Steel generations

Some people, besides iron, seem to have steel in the blood. The passion for our core product runs in certain families around the world from generation to generation, and that includes our CEO Mr Mittal, our CFO Aditya Mittal and the members of their family! It's clear to see that steel has a proud heritage when we take a look at our ‘Steel generation' series on our ArcelorMittal Web TV blog.


Everything started in May 2009. Frank Mrozek, a colleague from ArcelorMittal Cleveland, in the US, with Polish origins, wrote to editorial@arcelormittal.com because he wanted to know if the Polish Mrozeks that he had seen in ArcelorMittal's Global Address Book are relatives. He wrote to them directly in English, but they did not respond. Probably because they don't speak English, as Frank doesn't speak Polish.


With him, the Steel generations series started: "My father, grandfather (John/Jan Mrozek) and uncles Joe and Anthony all worked in the steel industry as well," Frank explained in his Web TV blog. "I would like to get in contact with the Mrozek's in Poland to see if we are related."


Dozens of others colleagues from different countries in the world reacted to that first article: "I have a daughter, and I would like her to work in steel. However, she is studying Tourism, so I don't think her steps will take her here... but one can never know!" said José Ramón Piñán, from Spain, with 3 more relatives in steel.


A bit further north in Belgium, Hans Roegies belongs to the 3rd generation of Roegies working in steel and said: "I think we should all do our best to help this company survive this difficult episode in its history... After all, it's a bit of a family business, don't you think?)"


Some even carry their family tradition in their own names! That is the case with Vivier: "My family name is Noiret (from ‘noir', which means ‘black' in French). Why? Hazard a guess...it is because after a long working day, the charcoal manufacturers came home black with soot and coal! "


Back to the US, Bill Chambers explained: "With a total of 157 man-years stretching from 1921 to 2009, I would say that in my family we have a long steel tradition indeed..."


Pride of working for steel, good career opportunities, support for a middle class, trust in the future of the industry... these concepts are present in many of the family stories. Robert Meyer, said: "Steel has provided generations of my family with a source of pride - I'm proud of the fact that steel industry in Northwest Indiana helped win two World Wars and provided generations with a good source of income."


Stories like these remind us that the steel industry has been around a long time, that sustainable is a goal within our reach and our people will continue to build the infrastructure of the modern world.


"People often hear me say that ArcelorMittal's most important asset is its people," says Mr Mittal. "This is something I truly believe.It is great to know that there are so many families in our Company. I really enjoyed this series myself because my family's history is also deeply rooted in steel . The Mittals are proud generations of steel people as well!"


Check out all steel generations stories on www.arcelormittal.tv!