "It is the major objective of the Mill Products Group to become the lowest-cost producer of reinforcing steel on the West Coast by 1984. I want to transmit this theme throughout the organization through a consistent and clear-cut communications program from the top on down."

In order to accomplish this objective, the Company will concentrate on three major improvements at its steel mill in 1982. These improvements will occur in the Melt Department at the mill, which is the location of the electric furnaces and the continuous-casting operations. Soulé is presently working with two companies (one American, one Japanese) to accomplish the refurbishment of the continuous-casting system and one electric furnace.

Rokop Corporation, the American company working with Soulé, is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and specializes in engineering and manufacturing continuous-casting equipment. The continuous-casting system is a process by which steel billets are continuously manufactured by pouring molten steel into a water-cooled mold, from which the steel is then formed into the continuous billets. These billets are then cut to proper length for rolling to rebar.

Phase One

Rokop is helping improve Soulé's continuous-casting system through two phases of improvements: the first phase, called Rokop I, was successfully completed in January of this year. Rokop I was a complete overhaul of the components in the lower end of the existing casting machine. In addition to replacing worn equipment, the billet cutting was upgraded from previously used hydraulic shears to the use of automatic torches. All the Rokop I installation was completed by Soulé's own maintenance crews.

Phase Two

The second improvement phase, Rokop II, is scheduled to be completed in June of this year. Rokop II will improve the upper end of the continuous-casting machine by replacing mold and metal-pouring components. Improved reliability will be accomplished by the addition of automatic level sensors to control the metal pour.

Phase Three

The third phase of improvements will be accomplished through the technology of Nikko Industry Company, Ltd., located in Osaka, Japan, which specializes in engineering and manufacturing melting equipment. Nikko will be improving Soulé's Number Two melting furnace at the mill. This third phase, called Nikko I, will be accomplished through an addition of oxy-fuel burners, scrap pre-heaters, water-cooled furnace walls and roof, material-handling systems, and improved working environment. This system is carefully matched to the Rokop I and II phases to create a totally efficient and productive system.

Nikko I is scheduled for completion in September of 1983, at which time production from furnace Number Two is scheduled to increase to 120,000 billet tons per year — a level previously achieved through *two* furnaces. Thus, furnace Number One will act only as an emergency unit, and a substantial savings in cost and efficiency will be realized.

Soulé Employee Participation Program

During the planning phase for the mill modifications, Soulé management felt that for the equipment to be used to its maximum potential, employees involved at all levels should participate. Throughout all three improvement phases, major personnel involvement and training programs have been planned — and this involvement was initiated from the very beginning. For over nine months, voluntary teams of employees have been meeting approximately every two weeks as part of the Soulé Employee Participation Program (SEPP). SEPP groups have been discussing the basic changes being made, with plans being communicated to those affected by the changes.

Early evidence of the success of this com-

*Photo: The Soulé Steel Mill, which converts scrap steel into billets, stopped production for a brief period earlier this year; the scrap piled up outside, there was no molten metal pouring into the molds, no steel billets were being made: the first phase of refurbishing began, designed to improve mill operations with an upgrading program to make it a more modern, energy-efficient operation. Three major improvements are underway for completion in 1982.*

munication program in the initial phase of the refurbishing plan was the successful start-up period following Rokop I, when the target production level was reached sooner than anticipated. Further employee involvement will take place in the final phases of improvement. In April, an advance Soulé team will travel to Shimizu Steel Company, near Sapporo, Japan. This team of Soulé management personnel and USW union representatives will prepare the way for a larger employee visitation. This visitation, to consist of four teams of approximately six people each, will travel to Shimizu in June, July, and August, and for thirteen days will be trained by the Japanese in the use of the same type of equipment Soulé will be installing during Nikko I. These four teams will be made up of mill furnace operators, maintenance, engineering, and supervisory personnel.

The entire improvement program is based on saving energy, maximizing efficiency, and enhancing working conditions, to make Soulé the lowest-cost producing mill on the West Coast by 1984. The program is possible only through the outstanding support of the mill employees, whose enthusiasm and spirit contribute greatly to the achievement of each improvement phase.

> "Our founder, Edward L. Soulé, Sr., was conscious of maintaining a state-of-the-art in steel production at our mill. This improvement program accomplishes just that — it creates a modern, efficient plant, while placing Soulé at the forefront of steel manufacturers in the West." > — Stanley E. Soulé, Sr., President

*Photo: From the beginning, the Mill employees have been involved in the design and implementation of the machinations, with plans for the major undertaking being formulated over a nine-month period. Here SEPP groups work the massive pieces of equipment, which have been installed by Soulé's own crews.*

*Photo: By investing in this new equipment and improved machines, the Mill Products Group expects to become the lowest-cost producer in terms of productivity, quality, and service in the steel business on the West Coast.*

*Photo: Part of a five-year plan, ROKOP I was part of the initial phase which proved an immediate success: target production level was reached sooner than anticipated in its start-up period. Now it's on to Rokop II.*

Dr. Walter E. Hoadley Elected to Soulé Board of Directors

Dr. Walter E. Hoadley has been elected to the Board of Directors of Soulé Steel Company, it was announced following the Company's annual stockholder's meeting on February 19.

A noted economist and financial executive, Hoadley is a Senior Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, with economic forecasting and policy decisions, inflation, and the global financial system his major areas of expertise.

Hoadley is an advisor to the US Congressional Budget Office and Vice Chairman of the Commission on International Monetary Relations of the International Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the International Management and Development Institute in Washington, D.C., as well as former Chairman of the California Governor's Advisory Council on Economic and Business Development.

His extensive background includes positions with the Bank of America as Executive Vice President and chief economist from 1968-1981 and Chairman of BA Investment Management Corporation and Bank America Foundation. He has also served as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia; Chairman of the Conference of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks; and Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer of the Armstrong Cork Company. He currently serves as Director of Armstrong World Industries, Lucky Stores, Inc., and Selected Funds, Chicago.

In announcing Hoadley's election to the Board of Directors of Soulé Steel, the Company's President, Stanley E. Soulé, noted that Hoadley's in-depth knowledge of business economics will give added strength to the Board. "Dr. Hoadley will be a tremendous asset to the firm," he stated. "We are extremely pleased to have him on the Board of Soulé Steel."

A native of San Francisco, Hoadley is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he also received his master's degree and doctorate in economics.

John Swanger Joins National Accounts as Manager

John M. Swanger has joined the Soulé Steel Buildings Division as Manager, National Accounts, International Operations, and in that capacity will be responsible for all international marketing of National Accounts, headquartered in Carson.

Formerly with a major steel building company as Export Manager, Swanger gained additional experience with a building manufacturer.

Steel Buildings President Named

Lawrence A. Hefner was made President of the Steel Buildings Division of Soulé Steel Company, reporting to Lowell Carstensen, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Operations.

Formerly with Futura Industries of Boise, Idaho, Larry was President and Chief Operating Officer of Futura Energy Products and Trailer Equipment Distribution Company, with responsibility for eight operating companies, the acquisition of five companies, and the integration of a management information system for six operating companies.

Prior to his association with Futura, Larry was General Sales Manager and Director of Marketing-Manufactured Housing Division with Boise Cascade Corporation.

A California native, Larry attended California State University in San Jose, completing the post-graduate Executive Program at Harvard Business School.

Larry with his wife, Cynthia, and two of their seven children, reside in the Los Angeles area.

Soulé Names Quality Assurance Manager

Heinrich W. Konke has been made Manager of Quality Assurance for the Buildings Division, and in his new capacity Heinrich will be implementing a Quality-Assurance program division-wide.

In November of 1981 Heinrich joined the Division as Resident Quality Assurance Representative and, during a short time, initiated a comprehensive Quality Assurance Program for Temp-Con.

His decade of experience in all phases of quality control and quality assurance was mainly gained at Volkswagen Automobile Company in Germany, and at the new VW plant in New Stanton, Pa. A graduate of the German Construction Academy in Bremen, Germany, Heinrich also attended Ohio State University. A resident of San Pedro, California, Heinrich has one son, Nicanor.

CRSI Elects Bob Gebauer President

At the annual membership meeting of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute held in the Ojai Valley Inn at Ojai, California, Bob Gebauer was elected the new president of the Western Region. Ask Bob to expound on "The Structural Engineer and Economical Designs" or "The Relative Cost of Construction: Reinforced Concrete vs Structural Steel" — both of which topics were presented at the meeting.

Soulé Salutes Graduates from Management & Supervisory Training Course

It was graduation time — from intensive courses covering basic supervisory and management skills, participative management concepts, and interpersonal skills development — for 55 Soulé employees who completed the Management and Supervisory Course conducted by Bob Himes of Innovative Management, Inc.

A celebratory graduation dinner was held at the Queensway Bay Hilton in Long Beach for the group, who received their graduation diplomas from their respective general manager or division head.

Prior to the awards ceremony, Lowell Carstensen, Executive Vice President for Marketing & Operations, congratulated the graduates and expressed the Company's appreciation for their time and efforts expended in successfully completing the training courses. Mr. Carstensen emphasized that the Company continues to view training as an essential ingredient in the continued success of Soulé Steel Company.

Guest speaker at the affair was Dr. William Teague, President of Abilene Christian University, whose introspective discussion was well received by the group.

Attendees from the **Reinforcing Division** were Leonard Diyco and Bob Gebauer; from **Personnel:** John Rogachenko, Richard Donnelly, Craig Hoad, Jim Gibbons, John Bradsher, and Jerry Randolph; **Steel Mill Operations** — Earl Selleck, Jim Lucenti, Gary Hoehn, Hector Rodriguez, Sonny Brewster, Clinton May, Jim Deal, Bob Brunner, Till Talstein, Manuel Ortiz, Tom McCann, Charlie Briones, Jim Peek, Jim Sheets, John Easterling, Joel Redmond, Mike Austin, Paul Provins, Charlie Hooks, and Alan Dran; **Steel Buildings** — Andy Carter, Gene Hopcus, Sam Oliver, John Crowhurst, Hollis Palmer, Gary Kellison, Bob Weyand, Deanna Rosser, Pat Rountree, Gary Garrett, Rosalie Kotch, Tom Paxton, Jim Rountree, Greg Wegenka, Bill Dillenbeck, Bill Graf, John Kaskavalciyan, Bob Owens, Hugh McKay, and Danny Phillips.

Attending from the **Accounting & Information Systems** Department were Kevin Gannon, Nancy Spence, Steve Illencik, Daisy DeLuna, Lurene Ross, and La Verne Erwin.

Focus on Alice Midtbo, Buyer — L.A. Purchasing

Attending night classes is one of the ways Alice Midtbo is gaining additional insights into her job and expertise for her responsibilities as Soulé Buildings Purchasing Department's Buyer.

Alice has worked with Soulé since January of 1980, and has enrolled in UCLA's course titled, "Professional Designation in Purchasing and Materials Management." Partial coursework includes classes in Behavioral Science, Accounting, Purchasing and Materials Management, Price and Cost Analysis, Legal Aspects of Purchasing, Negotiations, and related class work.

Though she previously attended Cerritos Community College as well as Cal State in Los Angeles, the demands of Alice's position, under the direction of Bob Acree, Soulé Buildings Purchasing Manager, are the reason Alice is hitting the books nights.

60 Years of Service

It was a 20-Year luncheon for three celebrants who had each reached the two-decade mark: (l to r) honoree Jim Peek, Manager of Purchasing, at the Carson Steel Mill; Lowell Carstensen, Executive Vice President who attended the affair; honoree Ron Lee, Foreman of General Maintenance, Carson Steel Mill; honoree Gil Duran, Foreman, Casting, Carson Steel Mill; Stanley Soulé, and Mike Austin.

Happy Days for Leo Simeroth

Celebrating his retirement after 29 years as Punch Press Operator, Steel Buildings, Carson Steel Mill, is Leo Simeroth — who will be spending his golden years doing all the things he always dreamed of. Happy days, Leo.

"That's My Boy" Says Johnny Jackson

If Johnny Jackson, Roll Forming Machine Operator for Soulé Steel Buildings in Carson, seems to be bursting with pride lately, there's a good reason. His son, a 6'4", 185-pound defensive back just completed an outstanding four-year career at the Air Force Academy, which culminated in his being chosen to several All-America teams, as well as being named the State of Colorado Athlete of the Year. An MVP in his junior year at the Academy, Jackson was credited with 15 tackles against Notre Dame.

In appreciation of its alumnus, Paramount High School retired Jackson's jersey at a surprise ceremony when Johnny stopped by his alma mater to visit his coach.

On to the majors? Nope. Johnny will complete his stint with the Air Force.

Ken Thomas Feted at Luncheon

The festive occasion attended by (l to r) Stanley Soulé, Howard Soulé, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Thomas, and Lee Soulé, was on the double celebration of Ken Thomas' retirement from the San Francisco Print Shop, where he was Manager, and his 65th birthday on February 1st. Best wishes, Ken.

Bill Lucas Made "Man of the Year"

At a meeting of the Arizona Steel Field Erectors Association in Tempe, Arizona, Soulé's District Manager, Bill Lucas, was presented with a "Man of the Year" Special Service Award for outstanding service over his years in the association. Congrats, Bill.

High-Rise in Phoenix

A tribute to rebar's versatility is this 16-story high-rise and five-story parking garage combination that graces central Phoenix. Soulé Fabricating and Erection reports it took 1100 tons of rebar to create this edifice.

Bon Voyage, Gene

Launched into his retirement years at a festive luncheon at the World Trade Club in San Francisco, Gene Fuller (here with his wife, Elinor) is anticipating well deserved years of rest and relaxation after 41 years with Soulé. We all wish you many happy, healthy, and prosperous retirement years, Gene.

Gene had become a Soulé employee in the pre-World War II times of 1940, when he was with the Steel Buildings Division in San Francisco.

He quickly moved up the ranks in the Engineering Department to Supervisor of Engineering and then Design Engineering.

His extensive experience led to his being appointed Manager of Dealer Sales, eventually becoming Manager of Dealer Development, a position he held until his retirement in 1981.

Keep in touch with all your friends at Soulé Steel, Gene.

Pro Bowlers Fresno Open

Kevin Gannon, Cost Accountant of the Carson Cost Accounting Dept., won 1st place at the Pro Coast Bowlers Fresno Open in January. This isn't the first (or last) win for Kevin, who has been bowling professionally for 10 years. Congrats!

Bassinette Set

The proud grandpa handing out cigars in Carson was Engineering Supervisor Leonard Diyco, who celebrated December 13 with the birth of a grandson, weighing in at 8 lbs., 12 + oz.

Leonard's daughter and son-in-law nicknamed the third-generation Martin Raymondo "Mini-Marty." But not for long!

*Photo: Kenny Boyer*

*Photo: Brad Railback*

*Photo: Ron Frye*

*Photo: Val Frye*

*Photo: George Rydalch*

*Photo: Frank Stanbrough*

*Photo: Ron Wilberger*

*Photo: Gene Luna*

*Photo: Al Krebs*

*Photo: Darrell Heywood*

The Mill Mark

The elegant Mill Mark pictured here graces the front of the new Operations Center in Carson. It was designed by Salt Lake City District Manager Jerry Silva, and fabricated/erected by the SLC personnel pictured here.

The steel sculpture's materials and designs represent the various divisions of Soulé Steel: the Production Division with its billets, the Reinforcing Division with spirals and rebar members, Mill Products with fence posts/grate bars/round bars, the Steel Buildings Division with fabricated plate and the vertical thrust of the design, which emulates the architecture of the metal office building.

All are commended on their masterful sculpture.

R.I.P. Sam Oliver

Soulé mourns the loss of Sam Oliver, the Manager of Plant Operations at Los Angeles Steel Buildings Plant, who suffered a fatal heart attack on March 6th.

Sam's friends at Soulé appreciated his easygoing, warm personality, along with his sense of humor. He will be sorely missed.

Sam is survived by his widow, Nancy, a son, Kerry, and daughter, Robin.

R.I.P. Earl Raeside

He enjoyed his retirement years with a great zest for life, until the 9th of April, when Earl Raeside died at 90 years of age.

Earl was Soulé's Chief Estimator in the Reinforcing Division for 15 years, and retired in 1962.

*Photo: Big Game Pros — It was a productive hunting season for these Salt Lake City hunters: (clockwise from left) Don Parry, Ironworker with a trophy antelope; Dean Ottley, Detailer; Al Krebs and Ray Parry, Field Foreman; Val Frye, Shop Fabricator, and Dean Ottley; Val Andreason, Don Parry, and Ray Parry, Ironworkers, with their hatracks.*

Service Awards

**35 YEARS — Dick Lewis** *District Manager* *Sacramento*

**20 YEARS — Leon Marlar** *Foreman* *Sacramento*

**20 YEARS — Ray Ricks** *Operations Mgr.* *Phoenix*

**20 YEARS — Ron Lee** *General Foreman Mechanic* *Carson*

**15 YEARS — Tarco Diaz** *Detailer, Steel Bldgs.* *San Francisco*

**18 YEARS — Jim Rose** *Casting Machine Foreman* *Carson*

**10 YEARS — Don Beaty** *Field Superintendent* *Sacramento*

**5 YEARS — Barbara Burnham** *Personnel Sec'y* *Carson*

Welcome Aboard

**Will Elefante** *Detailer Trainee* *Newark*

**Brian Hartlin** *Detailer Trainee* *Newark*

**Debora Henry** *Clerk Typist* *Steel Bldgs., Carson*

**Lynn Laber** *Sales Secretary* *Sacramento*

**Mindy Padayao** *Clerk I, Accounting* *Carson*

**Mary Reeder** *Sec'y, Info Systems* *Carson*

**Rhonda Talley** *Executive Sec'y* *Walnut Creek*

**DeAnn Robbins** *Engineering Clerk* *Salt Lake City*

SPRING 1982 ISSUE

**SOULÉ NEWS**

Published Quarterly by the SOULÉ STEEL COMPANY 1910 Olympic Boulevard, Suite 151 Walnut Creek, California 94596

HOWARD SOULÉ Editor in Chief

DARLEEN HUCKINS — Editor – South RHONDA TALLEY — Walnut Creek JOHN ROGACHENKO — Roving Reporter PAT ROUNTREE — Carson DEE ENGELBERG — LA Reporter FURMAN DAVIS — Phoenix LORRIE BURTON — Salt Lake City BARBARA BURNHAM — Carson CAROL RAMIREZ — Fresno JANET NEUBERT — Newark LYNN LABER — Sacramento CHARLES MAYERS — San Francisco LINDA LAMOTHE — Carson Reporter