subject: An Appreciation Of Steel [print this page] A series of chemical reactions occur which refines the mixture and removes impurities. The liquid steel is cast into shapes and then rolled into sheets, bars, or slabs, depending on its intended function. Then it is shipped worldwide and used in the creation of airplanes, ships, bridges, buildings, cars, kitchen appliances, golf clubs, farming machinery, wheelchairs, silverware, surgical equipment, bicycles, hardware and tools, roller coasters, and so much more.
Before the turn of the 20th century, steel was difficult and expensive to make. Then around 1898, British and European scientists began experimenting with the chemistry involved in the production process. Their efforts resulted in a technique that allowed for the inexpensive mass production of the material, which effectively altered our way of life forever. The industrial revolution was made possible by the availability of cheap and abundant steel.
The United States Steel Corporation was founded 1901 and is associated with some of the most famous financial names in our country's history: J.P. Morgan, Andrew Carnegie and Charles Schwab. Over the past century the company, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA., has endured many economic ups and downs but today remains a global leader in the steel industry as well as the world economy.
We rely not only on steel itself but also on the safe and reliable transportation of the product between manufacturers, businesses and consumers. On any given day on American highways you will likely see at least one steel hauler, making its way across the country with its precious cargo loaded onto a freight truck.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the scientists, financial pioneers, skilled workers, and those in the hauling business who have brought us steel and therefore made civilized life as we know it possible.
