Winter 1982

Soulé Steel News

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

Volume VI — Winter 1982 Issue — Number 13

Bringing Computers Into the Detailing Picture

For many years, the Reinforcing Steel Division had considered and actually leased packaged computer detailing programs, but realized only minimal successes. Great capacities for handling the math involved, as well as rapid processing and large memory units, were readily available in computer systems. The missing ingredient in the detailing programs was graphics.

As do most major reinforcing steel fabricators, Soulé Steel Company subscribes to the ACI (American Concrete Institute) standard practice of providing drawings of reinforcing steel details for shop fabrications and field installations. These drawings give essential placement instructions to the field ironworkers. Obviously, the ability to produce these visual details of the rebar shapes, sizes and positions is vital to the development of computer detailing.

General drafting systems have been developed for some time by special computer service companies and user groups. Many architectural and engineering groups have had an influence in these developments. Because of the myriad of uses and users, none of these systems is tailor-made for one group. They are for the most part general drafting systems that have to be restructured to fit the particular user's applications.

For several years, Soulé Steel's Buildings Division has been using computer aided design (CAD) and drafting through passive graphics. This means that the user types pertinent data into the computer on a terminal, which is connected to a screen very similar to a television set. The information is stored in the computer's memory as it is typed in. However, no representation of the results of data input appears on the screen until all commands have been completed.

If there are any mistakes or problems in the drawing, it is very difficult to correct them, because the user must inspect the entire drawing at once and must search through the stored input to locate and correct problem areas. Passive graphics is considered inadequate for use in reinforcing steel detailing.

In April 1981, Bob Gebauer, Reinforcing Steel Division General Manager, and Dale Cluse, Director-Information Systems, began to search for a more appropriate graphic system. The object was to determine if any system could be adapted for use in reinforcing steel detailing and, if so, which system would best fill the bill. Demonstrations and tests were scheduled with several vendors specializing in graphics systems.

Enlisting the help of Leonard Diyco, Reinforcing Steel Division Supervisor-Engineering, conference calls were made to users from San Diego to Chicago. Consultations took place with previous system developers in the area of computer detailing. Discussions were conducted within the company among its own experts in Reinforcing Steel Detailing, and a decision was made that computerized graphic displays were advanced enough so that a graphics system could be used to effectively reduce errors and increase production.

The system purchased by Soulé is called the General Drafting System (GDS) and was developed in England by Applied research of Cambridge, England. It is an interactive system, as opposed to the passive system previously described, in that the user (in this case, a detailer) can instantly see the visual results.

For example, the detailer will tell the computer what size and shape of rebar is needed for a particular building component, as well as what the dimensions of the component are. The computer will reach into its "library" of procedures, flash the appropriate shape on the screen, automatically compute how long the bar must be and where and how much it must bend, and then "place" the

*(Continued next page)*

*Photo: Discussion on features of digitizing by (l to r) Bob Gebauer, General Manager — Reinforcing Division; Steve Valenzuela, Reinforcing Steel Detailer; Leonard Diyco, Supervisor of Engineering; Marie Cloughesy, Systems Analyst and John Fialkowski, Reinforcing Steel Detailer.*

*Photo: Steve Valenzuela is tracing a structural drawing onto a terminal by means of a digitizer tablet.*

*Photo: John Fialkowski is interacting with the computer to produce a reinforcing steel drawing.*

*Photo: Hard copy unit producing xerox-type copy of a detail from a reinforcing steel drawing.*

rebar into the area indicated by the detailer. If there is any problem with the image, the detailer can correct it immediately.

The detailer can watch the erection drawing grow bar by bar, with all details visible on the visual scope. He or she can even order the computer to show the display at different angles to more easily check heights, distances, etc. The entire plan is revised and finalized before the computer generates a final drawing — again, from any angle.

The GDS System "straight from the box" increases productivity in all areas of general drafting. However, the detailing rate is enhanced because of the system's programmability. At this point, the Reinforcing Division's plan is to build a "core" Engineering Group at Carson to serve the added demand of the Districts and to make available a reliable detailing service to independent fabricators.

In May 1982, while the Soulé Engineering employees were undergoing training, the computer equipment was set up and tested at Soulé's Operations Center in Carson. The software, or programs which run the system, were also being perfected. On June 1, 1982, everything was ready. Since then, the Carson detailing team has produced drawings of some 2,000 tons of reinforcing steel at about twice the rate of conventional detailing. Reinforcing has primarily used the GDS system for drafting "straight from the box" with several mini-programs developed by Marie Cloughesy, our Information Systems Programmer.

We have really just scratched the surface. In the very near future, the detailers should be able to develop many of their own mini-programs. We expect continuing expansion of our program library. With the use of these mini-programs, the error ratio should decline and the productivity ratio should increase sufficiently to more than justify the cost of the system. In this way, by greatly increasing the ability of Soulé to produce fast, accurate detailed drawings, we are increasing the competitiveness of the Company and improving our service to our customers. This should greatly aid all other aspects of our rebar business, which in turn strengthens the entire Soulé Steel Company.

David Lorz Appointed as Manager, District Sales

Soulé Buildings Division is pleased to welcome David Lorz as Manager, District Sales for Southern California region, effective November 15.

Dave, who has extensive experience in the metal building industry, rejoins the company after four years of operating his own detailing business. Previously, he worked in Soulé's Estimating and Drafting departments.

Paul Wetherbee Joins Soulé Buildings

Soulé Buildings has announced the appointment of Paul Weatherbee as Supervisor-Contracts Administration/International Operations. He will be responsible for coordinating the processing of all international estimates, contracts and export documents and will be headquartered in the Carson Operations Center.

Paul has experience in the metal building industry, most recently with Andersen Building Systems in Lockeford, California, as Sales Service Manager. Prior to that he was with Space Metal Buildings in East Taunton, Massachusetts.

He attended Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts and is now a resident of Burbank, California.

"The Tradition Continues" Best in the West

On Friday, November 12, 1982, many of our customers enjoyed an afternoon tour of the new Jet-Arc Melting System at our Steel Mill and an introduction to our exotic computer graphic detailing system by Leonard Diyco, John Fialkowski and Steve Valenzuela. A dinner-dance followed aboard the Queen Mary in the beautiful Long Beach harbor. It was attended by more than 90 customers and employees. All guests were encouraged to dress according to "what they were doing in the '50s," with prizes for the best outfits. These prizes were won by Mike and Elaine Austin and Barbara Gebauer.

A fantastic floor show was performed by Soulé's new "Blue's Brothers," namely Bob Gebauer and Glenn Gross of the Carson Office. They "roasted" many employees and several customers, with Mike Austin acting as moderator of the roast gifts. George Leitner really appreciated his "booster" seat; John Davidson, of J.L. Davidson Company, will be packing his new parachute for a final ski match with Sandy Soulé. The music was handled by the "Dance Dimensions" disc jockies.

The tour and the evening was a THANK YOU to our customers for their patronage during the past year — and just because we want to "show off" what we're doing to improve ourselves.

*Photo: (l to r): Maria Di Maggio, Jean Gross, Ron and Kim De Cicco, and John and Carolyn Davidson.*

*Photo: "Blue's Brothers" Glenn Gross (left) and Bob Gebauer.*

Fortieth Wedding Anniversary

Bob Weyand, Director-National Accounts, Carson Steel Buildings, and his wife, Lenore, celebrated and honored their 40th wedding anniversary on November 14. Bob announced 31 of those 40 years have been shared with Soulé.

Congratulations and best wishes to Bob and Lenore for many more years together.

In Remembrance Of . . .

*Photo: HUGH BATES, who died on Saturday, September 23, 1982. Hugh was the former Manager of Operations at Soulé's Salt Lake City Reinforcing Division.*

Harold Harmon Retires

After 14 years with Soulé at the Carson Steel Mill as Refractory Assistant, Melt Department, Harold Harmon has retired.

New Forklift at Salt Lake City

Gene Luna, Shop Fabricator, had the privilege of breaking in the new forklift Soulé purchased for the Salt Lake City [illegible]

Congratulations On 35 Years

**Bill Dillenbeck** *Plant Engineer* *Steel Buildings* *Los Angeles*

Congratulations On 30 Years

**Danny Phillips** *Foreman-Production* *Steel Buildings* *Los Angeles*

**William King** *Forklift Operator* *Steel Buildings* *Los Angeles*

**Esquio Hernandez** *Inspector* *Steel Buildings* *Los Angeles*

20-Year Service Awards

**Peter Rowlands** *Maintenance Electrician* *Carson Steel Mill*

**Bob Overman** *Estimator* *Salt Lake City* *(Bob is pictured with (l to r) Jerry Silva, Brad Cole and Bob Gebauer.)*

15-Year Service Awards

**Rudolfo Vazquez** *First Helper* *Carson Steel Mill*

**Celestino Garcia** *Punch Press Operator* *Carson Fence Posts*

**Varnoy Lee** *Charger* *Carson Steel Mill*

**Clarence Stroing** *Shear Operator* *Carson Steel Mill*

**Jefferson McQueen** *Locomotive Crane Engineer* *Carson Steel Mill*

**Rosalie Kotch** *Administrative Supervisor* *Steel Buildings* *Carson*

10-Year Service Awards

**Ignacio Martinez** *Crane Operator* *Carson Steel Mill*

**Leonardo Sanchez** *Mill Helper* *Carson Steel Mill*

**Paul Kuckowicz** *Ladle Operator* *Carson Steel Mill*

**Michael Llamas** *Paint Line Cleaner* *Steel Buildings* *Los Angeles*

**Rex Cope (right)** *Lab Technician* *Carson Steel Mill* *(Rex is being congratulated by Mike Austin, General Manager.)*

5-Year Award

**Nancy Smith** *Senior Estimator* *Steel Buildings* *Carson*

Introducing . . .

The employees of Saf-Loc Systems, Inc., Soulé's new Colorado subsidiary:

**JACK KELLY,** Plant Superintendent, keeps everything running smoothly. Jack has been with Saf-Loc for a year. He is married and has an 8-month old daughter and a 3-year old son. Jack is attending Community College and is majoring in business management. In his spare time, he is an enthusiastic motorcycle and bicycle racer. He enjoys fishing and woodworking and has just completed a beautiful pine bookcase which is in his office. He is also a tropical fish fancier and has several aquariums in his home.

**RUSSELL ZACHMAN,** Resin Engineer, is the newest employee and the only member of the Saf-Loc team who is not a native of Colorado. Russ is a native of Minnesota, and is married with a son of almost two and a daughter aged one. Russ rebuilds cars and likes to fish and hunt. Come Christmas, he is headed back to Minnesota for ice fishing and the cold weather he loves.

**FRANK TRUJILLO** is the Shop Foreman and has been with Saf-Loc for two years. He is single and likes elk hunting, fishing, rebuilding cars (he recently restored a 1939 Chevrolet) and . . . Frank is a master macramé craftsman, specializing in large plant hangers and wall murals. He is also a very good cook.

**EDDIE MADRID,** Shift Leader, has been with Saf-Loc for two years. He is married and has a 2-year old daughter who, Eddie will proudly tell you, was born on the same day that he joined the company. Eddie likes tropical fish and has several aquariums. In his spare time, he lays carpet and enjoys remodeling his home. He is also an avid camper, fisherman and swimmer.

**DANNY ROBERTSON,** Forge Operator, has been with the company six months. Danny is single and a race car buff. He also lifts weights in his spare time.

**TOM SCHOENSTEIN** has been with the company for a year. He is presently a third-year student at the University of Colorado Denver Center majoring in mechanical engineering and business management. Tom is an R&R music enthusiast and loves the movies.

**JAMES SUDDUTH** has been with the company for a little less than two months. He enjoys reading and music. He is also a pretty decent artist and occasionally tries his hand at short story writing.

Welcome Aboard

**James Thacker** *General Foreman-Melting* *Carson Steel Mill*

**Wendy Arraki** *Programmer* *Information Systems* *Carson*

**Steven Valenzuela** *Detailer* *Reinforcing-Engineering* *Carson*

**Garry McCray** *Detailer* *Sacramento*

**Ray Clift** *Shop Fabricator* *Salt Lake City*

News Items

Carson

Luke Hung, Manager-Cost Accounting, was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Mary Magdelene, born on October 12, 1982. She weighed 7 lbs. 5 ozs. and was 18½ inches long.

We have a new mother at Soulé. Karen Wilkerson, Rebar Sales, gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, Kevin Joseph, on October 11, 1982. Kevin weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz. and was 20½ inches long. Karen was given a baby shower by her co-workers on October 13 — with Kevin in attendance, much to everyone's surprise!

Wedding Bells: John Evanston, Cost Accounting, was married on September 4, 1982. John and his new wife, Pam, spent their honeymoon traveling through Switzerland (where John learned to yodel), France and Scotland, with the trip ending in England. Best wishes, John and Pam.

Jim Madden's daughter, Kelly Sue, is the proud mother of Erin Michelle, born October 27. Erin weighed in at 6 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 17 inches long. Grandpa Jim said of his second grandchild "She is a living doll."

June Duplice spent a three-week vacation in Australia. She visited the Barrier Reef and the Outback and played with the Koala bears. June spent some of the time with friends she had made on a previous vacation in the Scandinavian countries. She said the most remarkable feature about Australia was that the people were very friendly.

Fresno

Jan Stannard and family spent four days of their vacation camping and fishing in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. On the way home, they camped along the Oregon coast, fishing in the Rogue, Smith and Eel Rivers. They also tried for steelhead salmon on the Klamath River. While they didn't have a whole lot of luck, it was fun for all.

We have a first-time grandfather. On November 6, 1982, John Bishop, Detailer, welcomed his new granddaughter, Melissa Shea. The beautiful little girl, weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz. and 20 inches in length, was born to John's daughter, Terri.

Louie Grimes received a special kind of birthday greeting from his wife this year, and all the Fresno employees were delighted to witness it. Birthday wishes were extended in the form of a singing telegram, delivered by an entertainer in a monkey costume.

Chuck Crawford, Detailer, entered his Skorpion race car in the Colonial Heights Concourse De Elegance on April 25, 1982. In a class of six, Chuck brought home a third place. Belated Congratulations!

On April 15, 1982, Dorothy Hartley became a full-time employee.

Two couples celebrated anniversaries this spring:

Pascual and Carol Ramirez — 3 years on May 5.

Scott and Jan Stannard — 12 years on April 17.

Salt Lake City

Belated best wishes to DeAnn Robbins, Engineering Clerk, and Tony White, who were married April 23, during a simple, intimate ceremony. A July reception at the City Creek Canyon in Salt Lake City gave friends and family an opportunity to celebrate the event.

Jerry Silva, District Manager, and his wife, Loris, are still enjoying memories of their fun-filled vacation in Hawaii. They enjoyed a guided tour of the main islands, admired the lush tropical scenery and participated in a traditional luau.

Bob Overman, Estimator, was pleasantly surprised by a visit from Bob Gebauer and Sandy Soulé, who came to Salt Lake to present him with his 20-year service pin. Bob Gebauer, Sandy Soulé, Jerry Silva and Brad Cole celebrated the occasion by taking Bob to dinner at the Market Street Grill.

Newark

Jeffrey Hartlin, son of Newark Detailer/Estimator Trainee Brian Hartlin, has been selected to play on the AlCafodio, a traveling Soccer Team for the town of Pleasanton. Jeffrey is one of 16 boys chosen out of a group of around 200, all of whom are under 10 years of age. The AlCafodio plays twenty league games against other teams in the Bay Area. In addition, they have been invited to play in 12 different tournaments outside of the Bay Area, the first to be held in Reno, Nevada, and the season ending with games in Dallas, Texas and Toronto, Canada.

Togetherness — The Spirit of the Christmas Season

"Unemployment highest since the Depression." Such headlines cause despair, frustration and anger at the system. We have lived so long in an affluent culture that we expect an unending flow of material conveniences and financial security.

My thoughts reach back to another year when brave men and women forged a life in the new world. Families and neighbors worked together to clear their land, build homes and plant crops. Out of this hostile environment rose villages and towns, later to become factories, skyscrapers and apartment complexes. Character qualities of honesty, diligence and endurance meant more than money in the bank.

Going back still further I remember an ancient nation struggling under economic oppression and abuse from its leaders. Into that darkness of national despair God sent hope — "A Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel."

We face new national and individual challenges to work together. Let us build relationships, strengthen family ties and restore personal integrity. I am encouraged by the progress made to promote teamwork within our organization during these uncertain times.

Once again God reminds us of hope at Christmas time. Immanuel — God with us.

I wish you and your families a blessed holiday season and a joyous new year.

Sincerely,

*Edward Lee Soulé, Jr.* *Chairman of the Board*

WINTER 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 CARLEY SMITH — 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 SHERRY ARROYO — Helper MARIE HAYWARD — Denver